1968 JD 420W - Gas tank issues

BigNateMI · Jan 25, 2015

I have the above named 1968 JD 420W that my grandpa restored before he died. It means a great deal to me. I put some gas in it that was stabilized with Sta-bil (which I haven't done before), and plowed my driveway about 5 days ago. I came out to my barn today and the gas tank was leaking from somewhere I couldn't see, but it was on the bottom of the tank. It ruined a good deal of paint

. It looked like there was some kind of epoxy on the bottom of the tank, on the exterior. I drained and pulled the tank.The inside of it looks white. I assume this is some sort of sealer, but I'm not sure. How can I clean this stuff out of the tank and apply a new sealer to keep it from leaking? Should I try to clean the epoxy stuff off the bottom of the tank? Should I just involve a professional shop? Thanks for any help you guys can provide.

Steve@Advance · Jan 26, 2015

If it were mine, think I'd just invest in a new tank. Don't know how you would ever get the liner out, or if there would be enough steel left to reline it again.

buickanddeere · Jan 26, 2015

If and the big if.............. If this product is properly applied after the tank is properly cleaned. It should outlast the rest of the tractor.

http://www.ridermagazine.com/gear/por-15-fuel-tank-repair-kit-review.htm/

Outside patches are temporary at best.
Don't breath in any of the MEK solvent or get any on your skin.

That 420W is a 1957 model year.

The two cylinder Club can trace the serial number and provide it's birth certificate.

There is an online parts book on the JD web site.

Ed NM · Jan 27, 2015

I agree with all of the above. A good used tank would be the best way to go. If it needs to be relined make sure it is done is done right. A clean rust free tank would be the start on the reline. Some radiator shops can do this.

87nassaublue · Jan 30, 2015

I've repaired many tanks by various methods.

I've gas welded them and also sealed them with sealer. Apparently the sealer didn't hold up for one reason or another. I'm wondering if ethanol gas is to blame. It could have just not been clean enough the first time for it to bond. To clean out the old sealer, dump in a gallon of acetone and maybe box of sharp tacks. Slosh it around every few minutes and turn it in all directions. The tacks help work as an abrasive to help break up the sealer. Dump it out and rinse again as needed. Make sure you have any large holes brazed up before trying to reseal again. The last sealer I used was redcote and I also had to clean out the "kream sealer" first.

In an emergency, if you know exactly where your leak is, you can plug it externally with an epoxy gas tank repair available at the local auto parts store. That actually works quite well and does last a long time even though I consider it a temporary repair. My suburban tank has one of those repairs on it right now.

1968 JD 420W - Gas tank issues

BigNateMI

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Steve@Advance

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buickanddeere

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Ed NM

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87nassaublue

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