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Welding around fuel tanks

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6.6K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  Rojodiablo  
C
#1 ·
I know, this is a dumb question. But do I need to remove the fuel tanks from my 75 Bronco to repair the small rust holes in the floor pans? How about welding on new rear quarter panels or rocker panels? The truck isn't leaking gas or anything, but common sense tells me that fuel tanks shouldn't be anywhere nearby when welding is taking place. Thanks.
 
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S
#2 ·
Well, as far as safety goes, yes, I would remove them entirely if possible. If this is not an option, I will wrap the fuel lines and cover the tank with either a sheet metal or cardboard shield, as well as some fire blankets. There shouldn't be much under there in the way of sparks given that most of your welding will be done inside the car or from the outside of the 1/4's.
 
Z
#3 ·
If your using a mig...

The sparks arn't such a "big deal" s long as there are no fumes...

However

Watch what the he!! your doing when the actual weld is happening..
Its easy to burn thru in places and that mig wire is just looking for somewhere to ground out...:blob2:

Then you may have a problem...

Be safe!

...zap!
 
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S
#4 ·
Every time I weld on an automobile I have them remove the tank.
but muffler guys weld on cars all the time with out taking them out...
I say so what.
If you do, make sure your ground is good and also close to where your welding.
When the ground has to travel it could cause sparks where you dont want them

steve
 
C
#5 ·
The more I think about it, it might be a good idea to remove them anyway so I can thoroughly inspect the fuel system and address any issues. The front fuel tank is right under the drivers seat, so it will probably be easier to see whats going on with it out.
 
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O
#6 ·
Like Zap said, the fumes are the problem. I never remove a tank unless it's proximity to my work is a problem. You're a lot better off with a sealed system than you are with the tank removed.
 
1
#7 ·
I never remove the tank. Ok, once but I was welding up a leak in the tank (what a bitch). If I was scared I was going to arc into the tank I might consider it but most times it's not a problem. Keep your ground near (never on the other side of the gas tank) to where your welding so you don't have grounding sparks roaming all over the vehicle. And if the car has a electronic brain disconnect the battery so as not to fry it. Some trucks actually have some fairly elaborate procedures involving removing chips from the relay boards under the hood before welding is recommended to protect the brain but usually you can get away with just disconnecting the battery and welding with the ground very near the weld area, at least that's what we do at the ambulance plant.
 
C
#8 ·
Thanks for the tips guys. FYI the front tank is a newer replacement plastic tank and the rear is the original steel. I don't know if that makes any difference.
 
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R
#9 ·
All I can say is, wrap the electrical and fuel lines with wet rags to protect them from spatter. Look before you leap, and check the area near your weld often. Use wood blocks, etc. to block stuff from the weld when you can.
 
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