Sealing a leaking kerosene lantern

[K Frame]

I have an antique Dietz DeLite No 2. lantern. It's one of the big ones, probably from about 1900.

It's developed a weep leak around, I think, the crimped bottom seam.

Anyone know of a brush on coating that might seal it?

[kgbsquirrel]

JBWeld.  Had to seal the base crimp on mine.  2009 and still going.

[K Frame]

Damn, I never thought of JBWeld!

Did you use the liquid or the putty?

[Bogie]

We also sell an "inside the tank" sealer... I don't remember what it is named at the moment. I do remember that it is red.

[K Frame]

We also sell an "inside the tank" sealer... I don't remember what it is named at the moment. I do remember that it is red.

Hum... If you think about it could you get me some information on it?

OK, I found a number of options for fuel tank sealers. Expensive because I'd have to buy a lot more than I would ever use.

[Kingcreek]

Personally, I would solder it after ensuring any flammable residue was removed.

[K Frame]

Yeah, I thought about trying to run a solder bead around it, but that's really the last thing I want to try.

[Bogie]

Damon Industries Red-Kote... $50
 
We sell a lot of it to guys who are rebuilding old bikes.

[dogmush]

I used a similar, but different brand of the Red Kote on a Nighthawk 650 gas tank with some pinholes before.  Pour in, roll all around to get good coat, let dry.  It worked great.  There are cheaper brands on Amazon that do the same basic thing. https://www.amazon.com/POR-15-49216-U-S-Standard-Sealer/dp/B00B3HXCZ4  The trick will be getting all the kerosene out because of it's low flash point.  Several acetone or alcohol rinses may be in order.

If you decide to go with JB weld, they have a fuel tank specific product.  It's a putty.  https://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-8217-TankWeld-Repair/dp/B00R2CDUWE/ref=sr_1_4?crid=25XVIMRMVLBBF&keywords=JB+tank+weld&qid=1660074736&sprefix=jb+tank+weld%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-4

[K Frame]

I've decided that I'm just going to go with the JB Weld. I may even use the liquid type instead of the putty and basically trowel it on, basically pave the seam.

I did that with cracks on the ignition module on my first Subaru. It had cracked and I was having arcing in wet weather.

I dried everything out, paved the cracks, and it lasted another 2 or 3 years with no problems.

I only use the lantern when I'm on my back deck grilling or sitting out, and I use it with citronella lamp oil. Make the mosquitoes gag a little bit before the bore in for a strike.

[kgbsquirrel]

Damn, I never thought of JBWeld!

Did you use the liquid or the putty?

Two part liquid.  Used a cotton swab to apply after blending on a piece of scrap cardboard.

[K Frame]

Two part liquid.  Used a cotton swab to apply after blending on a piece of scrap cardboard.

Sweet! I think I even have enough on hand to do it.