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1982 xj650 gas tank leak

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Glen F., Jul 20, 2022.

  1. Glen F.

    Glen F. Active Member

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    Just came back from a nice ride and filled up before I got home. When I parked the bike in the garage, I noticed the smell of gas. Seems like I have a pin hole leak under the decorative trim on the tank. Is the anything special I need to remove the trim to see exactly where the leak is?
     
  2. Dan Gardner

    Dan Gardner Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    650 Maxim? Original trim?

    Should be able to carefully pry it off.
     
  3. Glen F.

    Glen F. Active Member

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    Will JB Weld SteelStik work to seal the small hole?
     
  4. Dan Gardner

    Dan Gardner Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Is the leak actually in the seam? That might be tricky but I suppose it’s worth a try. Might be temporary
     
  5. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam Premium Member

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    Pull the tank first and look around the petcock, could be leaking where it meets the tank and running down to the lower seam/trim section.
     
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  6. Glen F.

    Glen F. Active Member

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    It's a small leak on the other side of the tank.
     
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  7. Huntchuks

    Huntchuks Well-Known Member

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    I used Seal-All on a pinhole leak on son's gas tank. It is clear and is working fine so far.
     
  8. Glen F.

    Glen F. Active Member

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    The leak is on the inside above the seam. I tried JB Weld. Waiting for it to cure
     
  9. Glen F.

    Glen F. Active Member

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    No more leak. See how long it lasts now.
     
  10. Simmy

    Simmy Well-Known Member

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    I sealed up an FZ tank with the gas tank sealer.
    If it does start leaking again and it’s not in a visible spot you can coat a sheet metal screw in the same epoxy and drive it into the pinhole. Obviously not for a showbike but it can be a permanent repair
     
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  11. Glen F.

    Glen F. Active Member

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    The leak was just above the trim on the underside of the tank. Just a small hole. Sanded it down and cleaned with acetone, then the JB Weld.
     
  12. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    In the long run it's better to clean and line the tank with an epoxy liner, such as Caswells.
    Rust never sleeps, but it can be cut off from its oxygen source.
     
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  13. Andrew Nichols

    Andrew Nichols Active Member

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    I've had good luck with POR15 tank sealer after letting the tank sit full of vinegar for a week first.
     
  14. Franz

    Franz Well-Known Member

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    Has anyone with metal working skills tried making an aluminium tank for their XJ?
     
  15. Glen F.

    Glen F. Active Member

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    I did coat the tank before with Redcoat. I didn't want to put it on to thick and cause problems. Maybe it was too thin. Is it possible to apply a second coat over top of the previous coating?
     
  16. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    I'd call Red-Kote and ask them.
    FWIW I've seen Red-Kote fail, even with proper tank prep.
     
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