Timmyb Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 This is an otherwise straight fuel tank. It's let down by this one, rather decent size dent. Just after some options on how to remove it... I know I could just bog it up, and that will be my last resort. But was hoping for some more suggestions, so hit me guys! 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
64C85 Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 I have had some luck pressurizing the tank with compressed air...could be worth a try. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-231056 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtymilkman Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Be careful pressurizing the tank. If its a steel tank any good metal worker guy can straighten that out. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-231064 Share on other sites More sharing options...
theakerstwo Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Be carefull with pressure on a tank that is not designed for pressure. Quote glenn akers Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-231068 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 I planned to provide such a repair but took that task aside for some while.The main idea was to drill a hole(s) from the opposit side and hit the dent out with some long pin and a hammer.Next weld the holes back.My one is of the same kind but aluminium.I did that way when fixed cavits on the SS bull bar. Made couple of hills and filed them off, sanded and polished up. Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-231076 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmackpaul Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 If you are going to use compressed air always fill with water first as the explosive pressure will be greatly reduced ie theres a lot less to expand really quickly if it was to go bang let us know how you go removing dents as I have tanks that have the same type of dents seeyaPaul 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-231088 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearhead204 Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 timmyb with that steel tank you might try a pin gun. buddy up with a body shop guy and give it a try.if heat is needed drain tank and purge tank with carbon dioxide, then keep a supply of co2 going to the tank as you heat the area to be worked Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-231180 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyb Posted February 8, 2014 Author Share Posted February 8, 2014 Thanks guys... I like the idea of pressurising the tank.Gearhead, is the pin gun method similar to a slide hammer? A combination of all your suggestions might work well...I'll definitely keep you guys posted. Thanks for your input. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-231187 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearhead204 Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 timmyb yes the pin gun spot welds a nail to the surface and then allows for a slide hammer to grab the nail, then simply grind off when finished "no holes" Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-231192 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deere Mack Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 I've been researching methods for this too. Mine has a little more damage than yours but I found a thread on the Brockway sight where they cut the end off an aluminum tank at the weld seem, punded out the dents and zipped it back up.you can find it here a few post down the page http://www.brockwaytrucks.org/messageboard/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1044&start=220 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-231223 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fxfymn Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 Is the tank new to you? If so there is a chance that it is rotted on the bottom and you will have to cut the tank to properly fix that anyway. Drain it and scope it to be sure before you get involved in trying to fix the dent only to find out you need to cut the tank.The real question is whether you intend to keep the tank painted after the repair. If it is steel and you are re-painting any of the suggested methods will work to get the significant damage out of it. When you are done you will still need to fill the rough spots with a body filler and sand everything smooth.Heat will make the steel "remember" where it is supposed to be and may "pop" the large smooth dent out. Apply it in a circular motion around the dent and do not apply enough heat to change the metal's color. You can also try dry ice. Same thing as heat; apply it on the outer edge and try to "shrink" up the metal by cooling it. A little research on the net will show you how to do it.I have also had luck using a toilet plunger to help pull the metal out after heating or cooling it.My philosophy is to do the least damaging methods first and work up to what I consider the fool proof, but most damaging solution. In this case that would be cutting the tank end off, pounding out the dent and re-welding the tank. Quote Money, sex, and fire; everybody thinks everyone else is getting more than they are! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-231225 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyb Posted February 9, 2014 Author Share Posted February 9, 2014 Yeah it's a steel tank, and it will be painted afterwards so using body filler to finish it off isn't a drama. We have owned the truck for a few years but it was purchased off my uncle. The RHS tank has had metal strips welded under the tank straps where it would have rusted/corroded away. So I'll be sure to check this tank out, thanks for the heads up. Cutting the end off would surely work... It's a bit beyond my skill level so I'll try the other methods first I think! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-231353 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearhead204 Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 timmy b if the tank has cancer problems id be all in favor of tank end cap removal be sure to reference mark the end so every thing gets back in the right place your local welding supply should have skinny wheels for a hand grinder grab 4or5 of them and simply cut the weld edge closest to the center of the tank the end cap should extend into the shell 1/4 to3/4 in. so just cut the first layer then if needed a little shot of compressed air should remove the cap. Its a little more work but a well repaired fuel tank is well worth the effort. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-231400 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swishy Posted February 9, 2014 Share Posted February 9, 2014 yup pressurize n hit with rubber mallet around where the dent iz on edge of creaseor weld a slide hammar doodadd end to center of dent n pressurize n suk out with slide hammar Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-231404 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keffer inc Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 I have the same dent, but a round aluminum tank. How much pressure should be on the tank? With water in it? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-233718 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtymilkman Posted February 21, 2014 Share Posted February 21, 2014 We were ok at 10 psi with no water. But when we hit 15 we ended up with a mack fuel tank that has rounded ends like a peterbilt Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-233775 Share on other sites More sharing options...
theakerstwo Posted February 21, 2014 Share Posted February 21, 2014 You should get a photo and save it and post on all forums you can. I have seen guys do this for years with same result and over and over you still find guys that try it. This may save some time for others.Those fuel tanks is not made for any pressure. 1 Quote glenn akers Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-233777 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyb Posted February 26, 2014 Author Share Posted February 26, 2014 So just to update on this, under the tank straps has started to rust. Cleaned it up and it's pitted the steel a bit. Anyone know what thickness the steel used in tese tanks are?Anyway I'm not going to cut corners, the end will be coming off and an internal inspection done. Fingers crossed all goes well. I appreciate all the feed back.Regards Tim. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-234701 Share on other sites More sharing options...
superdog405 Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 I tried drilling holes in tank and using a slide hammer in the past, pulled it out some , but not the whole way. All I got was a tank with a smaller dent and holes in it. LOL ! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-234702 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 As about welding I also was first told from the shop where the guys were skilly with aluminium to cut off the end.Although I was absolutely disagreed with that solution due to high chances to get terrible outlook with no way to change it back.So I directed them to make the cut out from the back side of the tank, frame side.The reason to come in was the inside cross wall was off its place laying on the tank's bottom and required to be welded up back. Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-234703 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyb Posted February 26, 2014 Author Share Posted February 26, 2014 Superdog405, you literally had me laughing out loud. Lol, I like your view on things. But hey, you gave it a go right! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/34578-fuel-tank-dent-removal/#findComment-234710 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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