Tank sealant

[LoftCol]

Has anyone used a tank sealant before, the type that you pour in and slosh around the inside. The reason I ask is that I picked a reasonable condition tank, without any dents or filler but a little rusty on the inside. Put the jet washer in and created a few pin holes in it luckily all-in the same place on the underside. I can patch weld it ok, but there could be a few pin holes and thought that fuel tank sealant would be the answer. Any tips, or things to avoid would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

[cajun31]

What products are available to you? Normally I would tell you to avoid sealer, but based on the fact that you already have pin holes in it a sealer might be you only alternative. If you could patch weld it and solve your problems that would be the better option. Over the years the seal or not seal has been debated. There are a few that have stated it worked for them and others that have stated that over time it has failed. You have to make sure the tank is properly cleaned and prepped before applying a sealant. You have to also start with a good product. Why I asked what is available to you. I am assuming you are going to have to repaint the tank so saving the existing paint job might not be an issue. I say this because over here years ago with my original tank I brought it to a radiator shop. They actually cleaned it and sealed it. Worked out very well for years until I was able to replace later on with a new tank.

[jetmechmarty]

Caswell epoxy would take care of your pinholes. I have two tanks lined with it. It is not solvent based. I expect you must have an epoxy tank liner available to you.

[bikerphil]

If it's just a couple small holes, you could solder them with a soldering gun, not with open flame unless the tank has absolutely no fuel vapors.

[DEEBS11]

https://xs11.club/forum/idle-talk-forum/xs11-xj11-discussion/879266-gas-tank

[cajun31]

One other note to make is to be sure whatever you choose for sealant that it is ethanol resistant. From what little research I have done evidently most the gas over there contains 10% ethanol much like here in the states.

[jetmechmarty]

Resistant to a whole bunch of stuff they put in gasoline. It varies by jurisdiction. Why I choose epoxy.

[DEEBS11]

I have used POR-15 since the late 90's on many bikes including my own. It has never failed. The directions must be followed to the letter (as with any product).

[DEEBS11]

As Marty stated, Caswell is another good product.

[DEEBS11]

Kreem is complete garbage and should be avoided. It only lasted about 20 years in my Indian tanks and then dried out and shattered. I had to strip it out and apply POR-15. Been good ever since.

[DEEBS11]

I have also have success with RED-KOTE on a few tanks.

[jetmechmarty]

I have also have success with RED-KOTE on a few tanks.

I have a tank with Red Kote in it. I’m removing it before I put any gasoline in it. I don’t trust it. I have no direct experience, just feedback I got from a few others.

A tank liner failure if severe enough can lead to a ruined engine.

[DEEBS11]

Yes Marty, I used Red Kote in a 75 Goldwing chopper in 2006 and an antique Skidoo snowmobile in 2018. The chopper is still sealed but it looks like crap. But it is sealed. The Skidoo went off to a customer and I don't know it's whereabouts these days. I did my KZ1000MKII tank with POR-15 in 1999 and it still looks like the day I put it in. POR-15 is in most of my antique bikes. Today, I wouldn't use anything else.

[jetmechmarty]

The scary part is what is in the fuel. The gasoline in Arizona is not the same as the gasoline in Mississippi, etc. What stands up to Mississippi gasoline might fail in California. For that reason, if I need a liner, I use epoxy.
Caswell will permanently fill and fix pin holes. If my tank has a few rust spots and is mostly good, I use Metal Rescue or Evaporust to clean it up and drive on, no liner.

Someone I know had a liner installed by Marbles Motors. His gasoline dissolved it and ruined the engine in his XS-2.

[skids]

Caswell epoxy would take care of your pinholes. I have two tanks lined with it. It is not solvent based. I expect you must have an epoxy tank liner available to you.

Yes, what he said. Prep is definitely important to remove any oily residues. Remove the petcocks and the fuel sending unit. Make appropriate gaskets to plug openings out of innertube material and wood or other backing. Find a way to plug the opening of the overflow tube opening.