Drop gas tank to weld?

[46binder]

I need to weld patches around the inside of the wheel wells, and being a fireman I am overly cautious. How many drop the tank to weld? New plastic tank, new line. I think I should, but it is a PITA to do it.

[Mark Ashford]

If it was a metal tank I wouldn't worry. But with a poly tank it might not be a bad bit of caution. Get a good dingle berry that flies on top of the tank I doubt would cause any sort of fire, but could damage the tank.

Kind or also depends on where you're welding, how you can shield things, and how good of a welder you are (i.e. how much sparking or other issues you might have).

[Four Paws]

Just think, if something bad were to happen, you would be wishing you would have taken the extra time to drop the tank. You will get a better repair and remove the hazard of fire, explosion, or melting your new tank.

[sullyscout77]

Originally Posted by Four Paws

Just think, if something bad were to happen, you would be wishing you would have taken the extra time to drop the tank. You will get a better repair and remove the hazard of fire, explosion, or melting your new tank.

X10!! There's not enough Binder Nuts as it is, don't become a statistic!

[Darrell Tuxworth]

When I weld near something that I don't want hot sparks landing on I soak an old towel and drape/hang it to protect the surface from sparks.
But, as I am sure you do being a fireman, always keep a good fire extinguisher close at hand...
Darrell

[BigBamaScoutii]

Being a welder myself, I also say just take the time to pull the tank. I personally wouldnt risk it. It could end up costing you a new tank if you burned a hole, then youd have to pull it anyway

[stu simpson]

My good friend Dennis was killed 7 years ago at age 36 cutting brackets out of a ventilated 50' boat engine bay that he was repowering for a customer. He wasn't even real close to the water filled gas tanks when the whole thing exploded. The engines had to come out before they could cut out the tanks.

He left a wife and 5 young children.

Remove the tanks before you get close with a torch or welder. That's my opinion.

[RJJP]

With a plastic tank, go ahead and pull it. With my truck, I would just top both my tanks off (IH powered Ford).

[Patrick Morris]

How hard would it be to rig yourself up some shields out of sheet metal? Something (or things) to fit in those tight areas and provide a good, temporary barrier between your work surfaces, and the tank and fuel lines? It could be held in place by bailing wire or similar. Even welding magnets.

[BigBamaScoutii]

A shield wont stop fumes