Poly Surface Repair

[neveruminda]

What's your experience with repairing poly and/or using PC-Marine hand moldable epoxy?

Recently picked up a clean, bargain priced, @ $75, 2012 Eskimo (2012 model) Stingray 33cc.  Listed on CL as 6" -what I saw in pic + verified onsite was an 8" 

Obvious fix was [darkened] gas line(mixed oil too richly). I replaced line, PM'd filters(fuel, air), carb, replaced gas cap (hairline crack at base of stem).  Added more gas & it started right up. And then...drip drip drip --> I found 1" crack running out from right tank mount, along tank seam. Drained tank, cleaned area, lightly roughed up poly surface, cleaned again. Applied PC-Marine Epoxy(can install while underwater), to tank + old gas cap(saved for a spare).

Epoxy hand molds in 1 minute, 15 mins max to work it.  I found after 4-5 minutes it's setting up & product's no longer easily moved around.  Left it alone 6 hours, refilled tank--> It's been 10 days and still no leak.

[junglejim]

Don't know if the stuff motorcycle shops used to use to stop leaks in fiberglass cycle tanks would work but you could call and check. It was some kind of liquid they would pour in the tank, swish it around, empty the tank and let dry.

[neveruminda]

Thx, I've actually used "kreem" gel before, but it was a metal tank's interior surface.     

Will see if this exterior patch works, but probably won't know until I get out in negative temps to learn how well the bond holds.  In case bite is light and I end up running & gunning, I always carry extra 4oz of gas w/me in 8oz MSR metal bottle made for gas; [if it springs a leak] with the backup gas I won't be left high and dry

And, if by chance it does leak then I need to focus on replacing the tank - $15 w/Ardisam Vs. $20 Kreem's smallest bottle

[OldSailor]

Thx, I've actually used "kreem" gel before, but it was a metal tank's interior surface.     

Will see if this exterior patch works, but probably won't know until I get out in negative temps to learn how well the bond holds.  In case bite is light and I end up running & gunning, I always carry extra 4oz of gas w/me in 8oz MSR metal bottle made for gas; [if it springs a leak] with the backup gas I won't be left high and dry

And, if by chance it does leak then I need to focus on replacing the tank - $15 w/Ardisam Vs. $20 Kreem's smallest bottle

Put your tank in a freezer for a couple of hours and then bang it around to see if the patch holds! If not, time to spring for a new tank!! Which is what I would have done in the first place, just for peace of mind!!!

[hardwater diehard]

http://www.eclecticproducts.com/sealall.htm    never tried it.... but if your search tank repair its mentioned by IS members in past posts

[SLAYERFISH]

It will crack again.  Trust me.

[neveruminda]

Grrr

[fishslap]

My eskimo fuel line disintegrated after the first year.  I replaced it and now the fuel tank leaks around the fuel line grommet.  I tried using some fuel compatible sealant but it still leaks.  You may just want to get a new fuel tank.  I'm probably going to get an ION here soon, so my eskimo stingray may be up for sale.

[neveruminda]

My eskimo fuel line disintegrated after the first year.  I replaced it and now the fuel tank leaks around the fuel line grommet.  I tried using some fuel compatible sealant but it still leaks.  You may just want to get a new fuel tank.  I'm probably going to get an ION here soon, so my eskimo stingray may be up for sale.

Bummer!  Do you recall what brand of sealant you used?

Yep, the fuel line on this 2012/2013 model was easily broken off -->Ethanol is nasty stuff!   Had you noticed, inside your tank, where the tank seam is in relation to that grommet?  Seam on mine runs right into it and created an irregular surface (non-flat).

Calling Ardisam's expert(John) on Tuesday to discuss new tank design the Mako & Shark have - inquiring if it adapts to the stingray.

I've seen the ION!  Also investigated: "The battery is expected to last 600-800 full charge cycles before performance will be effected"  Hopefully they do last that long as replacement battery cost is $150 (today, and rising each year I'd imagine)

[fishslap]

I can't remember the sealant but it was supposed to be gas compatible.  I just looked at the tank and it looks brittle and flaking off now.  It looks like there is a seam coming down at an angle from the gas cap that meets the fuel line grommet.  For the past few years, I've just been keeping less fuel in the tank and wrapping a rag around the fuel line area.

[neveruminda]

Found this video

Recleaned Tank with Isopropyl Alcohol
Grabbed an outdated soldering iron for my stained glass work
Put groove into surface along the hairline crack, recleaned w/alcohol
Used soldering iron to move plastic from each side into the groove
Allowed to air cool
Put tank in old stainless bowl and set it in garage freezer 2 hours @ 0-5 degrees F
Removed, placed small amount of gas in tank, laid flat so gas rested on old crack site
Flexed Tank, put it back in bowl in freezer 1 hr
Removed, flexed tank   
NO LEAK

[neveruminda]

still no leak!

[neveruminda]

It will crack again.  Trust me.

LOL,  Trust?  What's Dat?

[Crazy Tom]

Tried three different products on my Jiffy tank, they all worked briefly but all eventually failed
.

[neveruminda]

Tried three different products on my Jiffy tank, they all worked briefly but all eventually failed
.

Did you take a soldering iron to the tank?   

I did, can't say it will hold forever because that's a long time - I don't have anything else over the top of the formerly cracked area

[SLAYERFISH]

I must say I forgot about plastic welding.  Did it to a couple snowmobile gas tanks and they didnt leak afterwards. It just may work fine. Trust me-

[neveruminda]

I must say I forgot about plastic welding.  Did it to a couple snowmobile gas tanks and they didnt leak afterwards. It just may work fine. Trust me-

I'm figuring that one day of -32 @ The Mile or Antero will be THE ultimate test of the plastic welding job