Hole in gas tank? I think it's vandalism/theft.

Shoot to subdue and you get sued.

 

Not in Alaska, if it is self defense.

 

Anyone can sue, but they won't win.

 

That sucks OP! hope they drill into a metal tank next time and blow them selfs up.

I have and it sucks. but i only did it once! I learned my lesson like 13 years ago. I don’t know how some people do it more then once.

also OP, when you get a new hitch get a locking pin. it will keep friends from playing jocks on you, and people from taking it agin. Mine is locked in.

 

The really smart ones drill a hole and install a valve. Then they only take a couple of gallons each time, that way you don't notice. They do this with several vehicles.

 

I'm surprised to hear people talking about trying to "shoot to wound" the thief... Thought that was the first rule taught in Guns 101: never point a gun at anyone or anything you don't intend to kill.

Getting at the original issue: I've had good luck fixing small holes in gas tanks using a machine screw, rubber-backed washer and JB Weld. Screw and washer seal the hole, JB weld keeps 'em in place. If you were to completely drain the tank first so there wasn't actually fuel leaking from it, the JB Weld alone would probably do the trick (have used it on plumbing as well and JB Weld's site confirms it's gasoline-proof). Have done that on two different cars, both times it lasted for the duration of my ownership of the car (years). Might consider trying it before plunking down a couple hundred dollars on a new tank.

 

Is it time??

 

For that .gif? I can't fathom why anytime wouldn't be a good time for that...

 

you could try a pipe tap and plug it.

 

Yeah no shit.

Just get a 3/8's pipe tap. Drill the hole out to a 5/16 or 11/32 or whatever the 3/8 tap calls for? Then either get a brass or PVC 3/8's plug and with a little teflon tape and plug that hole up.

 

3/8 NPT drill size is 9/16.
If the hole is small enough, 1/4" pipe could work since the drill size is 7/16.

 

Anyone stealing gas sure isn't doing it to feed his/her family, I can guarantee that.

These are the same people who sleep all day while you are at work, and come out from under their rock late at night to steal/rob/vandalize your hard earned shit.

One doesn't need to resort to a firearm to protect oneself, who's to say Scummy McShitbum didn't have static electricity on him when he drilled out your tank and suddenly got crispy?

 

Yeah now that you say that the 3/8 is a little beefy.

Just make sure you have a plug for the size you are doing before you drill.

But I would for sure use pipe thread before bolt thread. Because it is tapered and will seal better.

 

Well if I find a tap and valve installed in the bottom of my gas tank, I will know who to have questioned first now!

 

That is just what I have heard that the "professional" gas thieves do now, not me. I haven't siphoned gas since I was a kid, and back then all you needed was a piece of hose and your mouth.

 

You've missed the forest for the trees. Sending PM.

 

Put in a fumoto valve so the thief doesn't have to waste time drilling a hole and you can re-fill without having to go through the hassle of sealing the hole.

 

The person is a thief, a piece of shit. Breaking the law, on the look out, and very nervous... because he's a low life stealing, and he knows it's wrong.
Yet if I engage him and kick his ass, people defend him, fuck that

 

Well said

 

There's a time and a place for all discussions.......but this thread should.......

Went from a hole in a gas tank to justifiable homicide......sheesh...