Alloy bowl repair

[Quicksilver]

I have installed a new petcock repair kit in my Elsinore tap ( an XL350 Really ). I thought my problems were over until I put a bit fuel in the tank. New rubber kit is ace, no problem their, what I didnt know was there is a hairline crack in the little bowl at base of the tap. I have a bike display on Saturday and CD5 the week after there is no time to find a replacement bowl, wait for auction to end, pay for it and shipped. Repair the only option for now.

Whats good to use on an alloy repair that holds petrol? What can I use to seal it? Was thinking a little fiber glass resin might work. Anyone has success using that on petrol holding repairs before? I dont want to apply heat or remove the bowl now its done up against the new o ring seal.

[pokey]

Staic display quicky and keep it dry

[Lozza]

JB Weld or the specialise fuel tank repair putty

[GD66]

 Quicky, you can't go past Quiksteel, get it at any car accessory shop in a small grey tubular container : knead the putty for 3 or 4 minutes, whack it straight on even if a petrol or diesel tank is the target. Will bond under water, to everything except rubber. I used some in desperation at Phillip Island when the alloy tank on my roadracer sprung such a large, vibration-induced hole that the petrol tap came away from the tank : Panic Time !! I repaired it with this stuff, and 5 years later it is still in place and has never leaked. It's clean, quick and cheap, costs around $12. Good gear ! 

[gerpster]

Yeh JB Weld (got mine from K Mart about $20) will do the trick but will need to set properly overnight. Quicksteel will set quicker and do the job, bit cheaper, not as runny as JB so may look a bit ugly if you use too much.   

[Quicksilver]

Thanks guys, Will hit my local autopro monday see what product they have..

Cheers D.

[Lozza]

Bunnings has Quicksteel and they are open tomorrow

[Quicksilver]

  Yup.. Nearest Bunnings is 160kms round trip away.  Pleasures of country living. 

[Doc]

Quicky for what it's worth that strainer bowl for the petrol tap is the same as about a million other Honda's and some other makes. They are only about $10 new and not really worth the $14 repairing an old one. Have never seen one crack but I have seen them pit badly from corrossion. Are you sure it's not the o'ring the bowl seats into thats leaking making it appear it is coming from the bowl? That was a very common issue.

[Quicksilver]

Yeah Doc 100% sure its not the seal. The crack runs around the hex bit right at the base. I did check the bowl on MT250 thinking I could use it. However that one is a larger size. All other Honda tanks I have are fitted with a different type of tap.
I will check with my local bike shop tomorrow to see if they have one, failing that will order one and repair current problem for now.

[090]

I would give two part areldite a go. Big Bill told me that one as i had a split in my plastic fuel tank where the fuel tap bolts in. Unaffected by fuel and still going strong after over a year.Would be a bit easier to find too.
I couldn't handle being so far away in the bush. Im such a scatter brain i'd always be in the car going back for what i forgot!

[Doc]

Great to see some respected names hopping onboard with the Araldite fix

a little follow up to that tip, only use the 5 minute Araldite, it is more impervious to near all fuels and solvents than the regular Araldite. Got this tip from Shell Aust. Been using and recommending it for years but most people scoff at the idea. (like I first did in the 70's) Works extremely well on crankcases/covers/fuel tanks both plastic and metal/radiators and corroded waterpump housings, it's good stuff, available near anywhere anytime,it's been around forever though 1 down side, it is a carcinogen so don't go bloody sniffing or eating it!! 

[Quicksilver]

Got some. Will give it a go. Thanks men.

[evo550]

If all else fails, you might also try a mower shop or the like, I have seen those bowl type fuel taps on a lot of Honda stationary motors

[Quicksilver]

Thanks men.  Areldite did the job, put a fine coating on bowl yesterday leaving it overnight. Tested it this morning and she's leak free. Thanks again fella's.
Cheers.