Are you looking for the best gas tank repair kit for your car?
You've come to the right place!
In this PopularMechanic.com guide, you will learn the following:
- What is a gas tank repair kit?
- How does a gas tank repair kit work?
- What are the best gas tank repair kits?
And More!
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Our Top Pick
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Our Top Pick
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KBS Coatings 53000 Auto Fuel Tank Sealer Kit
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View on Amazon |
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Best Budget
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Best Budget
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J-B Weld 2110 Metal Fuel Tank Repair Kit
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View on Amazon |
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Best High End
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Best High End
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POR-15 49239 Fuel Tank Repair Kit
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View on Amazon |
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Permatex 09101 Fuel Tank Repair Kit
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View on Amazon | |
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Versachem 90180 Heavy-Duty Fuel Tank Repair Kit
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View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
(updated 6/3/2020)
Top Overall Pick:
Our overall pick for best gas tank repair kit is the KBS Coatings Auto Fuel Tank Sealer Kit.
The KBS Coatings Auto Fuel Tank Sealer Kits provides consumers with everything that is needed to perform a professional-grade repair on their vehicle’s fuel tank.
It not only repairs your fuel tank but protects it against future damages.
This kit is absolutely the best kit on the market for the price!
If you currently find yourself searching for the best gas tank repair kit, it is safe to say that you are currently facing what can only be described as a frustrating situation.
A gas leak of any kind is a serious situation, to say the least. Yet gas tank replacement is seldom as affordable as we would hope.
Purchasing a gas tank itself seems to be nothing short of highway robbery. Then there are the utterly crazy labor fees that come with a job of this type.
So what is someone in this position to do? Take the middle ground whenever it is safe, and practical to do so.
Several gas tank repair products now exist on the market, with many being offered by some of the most highly regarded names in the sealant industry.
This beckons the question of which gas tank repair kit to purchase. Luckily, we’ve been there, done that, and have the t-shirt to prove it.
The following guide will assist you in purchasing the best gas tank repair kit, minimizing stress, and getting you back on the road sooner.
Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose the best gas tank repair kit.
Top 5 Best Gas Tank Repair Kits
What Is a Gas Tank Repair Kit?
With time, anything that is metal will eventually see its share of rust and corrosion.
This is especially true when it comes to vehicle components that are exposed to their fair share of road salt and grime.
With time, fuel tanks begin to rust, leaving behind leaks of varying degrees.
Additionally, an ill-timed collision with road debris can leave your gas tank on the losing end of a fight that it can’t possibly win.
The damage left behind all too often results in an aggravating fuel tank leak.
A fuel leak of any kind requires immediate attention. Gasoline is highly volatile, and will quickly combust upon finding an ignition source.
This can quickly turn your prized ride into a blazing inferno.
Not only does this scenario irreparably damage your vehicle, but it is a life or death matter as well.
When a leak is discovered, you have one of two choices. Replace the gas tank, or attempt to repair it.
While replacing the leaking gas tank altogether is indeed the best route when possible, doing so is not always affordable for some.
Gas tank replacement costs can quickly reach the $1000 mark on some vehicles, leaving a vehicle’s owner with an immense case of sticker shock.
So...on to plan two, gas tank repair. Gas tank repair kits come in several different varieties.
However, all of which seek to accomplish the same goal. The application of the chemicals within these kits cleans and repairs the damaged segment of the gas tank, saving you time and money along the way.
In most cases, a single application is all that is needed to stop the pesky leak in its tracks.
A repair of this nature can generally be completed at a fraction of the cost of a gas tank replacement and is considered safe when done by a knowledgeable individual.
Read More >> What Are The Best Tire Repair Kits?
How Do Gas Tank Repair Kits Work?
A gas tank repair kit works by sealing the damaged portion of the tank from the outside. This eliminates the need for dangerous welding and other more invasive means of repair.
This process often begins by preparing the surface that is to be repaired.
For optimum results, any grease, oil, or other foreign substances need to be removed in their entirety.
Additionally, a light sanding of rusted surfaces assists the adhesion process between the tank’s shell and the bonding agent.
With the surface prepped, the epoxy provided with the repair kit can be readied. In some cases, this requires the mixing of two individual chemicals.
In other cases, the bonding agent will be a single part epoxy that begins setting up when exposed to air.
You will now coat the affected area to cover any visible damage. It is often beneficial to coat slightly beyond the leaking surface in every direction.
This remedies any secondary leaks that might have gone unnoticed, due to the volume of the primary leak.
You will now allow this coating to cure. The time that this will take differs by product.
Some such products cure in as little as two hours, while others can take as long as 18-24 hours.
Regardless, it is very important to follow the directions found on the product’s packaging. A failure to heed these directions can lead to a leak and potential fire hazard. For more on the hazards of gas leaks, read this article.
After curing is complete, the tank should be carefully looked over for the presence of any continual leakage.
