Broken fuel tank studs

[scribble88]

Hey All,

So about a year an half ago I was taking off the lid on the fuel tank, where the in-tank filter is attached too (Cargo bay of Pajero). I was checking and replacing the in tank fuel filter.

In the process of taking that lid or top of the fuel tank, I broke two of the studs that hold the lid to the fuel tank.

This weekend I am planing on removing the fuel tank, to clean it, as contaminated fuel or diesel bug has got in to the tank.

I though that since I was taking the tank out I would try and repair those studs. I just don't know how to replace them. I cannot weld or have access to a welder. Rivnut or nutsert I think wouldn't seal; then there is the issue of trying to keep the metal shards out of the tank when i drill the old studs out.

Is there any product that can be attached/screwed onto the existing studs, so a nut can be attached, holding that lid in place.

Any advice boffens?

[nj swb]

I see your predicament.

I would consider using a thread sealant such as Loctite 542, or similar.

Drill and install a nutsert / rivnut using Loctite around the hole, then use bolts to attach the lid, also using Loctite on the thread.

According to the TDS here, Loctite 542 appears unaffected by motor oil, and stands up well to petrol - I suspect it will also stand up well to diesel.

[Dicko1]

I often use a magnet when drilling steel. Put it close to the drill bit and it normally collects 90% of the steel shavings.

[scribble88]

Thanks nj swb and dicko1, great suggestions. Will do.

[Morville]

NEVER, EVER weld a fuel tank that has had fuel in. Even if empty the fumes can cause an explosion.
Peter

[scribble88]

Moreville,

I cannot weld anyway, but yeah it is good advice.

NJ SWB

Sorry the rivnut has a lip on it, so the lid would not sit flush.

Think it is in the too hard basket. A professional could do it, but not this little black duck.

[paul77]

Have you had a look at the wreckers or on Gumtree? I don't think a standard tank is worth much.. maybe you can just put a different one in. If you have use for it, this might be a good time to get a long range tank. Mine is petrol but I got a 150l tank used for $300. I've probably already saved that much by driving past expressive servos and waiting out the price cycles.. (more relevant for petrol, I know..)

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk

[Boo Boo]

You can get nutserts which are almost flush when inserted.
With a gasket and some sealant this may work.

[scribble88]

Paul77,

Oh I wish. I have rung so many wreckers around Australia, same story: " yeah we have one, but it's dented from the forklift used to move the car ". Also, I got to thinking, a second hand tank, possible sitting for a while, rust, crud in it. As it is, I have crud or the diesel bug in the system, ruining my economy and NO power; not sure I want to add to it. If it was a petrol it might be a better option, diesels are too sensitive.

Amayama, Partsouq and Megazip, either don't list the part or have the part in stock. I suspect that they may not be able to sell fuel tanks, could be used as part of a bomb or something. Mitsubishi Aust. want $1200.00, not inc. shipping, rather buy th ARB one.

Boo Boo,

Great solution, thanks. I have pulled the tank out, put some selleys roof guttering silicone around the lid to seal it. The two studs that broke off, broke just above the lid holes, so there is some tension from them. I am hoping that the silicone will hold it in place; we do travel over some serious corrigations. Not sure if I can summon the energy to pull the fuel tank out again.

[DrewXT]

Silicon will fail after a couple of months. You need to use a petroleum resistant sealant like one of the Permatex products

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Dicko1]

Silicon will fail after a couple of months. You need to use a petroleum resistant sealant like one of the Permatex products

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Good advice drew. Sikaflex or Permatex brand. Normal silicon will also eat into metal if the right type not used. It contains an acid. Make sure whatever you use it is 100% suitable. Personally I,d remove the silicon and get something made for the job.