I’m in the same situation with 2 RE tanks. One tank has rusted through feed pipe from the tap plate, so I need to fix that. In a couple of weeks I hope to get time to weld a new bottom section and pipes in. Once that’s done I’ll have to line it. I will cut the screens out, and jam some nylon plugs in the intake end of the pipes to prevent the liner from blocking them. Once sealed I hope to be able to blow the plugs out with compressed air.
This is the plan anyway……
I’m considering cutting bottom off tank ,clean up and reweld
I’m just finishing up this operation. I pre-cleaned the tank with citric acid. Then I cut out the bottom section, cleaned and painted the inside, and now I’m going to weld it. Everything is pre-assembled, next will be laser welding. I used Tankdoc paint. - https://tankdoc.de/en/home-english/
Excellent work..!!
Smithy.
Great Job, long live people with these skills.
@Qczu very interesting? Some questions: will you be fully butt welding along the cut? Will you now line the tank with a reseal product? If relining- how will you prevent the fuel lines being plugged by the liner?
Thanks, good to see someone else dealing with tank demons!
I left a small margin of bare sheet metal. After welding, I’ll pour in some paint and spread it gently over the bottom. Additional compressed air in the fuel line will prevent clogging of the lower strainer.
The weld seam will be additionally sealed. I don’t know yet whether I’ll use soldering or liquid metal glue.
Finally, I’ll paint everything with Tankdoc.
Makes sense, I hope it works well for you. I haven’t heard of that paint before, maybe not available in Australia.
At this stage I’m thinking of soft lead soldering the patch, after spot welding. In strategic spots like you did.
We have POR15 for tank sealers which I have sealed up tanks and small pin holes.
Need a clean tank first