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JB weld vs kerosene

bobcatdan

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Noticed today my parts washer has a tiny leak on the bottom of the tank. Well I have been planning on changing the fluid so draining it isn't a big deal. Off the bat I thinking of smearing some JB weld on the top and the bottom of the hole in the metal tank. I use kerosene in my washer, do you see any reason that given proper time to set up, that kerosene would eat threw the JB?
 
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ngk22r

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I know for a fact that even with correct prep work, gasoline will soften and ultimately cause the JB weld to un-stick.
 

rustyjames

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I think you'll be fine with JB on kerosene. As for gasoline, I know PC7 epoxy will work on gasoline.
 

seber

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I once used JB weld to patch a gas tank. It held for five years until I sold the car. I can't imagine kero would be any worse.
 

M6erfan

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I know for a fact that even with correct prep work, gasoline will soften and ultimately cause the JB weld to un-stick.


Fact, eh?

https://www.jbweld.com/pages/faqs

OP, for submerged applications it looks like their SteelStik would be the product of choice.

Edit: JB Weld makes LOTS of different products for different applications. Always go to the manufacturer for the correct answer...
 
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bobcatdan

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I mainly posted to see what people may of tried and what other methods or products they may suggest. I have the tank empty and am going to let the bottom if the tank air dry for a day or two.
 

Clark_uk

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I used jb to fill in some gouges the previous owner had put in my milling machine and i think the coolant is just starting to soften it! It’s lasted about 12 months so cant complain!
 

WittHay

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Yah could try welding it with the mig. Might be interesting.

Fixed a aluminum oil pan on a BMW with JD weld. Poured some gas down the engine to clean out the old oil. Roughed up the hole with sandpaper and a file. Cleaned with brake cleaner. Let the JB weld set for quite a while. The car I believe was sold after a couple of years. Didn't leak with hot engine oil.

Not to familiar with kerosene, always used Varsol in the parts washers. A type of paint thinner or mineral spirits
 
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bobcatdan

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Since I had to run to the store, I picked up a steelstick and JB tank repair. Think I'll go overkill and put one on one side and other on other since I couldn't decide between the two.
 

unslow1

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I was going to suggest you get something that was specifically for gas tank repair. Either one of your choices will probably do just fine.
 

David0858

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I know for a fact that even with correct prep work, gasoline will soften and ultimately cause the JB weld to un-stick.

It's been holding in the gas tank on my old tractor for around twelve years now and was fine the last time I looked at it a couple months ago.
 
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JUNK-MAN

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I've used it on many things, including gas tanks over the years and its help up fine. I don't see why it wouldn't work, but if they have something better suited for the application I'd go that route.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 

Wamsutta

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Somewhat related to the topic:

I used JB Weld to repair a radiator at one time. I isolated the rows that were leaking by first grinding a section out of the rows at each end of the radiator where they entered the side tanks. Then I turned the radiator up on its end to use gravity to hold the JB Weld in place while it cured.

So essentially, I used JB Weld as sort of a potting compound /slash/ sealant. It worked fantastically for that application. And being that I used gravity, the JB Weld was leveled perfectly flat at the repaired sections. I only needed two curing sessions; one for each end of the radiator. The repair lasted until I finally sold the car.

So in essence, JB Weld can be used as an excellent repair given the correct application.
 

txz28

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Kerosene is closer to diesel than it is to gasoline though.

Speaking as an expert on petroleum refinery design, you are correct. Gasoline is lighter boiling point molecules than Kerosene. Kerosene are lighter than Diesel. Typically, kerosene and diesel molecules have relative low aromatic molecule content. The gasoline molecules tend to have a higher olefin or aromatics content. However, there is a large overlap of molecules that exist in Gasoline and Kerosene. (I am neglecting the ethanol blended into most US gasoline.)

So if JB weld will hold for gasoline, it will hold for kerosene.

They do make kits specifically designed for gas tanks:
http://knowhow.napaonline.com/gastastrophe-jb-weld-gas-tank-repair-guide/
 

s14kev

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Is it even worth the risk? I'd be pissed if it failed and dumped dirty fluid all over my floor. No thanks
 

6PTsocket

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I had hose fitting break off the transmission cooler. I put it back with JB Weld and it carried ATF for a few years, until I sold the car. Not sure how close ATF is to gasoline.

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Merch1

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I can’t count how many times people have come into my shop with JB smeared over some broken bolt or metal part that they want me to now repair properly. They see the word weld and think that it will just magically fix their mess. Now I am expected to clean off the goo and fix it . Aaargh
 

6PTsocket

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Not every repair is a success or an appropriate candidate for a JB Weld repair or may not be done properly. That doesn't mean the product is useless. I have a number of JB Weld repairs still going strong for years. I have also had to scrape it off a few times. LOL!!
I can’t count how many times people have come into my shop with JB smeared over some broken bolt or metal part that they want me to now repair properly. They see the word weld and think that it will just magically fix their mess. Now I am expected to clean off the goo and fix it . Aaargh

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sberry

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I have used it on a crack in a 065 alum tubing with 150# on it. I dent it in a little, clean off and put a patch over it with some screws.
 

sberry

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Or ducty tape and silicone.
I used JB quick last night on a job to fix a spin bearing/bushing. I wanted it fast, was perfect, saved a lot of money work and time.
 
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bobcatdan

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I used the JB fuel tank fix puddy. Put it on both sides of the leaky spot and let it set up for a day. Refilled the parts washer and 2 days in, no leaks.
 

thecj3man

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I used the JB fuel tank fix puddy. Put it on both sides of the leaky spot and let it set up for a day. Refilled the parts washer and 2 days in, no leaks.

So, two years later is the repair still holding? My parts washer has developed a leak that I am going to have to repair.

Thanks.
 

David0858

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So, two years later is the repair still holding? My parts washer has developed a leak that I am going to have to repair.

Thanks.

My tractor gas tank is over 15 years with JB Weld. It wasn't a rust hole, though.
 

3jakes

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Repaired a chain saw gas tank (plastic).
Cleaned it off, sanded it, then sprayed a couple times with brake cleaner to eat any remaining oil.
Saw ran like that 3 years till it died, no leaks.
I think it's all about the prep work.
 
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