AboutJerry Schwell Expertise Most anything about SAAB 900's 1990 and earlier only, except for automatic transmission info. Also, I have lotsa vintage parts.
Experience I have rebuilt many dozens of SAABS, from 1970's to 1990's.
Education/Credentials BSEE grad work in electronics and underwater acoustics.
Expert: Jerry Schwell Date: 7/30/2008 Subject: 1985 Saab 900 Fuel tank leak
Question After a recent fill-up, I found a small leak on the end of the fuel tank, on the driver's side. It appears to be coming from what I believe is a sprue used in manufacturing the tank. It looks like the exhaust pipe was rubbing against what looks like a cap that is on the end of the sprue.
I was able pump some of the gas into another vehicle, and it stopped leaking. Thus since the tank does not leak when partially full, I believe the leak should be repairable. When it was leaking, I could not locate the precise location of the leak --- I am thinking that the epoxy can be spread over the entire surface, but I want to be sure that it adheres to the plastic.
Is the fuel tank polypropylene or polyethylene? I purchased a plastic tank epoxy repair kit, which says such plastics must be warmed before using the epoxy patch material (if so, a small spot lamp might suffice?).
Is there a cap that can be replaced?
If there is a plastic cap, how is it bonded to the tank material, and is it polypropylene or polyethylene?
Thank you!
Answer David:
I do not believe that any glue you could buy would make a proper repair..that plastic resists bonding of most anything. {In my 'other' life, my Internet nickname is "mardevek" which means "mister glue"!) I am a "student' of glues! Also, PLEASE!! never any heat next to gasoline vapors everrrrr!!!!!
Best bet...get one from a junkyard..they almost never fail, so that is feasible. Go to <www.partshotlines.com> to do an immediate online search for the tank.
