I have a substantial fuel leak on our new MCI 102. The only bad thing I've found on the coach. Today we pulled the tank and it's been patch welded already and other seams are leaking. Is it just worth getting a new tank at this point? Where can I order a new tank? I'm south of Fort Worth Texas. I have guys helping me so I just need to know if with several leaks I should take it to a tank repair place (already have a radiator shop that's happy to do this) but if it's going to get more leaks I just want a new tank. Someone please point me in a direction here. (https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F18%2Fe4b88e58ba0ccda54ecea66ffa560bd3.jpg&hash=038f954199926065f85c615ef105b8b3aa8d3ec6)
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The way that looks I think I would try to get a new one.
ED
I'd take it to a metal fabrication shop and have it duplicated. I had one done severl years ago for a 4104 and it worked fine.
There's a really good fabrication place in either Lancaster or Hutchins (sorry cant remember exactly, or the name)
However we literally took a paper version of the tank needed and two days later we had exact tanks build (was for a plane smoke system).. prices were VERY fair also..
new or fabbed...shop around, does it have to be auminium ?
that one does not impart confidence... ???
ps see my edits at the exploding tire...
Thanks guys...this is what I'm looking for...ok, new tank is a given. This thing is pretty bad. How much $$$ are we talking to have a new one built? I can take this to the fab shop for them to copy...
my guess is $1000.00 ??? out of aluminium
I'd be happy to go poly...but $1000 is a little steep at the moment.
My help has a perfect condition 120 gallon aluminum semi truck tank (cylinder) that he's willing to give me free...and it would fit in the stock opening, but it's literally 1.5 inches too wide...thinking of modifying the opening........
30 gal tank custom, had to be a really odd shape to fit was a little over 250 bucks if i recall from the place I mentioned earlier..
Moose, I need a 150 gallon tank...I checked...aluminum...$1,000 :(
Thanks all. At this point I'm convinced by your comments and my own observation of the tank that a new one is in order. My plan is to either modify the opening to fit the free semi fuel tank being given me or see if I can buy a poly tank.
hmmm 1k... ok next step, breakers, parts sellers, barn finds etc to see if someone changed their's out for a different capacity..
in that case....i can clearly see that who ever repaired the tank before...was .... in a hurry or had selected the wrong welder...sorry I call um how I seeum..
That said I would now find a qualified heliarc capable person and seek their advice.
If they were to re-repair the previous problems and the new one for 1/3 to less than 1/2 of a new tank.... then I would do that...
If your $$'s are pinchin the Buffalo :o ....well then I'd modify the space.
Take the measurements, repair the old tank and reinstall it then later down the road when you have a little extra cash have a tank built from S/S and never worry again.The repair will last for years, I wouldn't do modifications for the round tank YMMD if you want a Poly tank there is a place in Waco that will build you one. I'll look up the name for you but any metal shop should be able to make you a weld on bottom tray for your tank
try this place:
Welcome to BusRVparts.com from Buses 101.com Call Today 610-767-8000 Online RV Catalog by Buses101.com
http://www.busrvparts.com/bus-rv_store.htm#Used_Bus_parts (http://www.busrvparts.com/bus-rv_store.htm#Used_Bus_parts)
Bruce
you may try:
Caylor Supply LLC
www.caylorsupply.com (http://www.caylorsupply.com)
4712 Rock Creek Rd, Rantoul, KS 66079
(785) 878-3405
web was down today??
bruce
I agree that was just squirted (spool gun) on you need to have all the old repair removed and new patch heliarc on.
when done right it will last a long time just find a reputable shop to do the work and make sure they drill out the end of the crack and extend the patch a couple of inches past
Quote from: bs4104 on June 18, 2015, 02:42:16 PM
try this place:
Welcome to BusRVparts.com from Buses 101.com Call Today 610-767-8000 Online RV Catalog by Buses101.com
http://www.busrvparts.com/bus-rv_store.htm#Used_Bus_parts (http://www.busrvparts.com/bus-rv_store.htm#Used_Bus_parts)
Bruce
Umm, you might want to do your research before buying from this site. If I'm not mistaken, this is one of Sam Walker's sites. He's not known for his honesty.
Sam Caylor would be a better bet. He has a good reputation.
Luke could probably come up with a good used one.
Chuckle. Yeah I saw Sam Walker's site listed and I was like "whatever". I'd be better off using a 5 gallon can for a tank than dealing with him. Here's where things are at now. We can't fit the freightliner tank in no matter how hard I try :) So, I have two options: replace tank, or repair tank. I am taking the tank to a welder tomorrow to see if they can heli-arc it. Just cleaning the tank in prep for welding (to remove impurities in metal) is $120. I'll let ya'all know how it goes tomorrow.
