I was under the daily driver the other day and I noticed some yahoo had placed a floor jack under the tank to lift the car and put a really large dent in the tank. And no, before you ask, it wasn't me! Just to be sure, the impression on the tank doesn't match my floor jack!

The tank isn't leaking or anything and I want to keep it that way and the gauge still works fine, but I'd guess the tank capacity is proably down a gallon or more (it's a BIG dent). Unfortunately this area of the tank isn't smooth and is also covered with undercoating so there is no hope of getting any kind of a suction cup thingie on it. Short of drilling a hole and pulling it out with a slide hammer I have no idea what to do. I don't think it's worth the cost to replace the tank either since it's not leaking.

Put some air pressure to it & see if it pops out. Did this on an old snomobile tank & worked great. Be careful, Too much pressure will make a mess. :D

LK

LK

On 2 stroke motorcycle pipes with dents, you can pressurize the pipe and slowly apply heat to it and the dent will pop out. Don't know if this will work on a gas tank or not.

I'd leave it be.. unless of course it was my Chevelle, in which case I'd be getting a New One :)

Put some air pressure to it & see if it pops out. Did this on an old snomobile tank & worked great. Be careful, Too much pressure will make a mess. :D

LK

LK
:yes:

I've done that when using the wrong cap caused the gas tank to implode on a late 80's pickup.
Blew it right back out where it belonged.

It only takes about 5 pounds. Best way is to put a screw-in tire valve in an old gas cap and use that to slowly add air pressure.

just drop a firecracker in it ;) J/K PLEASE don't try this...

Step 1. Fill 3/4 full with gas
Step 2. Light a match
Step 3. Drop match in tank
Step 4 (or 3 1/2). Run like hell

Dent gone!

No seriously, try a little air pressure

I know you said "suction cup thingie" and thinking small... How about a big toilet plunger...wet it good, it just might work....

It only takes about 5 pounds. Best way is to put a screw-in tire valve in an old gas cap and use that to slowly add air pressure.
No, the best way is to use a blow gun then the pressure can be released very quickly.

You don't want a tightly sealed tank that will hold the pressure in when you pull the air hose away.

Just heat the bottom of the tank with a blow torch in a circular motion around the dent, should pop right out......... maybe a little bondo will be all you'll need after that, spray some primer on it so its doesn't rust, j/k replace it, it probably wont look right once its popped out

How difficult is the tank to remove and fix? Is it even worth removing?

Just heat the bottom of the tank with a blow torch in a circular motion around the dent, should pop right out......... maybe a little bondo will be all you'll need after that, spray some primer on it so its doesn't rust, j/k replace it, it probably wont look right once its popped out

Uh...getting a torch anywhere near an empty gas tank is a really BAD idea. :eek:

If you can't pop it out with air pressure just buy a new tank, they aren't that expensive.

Tom

where's the fill tube ??? any possible way to use a broom handle ??

or the air pressure trick will work ..... might even persuade it a little with a rubber mallet while you apply pressure :D

of course you'll have to bribe one of your friends to crawl under there ;)

Why not just get a new tank and be done with it.

where's the fill tube ??? any possible way to use a broom handle ?? Nope, the filler neck is long and convoluted and the dent is also at the opposite corner.


Why not just get a new tank and be done with it.

If it comes down to needing a new tank, I'll just leave it as is.

Got a really big freezer? I got dents out of dirtbike pipes by filling with water and freezing!!

On 2 stroke motorcycle pipes with dents, you can pressurize the pipe and slowly apply heat to it and the dent will pop out. Don't know if this will work on a gas tank or not.



Heat to a gas tank?? :confused:

Heat to a gas tank?? :confused:

I wouldn't think a small amount of heat would hurt, although I wouldn't do it myself. Remember, air temps in some States during the Summer season exceed 100*F, and fuel tanks do get hot.


Respectfully,
John R.

Just heat the bottom of the tank with a blow torch in a circular motion around the dent, should pop right out......... maybe a little bondo will be all you'll need after that, spray some primer on it so its doesn't rust, j/k replace it, it probably wont look right once its popped out



:eek: :rolleyes:


Respectfully,
John R.

You can remove the tank and then remove the sender for the gas gauge and use a wooden broom handle or something to push it out. Might work well.
Bill

Heat to a gas tank?? :confused:

Most exhaust runs right next to it also. I was just saying that is how they pop dents out of pipes. Gas tanks can be welded also. My father has done it on motorcycles by pumping car exhaust into the tank. No oxygen, no fire.

I have seen motorcycle tanks filled with water and put in a freezer. Pops right out with the expansion of the ice.

gas tanks are just a leak free (hopefully) reservoir for holding a liquid. Not designed for pressure. I remember seeing a picture of a 200 gallon oil tank out of a house that ruptured when someone checked for a leak by air pressure. not pretty and they figured only 20 psi would have been enough to do it. I would stay away from that.
and if you are in my neighbourhood? please call me when you decide to crawl under with a blowtorch so I can get out of town.

my $.02 worth is to replace it if you can afford to, or leave it alone if you cant. If you want to get it repaired, take it to someone who knows what they are doing.

play safe

gas tanks are just a leak free (hopefully) reservoir for holding a liquid. Not designed for pressure. I remember seeing a picture of a 200 gallon oil tank out of a house that ruptured when someone checked for a leak by air pressure. not pretty and they figured only 20 psi would have been enough to do it. I would stay away from that.

That's why I suggested 5 pounds. I know of people that repair semi tankers, and they use as little as 3 pounds to pop dents on wrecked trailers.

I hope you guys aren't serious about taking heat to a gas tank. If so, I will be reading about you in the paper. The only way you can do that is if the tank has been properly purged. Sometimes dry ice and/or steam cleaning is used. Do what one guy said, take it to someone that knows what the heck they are doing. Phil

Why Not just leave it alone and go on in life or is it a show car where sombody is going to lie on his back and Kiss it. Then I would replace it.

You said daily driver right?? not leaking right???
drive it until you trade it >>> good reason to trade
just fill up more offten if the bend it that bad!!