Fuel tank sealing

[Roger]

This is not so much a project but some information. This is something I am considering because of the crazy temperature ranges some of us experience in North America.
I was wondering if this is something I should do? I don't like adding things like Isopropyl Alcohol to suspend water from condensation in my fuel. For storing the bike, I have run the bike with Sea Foam added and stored the bike with the same in the tank.
I can't find information on whether or not Triumph has a factory coating in the tanks. I doubt it. So looking around at tank options, fiberglass tanks to be specific, I found some useful stuff to read up on.

This is taken from an FAQ on this site: http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/miscpages/faq.htm#tank

- Can I use pump gas in your racing fuel tanks?
No, UNLESS the tank has been epoxy coated. Modern pump gas is pretty crappy stuff. It can contain up to 10% ethanol, fuel injector cleaners, ketones and other additives that can wreak havoc on a fiberglass tank. Even though we use a high-end aircraft quality vinylester sealer on all of our tanks, it is possible a reaction may occur between pump gas and the tank liner.
Lately, we have discovered there are race fuels out there that are oxygenated and use ethanol as the oxygen carriers. This type of race fuel may cause a reaction, so please do your research prior to filling up. -

- also -

- However, if you wish to install a fuel tank coating yourself the following brand is commonly used for fuel tank protection and restauration Caswell Plating -

http://www.caswellplating.com/restoration-aids/epoxy-gas-tank-sealer.html

Their Canadian site is here:

http://www.caswellcanada.ca/shop/product.php?productid=29772&cat=132&page=1

Fuel injected bikes would of course need the pump removed before doing an internal coating.

So, is this something some of us should look at, or do the tanks hold up over the long run pretty good?

 

[drlapo]

thanks for the link
I have to clean and seal the tanks on a 1970 Triumph and a 65 BSA

 

[B06Tang]

Definitely a useful item to tuck away for a later day. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Flaco]

I use POR15 on my fuel tanks. Works perfectly after cut and weld tank mods.
http://www.por15.com/HEAVY-DUTY-CYCLE-TANK-REPAIR-KIT_p_60.html

 

[Roger]

The POR15 looks like a real good product. I think that would be good for tanks that actually have some rust damage. Now we have two choices for sealing. Good stuff.

 

[Flaco]

I learned about it from LMT…
It worked great for me and the cost will aid in confidence with no worries…
That said, I have heard Caswell is well, a good product…
Me, POR15...

 

[britman]

POR 15 is the best I have ever found. I have used it on a bunch of old projects, some even with small leaks, it has never failed. On the current old Triumph I just picked up the PO has used Kreem, although it seems to be holding up OK, it looks like crap, like dried buttermilk. POR15 leaves a nice grey gun metal hard finish.