This is some photo journalism of my day today. It was hot too. (https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F18%2F318631a0ddc6cf09aee28a405448aa32.jpg&hash=b9c91ededfe3bf0f21e17a2fc00404be400ed088)(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F18%2Fe6f75a26cffb2e1c3040b45bf8ae9029.jpg&hash=4799d38cd8395797658e9d83ee33704dedff2262)(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F18%2F78257902336e737ae815baaa1a551d7e.jpg&hash=2f54c5dde56a973cac14f75e5e05b43da63d8ee4)(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F18%2Faa01f7bd18b5da078360fb00cc63cf2d.jpg&hash=42982f120690eb5bf6d972c78cfce0bc4c01051e)(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F18%2F01d776656a04852db97e86f68ce61d31.jpg&hash=66d35991de4ec7f248118743a0ca5469f37aae97)(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F18%2F6184120c9f5872c425180fcc86676f4e.jpg&hash=976edadc3521f7573dd2835c9ce384e348f697e6)(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F18%2F868eeb12d94aa71fcbbaa6e6e73a5a66.jpg&hash=349b22b1c1c636d5d15133e70ec8c32cdd2b42a8)(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F18%2Ff59d3826c153365e6b68bf1906e855ab.jpg&hash=56fe12a23ffb33d0e3e0e9f1a76e4fde5d38b60d)(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F18%2F8a981a3810b2f56a76589ba65a846cb7.jpg&hash=31a047971fa8f4a010f483b81067030e4de160c8)
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Too bad your not in Florida because I could've gotten you fixed up pretty cheap with a repair or a new fabbed tank!
Tell me more ace
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How about getting one from Caylor supply? When I called earlier last month the tank would be $300 and shipping around $200.
Have you tried MCI? Price?
Brian, I am considering that for sure. But his tanks are used as well, might I have this problem again in the future? I'm taking the tank to a welder today to see about tig welding. I have to take it first to a cleaner who charges $120 to clean. Then I can get her patched up. If Sam has a decent takeout that might give me years of problem free service, I would consider it, but I'm also thinking of cliffs idea and just getting this tank fixed temporarily to get me home and then having a stainless tank made in the future.
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Muha! Just get me 1900 miles. After that, you can fail like all other cheap fixes do.
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Scott, a mild steel tank out of 10 gauge ("1/8) or "3/16 would be cheaper to build when you get to where you are going. A TIG patch is what I would do now. No MIG. About $65 a hour at most shops and if just the one patch, would be quick and simple. Make sure they pressure check it with air after welding. Not over 5 pounds. Get plugs for them to put in connections on tank so they don't have to run around and look for them at $65 bucks a hour. . I was in the welding business for 40 years before I hung um up. Put some rubber down under tank for cushion also as it looks like abrasion where it's been sitting.
Scott, since you're south of Dallas, call Darby Diesel Repair in Hutchins (I 45, just south of I-20 @ Dowdy Ferry Road). Phone 972-225-5200. I had them do the repairs on the 4107 after it was hit. If you can, talk to Dianne. Darby is a good mechanic, but I was never fond of having to talk with him on the phone.
I drove by there about 3 weeks ago on a business trip, and he had some MCI's in the yard. I know he's bought some buses and scrapped them, he may be doing the same thing with the MCI's -- meaning that parts may be available. Worth a call, anyway.
Arthur
Thanks! I'll see about having it patch welded when we get to michigan...problem is most welds will have impurity issues which cause pinhole leaks. Found my leak today and that's exactly what happened. To properly clean the tank is $120 minimum plus them welding it etc. so I'm going the JB weld route just to get it home. Darby might be a good stop for me. It's not far away and if the tank is solid I might be interested. Thanks for the lead on that. Here's where I'm at so far.
1. Pressurized the tank with a shop vac just enough to find the leak. It's along the weld of a previous patch. No where else is leaking. I spent two hours going over the tank with a fine tooth comb (actually soapy water) with it pressurized. Here's a video of the leak we found:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4ptyf-eCyTs
I wire wheeled the repair area, Then I cleaned the repair area with 100% pure acetone. I actually switched the vacuum to "suction" so as to pull some of the acetone into the holes to fully clean them. It worked cause I saw the acetone suck into the pin holes. My plan now is to mix the JB weld and apply it with vacuum suction to suck some of it into the holes. Then remove my plugs and remove the vacuum leaving the fuel door open so the tank doesn't build pressure inside as the JB weld cures. I'm going to leave it set until Sunday at which point I'll leak test and then reinstall in bus and refill with diesel I am storing in tote. I'll report how it goes:
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F19%2F92beea22e723a07ccbdf7119228cd340.jpg&hash=f8daae08f40e9e57df1f654d51ccf2f8df4d8132)(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F19%2Fb095f6d4ccd22f81d2214eb9f2d8244a.jpg&hash=c423a86f56edd9c6f406370c4acf38be658c459d)(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F19%2Fe0317e79fdaca2577894f9f7f74c52d9.jpg&hash=6b163fef0885c55fdbd719692a1f1ab8c29b87ff)(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F19%2Fd346dc9426857c233b2a67906b9c0db5.jpg&hash=d71da98fea5d8204be351d53707a382081c5b3d3)(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F19%2Fe216ed34dffc3ccac1bf1dbd13d7ff5f.jpg&hash=78203fe1b00589843b6323794a6aff0284ad2012)(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F19%2Fc678d0c4982758d0597235a4538583d1.jpg&hash=c2683dea9938fbf6b7add328326f2adc486a729b)
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Like I said if you were here I got a guy that could either fix your tank, or build you a new one from scratch. Very very reasonable too! He's not going anywhere soon so if you ever get back this way and need it done, you know how to reach someone you can trust!
