Warped cast aluminum tank flange

[amuller]

What sort of goop do you use to seal these up?

[green-thumbs]

SealAll a contact cement/adhesive with 1/32"Fel Pro Karopak gasket material. I picked up both at NAPA store Monday. I use Permatex to seal studs and lacquer thinner to wipe surface to remove any trace of oil or grease so SealAll will get a good grip.
I will be posting a How to on Tools of the Trade as I reseal the tank. I am waiting for a warm
day for outside work. Solven in SealAll evaporates leaving a tacky residue…FUMES are pretty
strong..
Louis

Device shown in photo is key to good results…cheap, simple and effective clamp. The tank is glued to the gasket material, then after SealAll has cured overnight the gasket is trimmed and
excess material removed.

---

Attachments:

[gofastgramps]

Louis don’t you think the tank might have a small leak with that large vent hole in the bottom. te. he.

[green-thumbs]

You have a keen eye for fine details. Kiekhaefer (1941 Sea King single) More wrong with it than shows in photo. Needs a lot of welding.
Louis

[amuller]

Given how well you have trued up the faying surfaces, I wonder if you really need sheet material as well as goop.

[green-thumbs]

I have split and resealed about 10 tanks using Gasket and SealAll method.
The option of using only a sealant without a gasket may be an acceptable
alternative and certainly less complex.
I am working on two early Kiekhaefer Mercury single cylinder gas tanks at present
The first one had warped seal surface, which has been dealt with
The second tank has a split gas outlet boss and a split in rear corner of top half.
In taking tank apart I noticed that tank had been sealed without gasket using a Goop like substance. Tank was not easy to open so I guess the answer to your question is Yes it can be
done with good results without a gasket.
I will use a gasket and SealAll onntank #1 as I have had good results, more time and effort ,but, I am pretty sure I will not have to do it over.
Tank #2 I will grind seal surface of flange. Best repair would require some welding and possible distortion stress. So maybe more sanding later. Epoxy gas tank repairs I have seen
appear temporary fixes ,however , no distortion. Cost is also a factor.
Louis

[green-thumbs]

Wrapping up warped tank subject.
Ground tank #2 surfaces and they are close match
Crack in corner may or may not be a problem
Someone asked it a corroded seam could be ground flat again…junk tank half had a corroded
seam (and other issues) A few minutes rubbing on wet or dry show a great improvement
Tank is cracked and break stands out so only part of seam could touch sand paper.
Trial indicates corrosion is as easily repaired as a warp.
Louis

---

Attachments:

[Author]

Posts