Hole on side of gas tank

[ThomasKov]

So I was filling up my 2002 Ram 1500 4.7L and noticed what sounded like a waterfall. I checked my gas tank and low and behold there was a perfect circle gushing out gas (I’ll attach pics). I was 13 gal in. I don’t know what to do tbh. Any ideas on what happened? Do I just need to order a plug? If so, what is it called?

 

[chri5k]

Looks like you may have hit by a fuel thief. They use a cordless drill to drill nice round holes and catch the fuel in a bucket. When the price goes up, the thieves get brazen.

 

[ThomasKov]

Looks like you may have hit by a fuel thief. They use a cordless drill to drill nice round holes and catch the fuel in a bucket. When the price goes up, the thieves get brazen.

Shoot, that’s what I was hoping wasn’t the case. Makes sense tho…gas in Los Angeles is basically worth more than gold.

 

[Moose2]

Definitely a fuel thief. Leave him a lighter and a cigarette next time so you get a new truck.

 

[ThomasKov]

Definitely a fuel thief. Leave him a lighter and a cigarette next time so you get a new truck.

I’ll make sure to tape those under my truck bed.

 

[Moose2]

Who would have ever thought that we’d have to put up with this type of theft/vandalism? I’m sure cashless bail will help.

 

[Badger 13]

A thief for sure, not you need a new tank, and hope they don't hit you again..

 

[Skatulaki]

How much will it take before California chooses better mechanics?

 

[Skatulaki]

It can't be patched? I'm sure there is a fiberglass or other patch kit ! I patched a radiator with plumbers putty, I eventually got a new Rad, but the patch held!

 

[ThomasKov]

It can't be patched? I'm sure there is a fiberglass or other patch kit ! I patched a radiator with plumbers putty, I eventually got a new Rad, but the patch held!

At first I was like flex tape! But gas would eat right through it. Most patch kits are for tiny cracks. I’m probably just gonna melt some plastic on it and cover it in tank sealer.

 

[Mysfyt]

It won’t be long before you will know who the thief is. When the idiot punctures through the tank and the fuel hits the sparking brushes in the cordless drill, it should cook his head and arms medium rare. Sure bet to make the news

 

[retired]

napa makes a kit for plastic tanks. this was big several years ago but when gas prices went down it kind of stopped, now look for it to become a thing again.

had some gas thieves burn up here a few years back. they were inside their vehicle and decided to light a joint and the fumes ignited. 2 died right away one took a while.

 

[GTyankee]

LOL get that sealant tape that the guy uses to repair the boat that he cut in half

wonder if it can stand up to corn gas

 

[Willie Mosher]

Sorry, pictures look like something a
Mold plug . An over year it has dry rot, so go dealer web stie see if can order the plug, if not the gas tank.
May note of years they use same tank. If Wind up at the boneyard.
But like all trucks of this years will
Have same problem.

 

[Brando_SLT]

What size gas tank (Gallons)?

I have a spare 26 gallon if you want it (free), but the EVAP ports are busted. It took me months to find an undamaged tank from a wrecker and I had to drive all the way down to the border.

 

[Skatulaki]

Flash Tape, might also work real well, for a little while, its semi metallic, and sticks very well, but gas will eat most adhesives.

 

[CheechDogg.0n37s]

There is actually someone or "a group" of someones in Los Angeles going around doing this to trucks, especially if they are lifted ... just saw the tiktok video talking about this ...

 

[Moose2]

At first I was like flex tape! But gas would eat right through it. Most patch kits are for tiny cracks. I’m probably just gonna melt some plastic on it and cover it in tank sealer.

Cant ruin junk. I say go for it.

 

[Tim7139]

It won’t be long before you will know who the thief is. When the idiot punctures through the tank and the fuel hits the sparking brushes in the cordless drill, it should cook his head and arms medium rare. Sure bet to make the news

They don't need power tools and it's quick, so it's an increasingly common crime.

 

[Tim7139]

It can't be patched? I'm sure there is a fiberglass or other patch kit ! I patched a radiator with plumbers putty, I eventually got a new Rad, but the patch held!

At first I was like flex tape! But gas would eat right through it. Most patch kits are for tiny cracks. I’m probably just gonna melt some plastic on it and cover it in tank sealer.

Most will list crack and hole size, for example Versachem 90180 lists holes up to 1/2" in diameter and cracks up to 5" in length. Not sure what the stick tank is made of polyethylene or polypropylene plastics, which that does not support.