Radiator Recovery Tank leaks

[shybuck]

I want to try some JB Weld for marine plastics to repair the leak. The leak is about a 2" slot from rubbing on nearby metal. Thought I would try. Messicks has a tank for about $100. Has anyone experience with repairing plastic with jb weld?

 

[JasonW]

I repaired a small hole in a plastic gas tank on a ZG127 with two part epoxy made for plastic.

Not sure which brand it was though. The repair was solid and held for several years until I sold the mower.

 

[RBsingl]

There are a lot of different styles of "universal" coolant recovery tanks that are far less than $100 and you can probably find something that will fit the existing space/mount method.

Rodger

 

[shybuck]

There are a lot of different styles of "universal" coolant recovery tanks that are far less than $100 and you can probably find something that will fit the existing space/mount method.

Rodger

Thanks for the the reply. I have looked at other tanks available. Though the space in the tractor is a narrow flat slot of about 1 1/2" x 8" in a rather convoluted shape. I'll try the JB weld as Jason has had a positive outcome. I'll give this a shot and get back with the results.

 

[Blue2Orange]

Anyone know the type of plastic used in making these tanks?

"Low surface energy" plastics usually require special adhesives/epoxy. A few weeks ago had to do some repair work on a product called PlasTeak. Basically a HDPE or HDMW plastic. A low energy plastic that would experience significant shear and impact loads. JBWeld for plastic would not have worked. Neither would Loctite brand of plastic specific adhesive. Have some UV cured for "plastic" epoxy/adhesive, but did not specifically list the poly plastic being repaired. Ended up spending $$$ on a product from Permabond. One of their TA46... series products. 3M supposedly has an adhesive made for some tough to bond plastics.

There are also plastic "welders". But clueless if that would be a good option in this specific situation.

 

[shybuck]

Anyone know the type of plastic used in making these tanks?

"Low surface energy" plastics usually require special adhesives/epoxy. A few weeks ago had to do some repair work on a product called PlasTeak. Basically a HDPE or HDMW plastic. A low energy plastic that would experience significant shear and impact loads. JBWeld for plastic would not have worked. Neither would Loctite brand of plastic specific adhesive. Have some UV cured for "plastic" epoxy/adhesive, but did not specifically list the poly plastic being repaired. Ended up spending $$$ on a product from Permabond. One of their TA46... series products. 3M supposedly has an adhesive made for some tough to bond plastics.

There are also plastic "welders". But clueless if that would be a good option in this specific situation.

I went the route of repair for the expansion tank. Took the tank and washed it, then applied JB Weld Plastic Bonder to the grooved out void. I used a wooden off cut to smooth out the pour even with the surface of the tank. So far so good! I've checked on it every day and there is no leakage of fluid.
In the past I have used a plastic welder on a gas tank for a mower. I was surprised how well it turned out. 2 years later it still holds gas with no leaks.