OzVMX Forum

Clubroom => Tech Talk => Topic started by: Graeme M on February 17, 2014, 10:24:57 pm

Title: Plastic tank repair
Post by: Graeme M on February 17, 2014, 10:24:57 pm

The fuel tank on my RM250 has cracked along the top - about 3" long. What's the thoughts on repairing it myself? I've heard it suggested to use a soldering iron or similar to melt it closed, or to use JB Weld or similar.

Title: Re: Plastic tank repair
Post by: ji107 on February 18, 2014, 08:32:42 pm

You need to "v" out the crack and weld it with a hot air gun, using a filler rod, probably poly ethalyne.
If you hunt around, you may find someone with the correct colour filler rod (it's available). These welds are usually sucessful.

Title: Re: Plastic tank repair
Post by: Branchy on February 18, 2014, 08:37:43 pm

i have tried a few repairs but the one that has stayed ok is after i followed this guys advice it seems to be the strongest i dont use as much two part glue ,and i have even tried not using the glue at all and gettin some plastic of other bike parts the same colour and melting it over the soldering iron holes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JHGAardh0s

Title: Re: Plastic tank repair
Post by: Viper79 on February 18, 2014, 09:25:31 pm

If its a N/T model Clarke make one

http://clarkemfg.com/suzuki-c-9.html?page=2&sort=20a

Title: Re: Plastic tank repair
Post by: Graeme M on February 18, 2014, 09:30:46 pm

Thanks for the tips, I will try the soldering iron one I think. And when I've got some spare cash, solve the problem properly with a Clarke tank!

Title: Re: Plastic tank repair
Post by: FourstrokeForever on February 19, 2014, 12:43:41 am

A good hot soldering iron will do the trick. Clean EVERYTHING with prepsol before you begin the process. If possible, "scrape" some extra plastic from the seams of the tank before you start welding. That way, you have the same plastic compound to use as filler. You will never get the factory look back again, but it will work.