Home Forum Ask A Member 1946 mercury KD3

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  • #235054
    JEFFREY PLITT
    Participant

      US Member

      hello . was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the fuel tank for this motor . i had to open it up to get a crack repaired in the aluminum . there was some type of compound between the two halves . any idea what to reseal with ?

      #235057
      kirkp
      Participant

        Member named Louis has done several reseals. Go to forums, tools of the trad and you’ll find a post about Resealing Kiekhaefer Cast Aluminum gas tank.

        Kirk

        #235059
        dave-bernard
        Participant

          US Member

          Original was a gasket and sealer. could be anything by now.

          #235114
          opposedtwin
          Participant

            US Member
            #235300
            green-thumbs
            Participant

              US MEMBER PAY BY CHECK

              It so happens I also have a 1946 KD3 project in hand and it has a tank that I will reseal.
              It is possible to splt cast tank into its 2 halves without removing the fasteners that hold tank together. Very easy as it turns out if the entire seal
              has rotted away. Notice that this is a 4 stud tank like the prewar KB3,
              The 4 stus plus 2 hex hed screws tanks are a different casting
              pattern.
              I will need to remove the studs to lap tank mating surfaces, A little heat will reduce chance of breakage.
              Louis

              #235369
              opposedtwin
              Participant

                US Member

                Perfect timing for you (and all of us!) Jeffrrey!!

                Louis,
                Please let us know the lapping process and the re-sealing process you use.

                Thanks!
                Scott

                #235374
                green-thumbs
                Participant

                  US MEMBER PAY BY CHECK

                  Simple and low tech (old school)
                  Split tank, remove studs, clean off old gasketn and sealant,
                  glue 2 sheets if 220 werr ir dry ti a vkat surface II use and old bathroom
                  medicine cabinet door mirror) apply lay out dire to mating surfaces of
                  tank halves, then rub away until all the dye is worn away leaving all
                  of mating surfaces bright and shiny.
                  Every so often flush the wet or dry with water to wash away grit
                  and metal particles. Takes a while if the tank is warped or surfaces are
                  pitted or uneven. After each half has lapped on a mirror of other the surfaces match so well thatn light can not be seen between them.
                  The amount of time and effort needed will vary depending upon the
                  condition of tank mating surfaces.
                  I may not do this tank right away so you might want to go to forum
                  Tools of the Trade article.
                  Considering their age a surprisingly large percentage of two piece cast aluminum tanks do not leak. For those that do leak a little time and effort will cure the problem.
                  Louis./

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