Even after your vehicle is back on the road, it is important to periodically inspect your gas tank to ensure that the repair is still viable.
NOTE: If you do not feel comfortable with the idea of fixing your gas tank, or feel unsure of your work at any time during the process, seek professional repair. The prior instructions serve solely to give a general overview of gas tank repair with external epoxies and are not intended to take the place of manufacturer instructions. Please check this article on the dangers associated with gasoline exposure.
Read More >> What Are The Best Tires For A Nissan Altima?
Our Reviews of the Top 5 Best Gas Tank Repair Kits
The KBS Coatings Auto Fuel Tank Sealer Kit permanently eliminates a wide variety of common gas tank leaks at their core.
A single application from this kit stops leaks in their track, bringing your vehicle back to its previous integrity by creating a shell of sorts that encompasses your tank’s exterior for superior protection.
Included in this kit are KBS Klean, RustBlast, Tank Sealer, Gloves, and Complete Directions.
These individual products not only seal your tank but remedy the underlying source of your leak in the process.
The patch left behind after using the KBS Coatings Auto Fuel Tank Sealer Kit is as hearty as your tank’s original metal construction.
This eliminates any concern over the longevity of your repair, letting you forget the issue that befell your ride as soon as you pull out of the driveway.
Pros
Cons
JB Weld, much like Permatex, is a company that has a lengthy history in automotive repair.
I cannot even begin to tell you the number of items that I have seen patched with JB Weld in a pinch.
The list of what JB Weld products can patch is lengthy, and gas tanks are indeed included.
The JB Weld Metal Fuel Tank Repair Kit is one of the easiest kits to use on this list.
Simply clean the damaged portion of the tank free of dirt and debris, sand the area that is to be repaired, and apply the included fiberglass patch and putty.
This formula is also quite hearty, as it can patch even some of the largest holes that are likely to be encountered.
The JB Weld Metal Fuel Tank Repair Kit can easily fix holes up to 3/8" diameter or cracks up to 4" in length.
Pros
Cons
Pick #3: POR-15 49239 Fuel Tank Repair Kit
The POR-15 Fuel Tank Repair Kit is a professional grade solution to pesky gas tank leaks.
This multi-part kit not only fixes the immediate damage but seals the affected area for the long haul, making it impervious to future corrosion.
The POR-15 Fuel Tank Repair Kit contains one quart of POR-15 fuel tank sealer, two quarts of POR-15 Cleaner Degreaser, one quart of POR-15 Metal Prep, reinforcing fabric, a brush, and detailed instructions.
This multitude of high-end, industrial-grade products puts as much attention into preparing your tank for this vital repair, as it does patching the defect itself.
This ensures a quality bond between tank and adhesive every time.
Pros
Cons
Pick #4: Permatex 09101 Fuel Tank Repair Kit
Permatex is a name that has been in the automotive adhesive production business for ages.
Many of the company’s products are used by professional technicians daily, due to their quality and reliable sealing capabilities.
Permatex’s Fuel tank repair kit is no exception to this standard of excellence, as it produces sturdy fuel tank repairs upon every application.
This kit utilizes a resin putty and fiberglass cloth to effortlessly seal even the most stubborn of gas tank leaks.
Not only is this kit effective, but it is easy to use as well.
Simply prep the surface that is to be repaired, mix the chemicals contained within the kit, and apply the mixture with the addition of the supplied fiberglass strip.
With a fuel curing time of only 30 minutes, your vehicle will be back on the road in no time.
Pros
Cons
The Versachem Heavy-duty Fuel Tank Repair Kit is perfect for those looking to fix their fuel tank’s problem areas and get back on the road quickly.
This complete kit includes epoxy, fiberglass material, sandpaper, and an applicator brush.
Repairs are a breeze with this kit and can be conducted in a minimal amount of time.
The Versachem Kit sets in only 20 minutes, fully cures in an hour, and does not require fuel to be drained before repair.
Holes of up to ½” can be repaired using this kit, making it perfect for those that have all but condemned their gas tank to the scrap pile.
Instead of giving up on your tired tank, breath new life into it with the Versachem Repair Kit.
Pros
Cons
Our Top Pick: KBS Coatings 53000 Auto Fuel Tank Sealer Kit
My top pick for the best gas tank repair kit is the KBS Coatings Auto Fuel Tank Sealer Kit.
This kit provides consumers with everything that is needed to perform a professional-grade repair on their vehicle’s fuel tank.
With the included rust remover, solvent, and sealant, you are assured of a complete and thorough repair that will stand the test of time.
Not only will your gas tank be properly repaired, but it will be as durable and rigid as if the damage was never present, to begin with.
If I could only choose one gas tank repair kit to salvage my aging fuel tank, it would most certainly be the KBS Coatings Auto Fuel Tank Sealer Kit.
Plus, it's an excellent value for the money! Check the low price now on Amazon.
