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Post by wayne on May 6, 2011 18:11:06 GMT -5
Has anyone come up with a satisfactory replacement sealant for where the wire is soldered at the base of the fuel level sensor (the bit inside the tank) ?
The original is some sort of black rubbery material which, even in NOS units, tends to go soft and gooey even before immersing it in fuel.
And the fuel eventually does eat it away in old units sitting inside fueled tanks.
Fuel resistant silicones are just that......resistant, not fuel proof. They don't work no matter how much they cost.
Anybody found an alternative ?
Wayne
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Post by kettle738 on May 7, 2011 2:54:50 GMT -5
In the UK there are several variations of this stuff, fuel tank repair putty. cgi.ebay.co.uk/PETROL-PATCH-PUTTY-FUEL-TANK-REPAIR-PUTTY-GRANVILLE-/160559003062?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item25620ff5b6By definition it is intended for permament immersion in petrol; I used one of these compounds successfully on my RE5A fuel sender, and it didn't leak in over a year, although I didn't remove it to see how it was faring, I recall having to work it into the area I wanted to seal quite carefully . The only downside I can see to it is that it sets like concrete, but substances that will seal and truly withstand immersion in petrol are few and far between. There may be something available, intended for the same application with some flexibility, I'd be looking at fuel tank sealing compounds. Mick...........kettle738 |
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Post by wayne on May 7, 2011 3:48:35 GMT -5
Thanks Mike. Doesn't need to be too flexible in this application. I've got 3 old sensor units, all working but all with crap sealant. If I can repair them, it's cheaper than the $130 odd dollars Suzuki is asking.
Wayne
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Post by jm0406 on May 7, 2011 9:03:47 GMT -5
What about any of the gas tank sealers that are used to coat the insides of rusty/damaged tanks? Could you not use some of that poured into the space you want to fill to seal it up?
Jeff
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Post by suzsmokeyallan on May 7, 2011 17:42:25 GMT -5
Has anyone tried plastic steel or JB weld ?
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Post by wayne on May 7, 2011 19:10:40 GMT -5
Jeff, I could do that but it would be messy. I know of someone who did something similar, pouring in a mixture that itself leaked out of the fuel level sensor until it hardened and sealed it up.
But a discrete repair on the unit itself is my preference.
Wayne
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Post by kettle738 on May 27, 2011 13:19:25 GMT -5
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Post by wayne on May 27, 2011 13:51:53 GMT -5
That sounds utterly perfect. I'll see if that product is available down under or else if this guy will ship to AU. If not, perhaps you could pick up a couple and I'll reimburse for cost and shipping.
Okay, modifying my post here after finding the product in Australia........price $94 !!!! Are they kidding. And yes, it's the same size, same part number. I'll see if he'll ship.
Thanks,
Wayne
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Post by kettle738 on May 27, 2011 13:58:30 GMT -5
Hi Wayne, I have ordered one for myself, I would be surprised if the seller doesn't ship to Australia, but let me know fairly quickly if you want me to send any to you as I'm away for nearly four weeks from the 5th June, so I would have to order it smartish.
Mick..................kettle738
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Post by wayne on May 27, 2011 14:11:09 GMT -5
Mick,
Just sent you a PM re product.
Thanks,
Wayne
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Post by snowrench on Nov 23, 2011 2:00:20 GMT -5
I blew all that original sealant out with an air gun, cleaned it with carb cleaner, then used JB weld in a big dollop that covered the area. I use Hylomar gasket sealant on any orings or gaskets that contact gasoline, and so far she's held.
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Post by wayne on Nov 23, 2011 2:07:12 GMT -5
JB weld does seem to be the product.
In the end Kettle did get some of that aviation sealant for me and I used it on 3 units. It's more like silicone in its nature and I have one unit fitted in a fuelled tank and it's been good for a couple of months.
But if the JB works, it's certainly easier to source.
Wayne
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Post by Jess on Nov 23, 2011 15:30:08 GMT -5
Wayne,
I think you will find that even JB weld will not stand up to fuel for very long. It may work for months or longer...
However, It has been my experiance that fuel, over time, will consume it and if you are not paying close attention, eat your paint...
Just my 2 cents.
Best,
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Post by wayne on Nov 23, 2011 15:46:11 GMT -5
I haven't personally used JB weld, seems like others have though but as you say, you can only tell over time and your experience indicates that it fails that test.
I used the aviation fuel tank sealant which specifically says that it is for immersion in fuel so fingers crossed.
As for taking paint off if you're not paying attention, absolutely, that's what it did. Also nearly ate a hole in the top of my air hose where the fuel was dripping over a long period of time.
Wayne
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Post by Jess on Nov 23, 2011 15:49:52 GMT -5
I have had luck with avaiaton sealers as well mate... I got mine through a friend that works at United. I would be curious what the Quantas blokes are using... If we only knew someone that worked at Quantas.... HMMMMM  Best, |
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