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DIESEL EMISSIONS


Diesel Fuel Tanks - 3 Ways to Repair Leaks & Holes


THE FUEL TANK IS A KEY COMPONENT to any diesel engine. It stores fuel for the engine to operate while also keeping out contaminants like water and debris that can cause engine failures. But with ongoing use, fuel tanks are prone to leaks and holes. Even leaks as small as a pin hole can cause much damage if not properly repaired, and in fact, can be very expensive if not caught quickly.


So, what’s the best way to repair your diesel fuel tank? It’s a question many customers ask us at West End Radiators, and one that comes with several answers.


Fuel tanks come in diff erent shapes and sizes depending on the machine’s fuel system design. We suggest customizing your repair based on;


• The material your fuel tank is made of.


• The required ongoing use of your fuel tank (every day, heavy-duty use vs. occasional use).


• How old your fuel tank is.


1. Weld And Patch Your Existing Fuel Tank Repairing your existing fuel tank is the best solution for new OEM fuel tanks. A proper weld can last up to a few years and extend the life of your original fuel tank. However, the process of welding a diesel fuel tank can be extremely dangerous if not done in a controlled environment. There is a possibility of fi re from diesel fumes and risks to the welder themselves as oftentimes, welds must be done on the inside of the tank. Technicians can properly test and assess the situation, and specialized welders are trained in welding fuel tank seams and other hard to repair places.


Here is our process for welding fuel tanks: 1. First, we perform a rigorous water testing process. This allows us to identify exactly where the leak is.


2. Next, we determine the correct material to use for the repair. We typically use a speciality gage of aluminum for welding fuel tanks that is 40% thicker than the OEM.


3. From there, we do another round of pressure testing to ensure there are no remaining leaks or holes. This is a key step in our process and is what sets us apart from traditional mechanic shops.


2. Rebarrel Your Fuel Tank Rebarreling your fuel tank is the best option if you plan to use it for long-term, ongoing use.


So, what does it mean to rebarrel your diesel fuel tank? Rebarreling is where the end caps are cut off the old aluminum fuel tank and the old corroded middle part or the barrel is removed. This is typically required for older fuel tanks that have seen extreme use.


At West End Radiators, we use our in-house roller to roll a new aluminum barrel with .125” gauge aluminum. We then weld the old end caps back on. All fi ttings are transferred over to the new tank and it is fully pressure tested.


We also carry custom wet kits. A wet kit involves our technicians putting a divider into a fuel tank with the necessary fi ttings. This is typically done so one part of the tank can be used to hold oil (for hydraulics) and the second part can be used for diesel fuel.


By: Maggie Wysocki, West End Radiators Marketing Lead marketing@


westendrad.ca


3. Fully Replace Your Old Fuel Tank With A New, Aftermarket Tank


Replacing your fuel tank is the best option if your tank is beyond repair or has many leaks/holes that can not be fi xed with aluminum welds.


This fuel tank rebarrel was done in July 2021 for one of West End Radiators’ key transportation customers. It is a 96” long fuel tank for a Peterbilt highway tractor. When this fuel tank came in, it had heavy corrosion in the strap area.


West End Radiators’ Team performed the following:


• Rebarreled it by cutting off /cleaning and reusing the end caps


• Rolled the new barrel with heavy gauge .125” aluminum


• Transferred over all fi ttings from the old tank


• Finished with aluminum welds as needed


• Pressure tested the completed tank before it left the shop.


November/December 2021 | THE COOLING JOURNAL | 17


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