Pratley Wondafix on plastic fuel tank?

[AdrianH]

Hi

My inverter generator's fuel tank sprung a leak over the weekend when I started the generator. Upon inspection I saw the generator's plastic fuel tank split on the seam for about 1 1/2 cms. I decided to use Pratley Wondafix rather than Pratley Putty as the Wondafix allows for some flexing and probably handle the vibrations better. I applied the Wondafix to the outside of the tank with about 1cm around the split seam.

I have yet to refill the tank but now I am worried that the petrol will react with the Pratley Wondafix and maybe dissolve it, something I didn't think of over the weekend. Does anybody have insight or experience with Pratley Wondafix and how it will react to petrol?

Thanks

 

[agentrfr]

Pratley are super secretive over the formulation of their putties (as you can imagine) so I don't know exactly what they are made out of. However, the epoxide is likely to form a non-polar soluble prepolymer - but that doesnt tell you much about the end polymer anyway. Short answer - no idea. It might say something on the box as not recommended for use in conjunction with non-polar solvents.

Your best bet is to get a dog's dish, mix a blob of putty and put it in there, add some petrol and see what happens.

 

[AdrianH]

Pratley are super secretive over the formulation of their putties (as you can imagine) so I don't know exactly what they are made out of. However, the epoxide is likely to form a non-polar soluble prepolymer - but that doesnt tell you much about the end polymer anyway. Short answer - no idea. It might say something on the box as not recommended for use in conjunction with non-polar solvents.

Your best bet is to get a dog's dish, mix a blob of putty and put it in there, add some petrol and see what happens.

Thanks for your reply.

I sent Pratley an email and they have acknowledged my email. They said they will get back to me shortly regarding my question. I'll post their reply here.

 

[AdrianH]

Pratley's reply

All new petrol tanks are made from Polyethylene plastic and are extremely difficult to adhere to, without flame treating the surface with a flame. The Pratley Wondafix isn't Petrol resistant and wont last too long. It wont adhere properly to the plastic either. The closest I can suggest is Pratley Powda Bond, but it wont be a permanent repair as it sets hard and eventually the fuel will start to sweat through the adhesive.

 

[Ancalagon]

Plastic fuel tanks are not designed with repairability in mind. They are designed to store fuel and prevent fires, and that is it. Safety is more important than repairability in the context of fuel tanks.

So, I wouldn't even attempt a repair on something that critical. It isn't worth the risk. Plus, if a fire occurred and your insurance found out about your home jury rigged repair, there is no way they will pay out.

 

[MickZA]

Fibreglass cloth & resin patch might work, used to be able to buy repair kits at Builders but I haven't seen them recently - Midas might have.

 

[AdrianH]

Plastic fuel tanks are not designed with repairability in mind. They are designed to store fuel and prevent fires, and that is it. Safety is more important than repairability in the context of fuel tanks.

So, I wouldn't even attempt a repair on something that critical. It isn't worth the risk. Plus, if a fire occurred and your insurance found out about your home jury rigged repair, there is no way they will pay out.

Yes, I am thinking this as well. I worry it springs a leak again a few months down the line and messes petrol all over the place including the internals of the generator.

I phoned Ryobi in Midrand. They can replace the tank for R500 including labour and VAT. I will go drop it off tomorrow.