Tank sealer for rusty tanks, what to use and when to use it?
Hi all.
I've recently posted regarding what colour to use for my impending tank respray. The tank iself is in good condition but it was quite rusty inside. I've cleaned it up a fair bit with some rust cleaning stuff from bilt hamber which did a good job although I'd like to seal it to make sure it doesn't leak at all. Ideally I'd like to have it sealed before spraying so the new paint job remains intact.
I've never done anything like this before so any information is welcome regarding which sealing kits are good, where to get them and also whether doing it pre or post spraying really matters.
Re: Tank sealer for rusty tanks, what to use and when to use it?
Hi Tony,
I used Tank Cure epoxy coating this summer before I went to Normandy.
The week before I was leaving it came loose again after drying for more then three weeks. So never again for me. I think there's only 5% ethanol in the fuel in the Netherlands but it did solve the coating. And I believe there's 10% ethanol in the petrol in France. (which I didn't use)
But maybe there are other products which can withstand the ethanol.
Re: Tank sealer for rusty tanks, what to use and when to use it?
Tony,
Before applying sealer you should remove the rust or the sealer will soon peel off. Choices are acid dip or electrolysis. Go to http://antique-engines.com/electrol.asp to read about electrolysis using washing soda and a battery charger. This is preferred method: safe, cheap, and effective, with no loss of metal from the tank.
To clean a tank, fill with washing soda solution per the website, suspend a piece of scrap steel inside the filler neck avoiding contact with the tank. Hook up the battery charger (positive to the scrap anode, negative to the tank). Messy, rusty bubbles will spill out of the tank, so do this outdoors to preserve domestic harmony.
I agree with John that Caswell Tank Sealer is the product of choice, particularly if your petrol contains methanol.
Re: Tank sealer for rusty tanks, what to use and when to use it?
What to use? A proper (weld) repair. When? When it leaks. IMHO, stuffing glop in a tank to stop leaks that are not there is bonkers unless you really want to create the potential for future problems with fuel delivery and gummed up jets. Been there ( thanks to a previous owner) and done that. Resist the urge!
Re: Tank sealer for rusty tanks, what to use and when to use it?
Thanks all, some very good ideas there and a very good point raised by Ferg at the end so thanks for input. Will have a chat to the paint guy and see where we're at.
Re: Tank sealer for rusty tanks, what to use and when to use it?
In reality, it is beast not to use any tank sealer and do a proper repair either by replacing the section with the holes or soldering a patch over the outside of the hole.
the promoters of these "wonder products " did an excellent job of brainwashing all & sundry into desperately doing a seal if they saw a speck of rust in the bottom of their tank.
The easiest thing to do is to derust the tank and electrolysis is the best way to go, then either leave it completely full or completely empty when not in use.
The best thing to do is to remove the tanks completely after a ride, draining them then inverting the tank filler caps removed. And if you are really anal or it is a really rare tank a good squirt of INNOX ( not wd 40 , RP 7 ) which will leave a very durable water resistant film inside the tank and give it a twirl.
Re: Tank sealer for rusty tanks, what to use and when to use it?
I'm with Trevor and Ferg on this one, I've only ever welded or brazed a leak. I have also used epoxy resin on the outside of the tank, which is still their 20 years on. I've used a sealant for the first time on my fibreglass tank as the fuel was eating it away. I used Caswell for that and so far no problems. For rusty tanks I shake some small nuts and bolts around in some paraffin, repeat until the paraffin is clear. I guess if the tank is completely rotten, you'd have to use a sealer.
