Leaky rider mower gas tank.

[diamonback68]

They say....ask the experts. Anyway, I filled up my 18 year old 42" rider Craftsman riding lawn mower, then after leaving it in the shed after mowing a couple hours later my wife smelled gas fumes coming from there. Seems like the gas tank is leaking. Not enough light to see good after dark, but it looks to be leaking around the tank's seam.
Anyone know of a good fix beside tearing the whole rear end out of the tractor to get at the tank? Not sure they still have a replacement tanks available. Do they make a Stop-Leak or such for that? Thanks, any ideas appreciated.

 

[GtownGeorge]

Metal or plastic?

 

[diamonback68]

Metal or plastic?

Yes it is plastic.

 

[da gimp]

I'd go down & ask your at the mechanic shop you use or at the automotive parts house you patronize (like an O'Reilleys or Pep Boys type), maybe even a large farm supply house.. if there is anything on the market that will seal a leaking synthetic tank...my guess is that they'll tell you to replace it... any tank you can fit in the space should work, I'd think...

added: I had to replace the leaking wind shield washer fluid tank on my Ford Taurus several years ago... there was nothing then that would seal that tank...

 

[Salty RI]

They do have a sealer for plastic tanks.

 

[diamonback68]

They do have a sealer for plastic tanks.

That would work. It looks like it is leaking form the tanks seam. I think I can even get to the area from the outside.

 

[GtownGeorge]

Look up JB Weld. They have an epoxy putty that should do the trick.

 

[Grayfox]

On a plastic tank there's a good chance that the leak is at the rubber grommet for the fuel hose valve. I've seen many of them leak there. Your local small engine shop should have one that will work. Only costs a couple of bucks. It'll be a very tight fit, lube it well. Put grommet in tank, then lube the valve assembly and push it in the grommet.

If it is actually the tank leaking, a plastic tank repair kit will work. BUT you will have to remove the tank. Follow the instructions to the letter. The trick is to clean the tank extremely well inside and out.