How to test a gas tank to see if it leaks?

nealseale · Post by **nealseale** » Wed Jan 11, 2012 6:51 pm

Does anyone have suggestions how to test a gas tank for leaks prior to placing it in the jeep? I would like not to put gas in it if possible in case it needs some patching.
Thanks!

Post by **wesk** » Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:09 pm

Then use water. When done testing air and blow dry it out.

Or seal all openings and apply no more than 2Lbs of air pressure and submerge the tank in a large vat of water and look for bubbles.

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 5:55 am

Install the gas cap, fuel pickup assembly, and duct tape the sender hole. Poke a small hole in the tape and air up the tank with 2 pounds of pressure with a air blaster/rubber tipped blower. Mix up a spray bottle of strong soapy water of dishwashing liquid. Liberally spray it all and look for any foam or bubbles showing up. Works quite well. Don't overpressure your tank. 2 pounds will make it swell some already. It will constantly leak around the tape access so you will need a helper to keep the air on. This is how I check repairs after soldering or welding. Amazing how well it works. You will find leaks that would not drip, just seep. John

nealseale · Post by **nealseale** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 5:59 am

Thanks ya'll! The help here sure makes the project a lot more interesting and fun for my son and me