How to Weld or Repair a Motorcycle Gas Tank Safely

In order to weld a gasoline fuel tank safely, first remove all traces of fuel. Before welding, wash out your fuel tank with warm soapy water, then rinse with clear water. This should remove fuel residue.

Next, you'll need to remove all traces of flammable gasoline fumes. To remove the fumes from the gas tank, insert small pieces or pellets of dry ice into the filler neck of the tank. As the dry ice comes in contact with air, it will sublimate directly into carbon dioxide gas, which is the fog effect dry ice is known to produce.

Dry ice produces no liquid but rather sublimates from solid to gas. Because CO2 gas is heavier than oxygen, it displaces, or pushes out oxygen from the fuel tank. The fumes will be pushed out of the tank and without oxygen present, the risk for fire or explosion when welding can be eliminated if done properly using this dry ice technique.

Please use caution when handling both dry ice and flammable liquids. If you attempt your own repair, understand your limits and do not attempt a repair beyond your scope of understanding. Consult a professional if you are unsure about any of the advice presented in this article.

Be sure to observe dry ice safety precautions. Locations where dry ice can be purchased, and information about small quantity dry ice purchases are provided. Continental Carbonic Products can provide information about dry ice and its uses.

Call Continental Carbonic toll-free at 800-DRY-ICE2. Visit our News Archive to find out about more ways to use dry ice. Use your ZIP code to find your closest Continental Carbonic location.