Coating a Fuel Tank

mason123h · Post by **mason123h** » Tue May 29, 2012 7:09 pm

I will soon need to be coating a fuel tank with sealer. I am new to restoration, and I am wondering what would be a good brand to buy and what are some good ways to apply the sealer.

Thanks for the Help

Hoosier Tom · Post by **Hoosier Tom** » Tue May 29, 2012 8:49 pm

I have used this with good results.
http://www.kbs-coatings.com/cycle-tank-sealer-kit.html

Others have used POR-15 brand.

HT

brewsky · Post by **brewsky** » Wed May 30, 2012 6:21 am

Sealing tanks sounds like a good idea, but I'm not sure it is necessary.

And, if not done correctly, can lead to worse problems than you started with. I've seen several fail, and it sure leaves a mess.

I simply de-rust, spray some WD40 inside to keep from flash rusting, and then fill with new gas. The fresh gas stops any further rusting.

Goodysnap · Post by **Goodysnap** » Wed May 30, 2012 7:53 am

I'm gonna side with Brewsky on this. From what I've read it can lead to quite a mess. However the POR does have a good record of being a good product. I would have to say I would locate a better tank instead of coating at this point if its that bad.

I used the electrolosis method with good results though it takes some time. Realistically probably not more than coating though.

Tango911 · Post by **Tango911** » Wed May 30, 2012 8:04 am

why not just get it clean in side is it that gone. I use Metal Rescue for most of my tanks. You can also, power wash the inside then soak with Snow Bowl cleaner over night. Usually gets it nice and clean.

just my opinion.
steve

Hoosier Tom · Post by **Hoosier Tom** » Wed May 30, 2012 1:04 pm

I clean my tanks and if needed soak with Evapo-Rust, drain & dry then pressure test. If no leaks I fill it with gas and go.
If your tank is good and has no thin spots, previous weld repairs or pinholes clean and use like the guys suggest. If you have a bad tank find another one or repair and coat. I have coated a few tanks for customers at their request and a couple of mine that had been repaired. It's not difficult and if the manufacture's instructions are followed you should have no problems. Kreem tanks sealer was one of the earlier sealers that had a bad reputation for failure and peeling, mainly due to poor prep. I had used it once back in the mid '90s on a 1942 Harley tank and followed the instructions on prep and it held up fine for the 5 years I owned it. It had a few pin holes that I brazed then sealed.

Good Luck- HT