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Message started by Ruttly on 06/04/18 at 19:39:15

Title: Fuel tank coating
Post by Ruttly on 06/04/18 at 19:39:15

I'm considering coating my fuel tank and have some questions. Who makes the best coating kit ? And what are the pros & cons of coating the tank ? Tank was modified by RYCA and then again to remove the unsightly speedo hole. It's going to look so much better. Thanks for any advice.

Title: Re: Fuel tank coating
Post by stewmills on 06/04/18 at 21:37:40

If you mean internal, i have used RedKote on a severely rusted 4 wheeler tank with good results. Key was removing rust with muriatic acid and small nails as an abrasive, flushing with water then 2 rinses with acetone, immediately followed by the product, which is acetone based. I did 2 or 3 coats because of my tanks condition.

Title: Re: Fuel tank coating
Post by sandmanred on 06/05/18 at 02:53:39

I've used the 2 part epoxy version with okay results. I say okay because on aluminum they suggest you do an etch with something caustic. Even though I rinsed as prescribed the caustic lodged in the pinholes and bubbled up through the pinholes months after finishing when the tank sat in the sun. I don't think steel needs the etching so you should not experience what I did.

I've heard the redkote version eventually delaminates and causes troubles down the road. If you go epoxy just don't cheap out like I did and buy a kit that's too small.

For the epoxy version the pros would be that any pinhole leaks are sealed. Cons would be that any future mods that require welding are complicated by the need cut open and remove the lining in the weld areas and then reseal.

Title: Re: Fuel tank coating
Post by stewmills on 06/05/18 at 06:49:20

31232C262F232C302726420 wrote:

I've heard the redkote version eventually delaminates and causes troubles down the road. If you go epoxy just don't cheap out like I did and buy a kit that's too small.

Can't say I totally disagree with this thought. If not properly prepared, I can see where this may be possible especially if there is ANY source of oil or residue in the tank, which is why the acid and acetone prep are critical. It dries, literally, just like the hard candy shell of a candy apple coating and I can see that if it ever starts to get compromised and peel it'll probably all come off. My application was done maybe 18 months ago and so far it is holding up. Time will tell.

Attached pic after 1 coat.

Title: Re: Fuel tank coating
Post by engineer on 06/05/18 at 09:00:40

I used Redkote on an old Honda tank and it did the job but I eventually let the same bike sit with fuel in it for 2 or 3 years and I noticed that the fuel had taken on a red tint when I drained it. It seemed like some of the Redkote had been dissolved into it but there is still an adequate coating in there and it was simple and easy to apply. Will I use it again on another project, I'm still debating that.

Title: Re: Fuel tank coating
Post by norm92de on 06/05/18 at 10:30:00

I always put a tiny drop of engine oil in the fuel, about 400/1. My tank always looks pristine. Anything to try to offset the bloody ethanol which is unavoidable here. :'(

Title: Re: Fuel tank coating
Post by Dave on 06/06/18 at 04:13:36

I have used Kreem and Eastwood sealers - but the POR15 epoxy is my current favorite.

You need to use it with a warm tank and warm garage, as the sealer gets really thick in colder temperatures and is hard to get sloshed around the tank when it is like molasses.