Thanks ace. Good to know. You've pointed me in good places before so I'll keep this in mond
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I talked with a friend that has a MCI 7 and from what we can see most all the MCI tanks are the same. I know the MCI 12 that I scraped had a tank that looked just like the one in my 102C3. If they are the same you should be able to get a used one for a good price. Lots of old buses going to the salvage yard.
Jack
The sell a liquid membrane diesel tank sealer kit. If you follow the directions for cleaning and prep it works great. Probably get another 5-10 years out of that tank with it.
The tanks look a lot a like but I think the capacity is different my MCI 8 was a 144 gals and the D holds 187 gals since I removed the auxiliary which was 35 gals.Anyone need or want a auxiliary tank for a MCI you pick it up for free with straps and the pipes
someone posted recently that they were looking for one. I have no desire to take up bay space again for that thing. Not worth it. Our 9 has one and I hate it. My 102C3 has a 156 gallon capacity. Plenty for me....i've heard the sealing kit starts to flake and cause major issues...???
On tig running over area (seams) will boil impurities out of weld. Brush off do it again. Pros will know how and get her done. Just don't linger on any area with mucho heat. It will crater though. Glad you've got it heading your way.
Ok. Didn't know they could tig with diesel residue still in the tank....makes sense :) here's the latest. Tomorrow the tank gets leakdown test and goes back in the bus. (https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F06%2F20%2F9267c86143120c5a0486a751df3fa8ae.jpg&hash=2ed70346aee2048e28b230482961ff13b6e6a972)
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Steam tank first before tiging. Looks like that jb weld got you fixed. That stuff didn't work on a gas tank a freind of mine tried to patch out in the boonies on a offroad jeep. Good luck.
it will be almost impossible to repair by weldment now... :-\
hope she holds. ;D
Eagle, lol, I can grind off that JB. Done it before. This tank is the pits. Has issues all over so my modus operandi here is to just get the bus home. Most probably don't understand what I'm doing so here's a quick scoop:
Wife and I are music touring in Texas living full time aboard our converted MCI 9. We will be in Texas at least until December. She's preggo with our first which will be born in October. Find this nice 102C3 partially converted with roof raise, caps, and a ton of other stuff (DD rebuilt kit in luggage bays etc) on Dallas Craigslist. Buy it. Now we have two buses and no time to convert new one this year. So we are driving it home to michigan in a week where it will be stored safely until we come home next summer and begin the conversion. We will only have the summers to convert it so the conversion could take 2-3 years. So, I don't have any desire to throw $1200 at a fuel tank with a baby on the way and $1100 in fuel to get to Michigan and back etc etc when the coach will sit for the next three years. So, JB weld it is. I'm taking cliffs advice and others here and going to have a stainless tank built custom and then I'll never worry about it again :)
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AT some things I am a pessimistic optimist :)
SO maybe that frosting job will last a lifetime :)
Here's hoping...
We bought a Massey Ferguson tractot backhoe once that had sunk in the ocean when a barge sank.
Salvage company raised the barge
the enclosed drive shaft tube casting (for lack of exact terminology) was cracked...
we drilled it, tapped it and plated it, (never welded it)..
Bedded the plating with JB weld or MarineTex....
Gold mined in Alaska with it for 4-5 years...then moved it to a homestead in NE washington where it still works today...almost a 40 year repair... bought the loader backhoe for 1/2 penny a pound. it was brand new.
were I you I'd find an old scrap of gravel plant type conveyor belt and sit your tank on it.. :)
smart thought on the conveyer belt material. Tank is on a piece of ply wood right now. I rinsed the bottom of the tank and the plywood thoroughly before putting tank back in. All is back together, nary a drop of diesel leaking...so far so good. Again, I just need to get it home Sunday...
If I was fixing that tank I would cut out an area about an inch larger than the previous patched and welded place. This would make it possible to reach inside the tank and clean the area inside and out to weld a new patch on as well as get rid of the old carpy patch job. There is nothing wrong with a mig welder for aluminum. Any way you weld it it needs to be very clean.
A couple of other thoughts, I built my holding tanks out of aluminum and welded them up with a cheap wire welder. I will knock on wood, they are still working fine since 2000. When I installed them I bought a rubber mat from Tractor Supply that was made to go in a horse stall. I cut it to the sizes I needed and put them under my tanks. I think that might work good under your fuel tank.
I think the rubber mat is an excellent idea too. But the clearances are tight in there. The may would need to be thin
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I've bought rubber material at a gasket shop. Any thickness you want. They cut to fit. Comes on a wide roll.