600 Gallon Fuel Tank

[Earl_Beverly]

I bought 4 of the aluminum 600 gallon fuel tanks from GSA/Forest service. They were used for water storage and have holes from corrosion and or electrolisys. Is there an easy fix? A cleaner and coating, or bladder for these tanks. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Phil Rhodes]

earl, I know somebody looking for a lid to one of those. If you decide you can't repair the tank would you consider selling a good lid?

 

[wreckerman893]

Depending on how many and how big the holes are you might use JB Weld or some other "liquid metal" product.
Another option is "Heliarc" aluminum welding.......but that might be costly.

 

[Earl_Beverly]

Hi Phil and Wrekerman,
I really have need for the tanks. But, if I can't repair, I will keep you in mind on the lid.
I put in a blind bid with GSA and got these tanks. I never expected them to have the holes, rather that the valves, latches and such would need repair. I have used quite a bit of Brownells Acuglass epoxy with aluminum filings mixed in. That may be the answer. I have also considered a small wire feed welder.
Earl

 

[stampy]

Expoxy may expand differntly than the aluminum if there are large temperature swings. I would heliarc or braze with aluminum rod and a torch.

 

[emr]

I have one like new with the 24 volt pump and hose and nosel , yeesh cant spell that one,,, and black bucket that goes with a complete set for 1500.....A military hand pump goes with it too. ....fyi....

 

[Bill W]

If they are just pinholes I would coat the tank with Steel Flex#9XS made by Fasco ( see link )
I've used this product on my bilge cleaning truck which had a 400gal steel tank which I later replaced with a mil aluminum 600gal tank( I coated the bottom half of both tanks ) It is extremely durable and will hold up to oil and gasoline

Fasco unlimited