Fuel tank material

[Richny]

Hi all, just (maybe) purchased a 2010 Laramie. Had it one day , filled it up on the way home and this morning I see gas leaking out the tank where it appears to have been previously patched. Is it a metal or plastic tank? Tried knocking on it but looks as if undercoating was sprayed on underneath.
Thanks

 

[HEMIMANN]

Plastic. High Density Polyethylene, HDPE. Most all fuel and oil containers are made from it, a thermoplastic. No rust issues like steel tanks of yore.

 

[GTyankee]

they can't make any gas tanks using metal, since gas stations sell Corn Gas instead of the real thing
Metal tanks would rust from the inside & after a period of time, they would rust through

 

[Richny]

So what are the thoughts on repairing it? Already been patched and leaking from the patch. I can’t see paying $16,000 for a truck with a patched tank. Don’t know if a poor patch job was done or if you just can’t patch these tanks.

 

[Atcer2018]

Who is selling it? Private party or dealer? It’s a 13 year old truck, I’d have it checked out by a trusted mechanic. If it’s leaking fuel from a failing patch job who knows what else the seller is hiding.

 

[Travelin Ram]

Anybody who sprayed undercoat on a plastic tank is trying to hide something.

I’m unclear on how you “maybe” purchase something the prior day? In any case if it were me and there’s an option to cancel the deal I would do that.

 

[HEMIMANN]

they can't make any gas tanks using metal, since gas stations sell Corn Gas instead of the real thing
Metal tanks would rust from the inside & after a period of time, they would rust through

It's been EPA law for 40 years. I remember stations replacing tanks with fiberglass tanks when I was with Mobil.

 

[chopperman1]

Just replace it, easy job and cheap too. Used, probably 50$, new was 300+ last I looked which was a while ago.

 

[Jeepwalker]

I agree ...get a used tank and put on it. Shouldn't be that expensive. If you otherwise like the truck, I wouldn't let that sour you on the deal. Things happen.

But look the rest over real well too.