Technical POR 15 gas tank sealant removal ?

Hello ,

I have a steel gas tank which was sealed with a Por 15 kit (cleaner ,Metal ready etc )a few years ago.

I am modifying the tank now & when finished intend sealing again with Por 15 .

Has anyone practical experience of the best means of removing the existing sealer ?
( Presumably new Por 15 isn't going to adhere to older Por 15 ).

One option is to get the tank sandblasted before welding in the new bits ,but I think a smooth surface may be more suitable for proper ,longlasting application of Por 15 ,rather than the rougher blasted surface.

Another option may be to weld in the new bits if there is a liquid that will strip the old Por15.

Heat any good ?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

I'd sandblast and make it rough.
I've seen por15 come off in sheets because it was applied to a smooth surface. It is designed for rusty rough metal.

 

1. welding on a tank that has been used is a welders no-no.........
2. on the other hand sandblasting the inside of a tank will be very hard to do to get all of the old sealer removed.......
3. heating the metal will release the por-15.......another no-no for a used tank

 

Why don't you call the POR 15 folks and ask them they have tech service?

 

I would think it would not be possible to sand blast it off.

 

News to me. I've welded many used tanks.

Fill with water, shake, drain, purge fumes and weld away.

As to the original question, blasting would be best, POR needs a rough surface to adhere properly.

If it were me I would blast it and not seal it at all, eventually that sealer always seems to come loose and create havoc with the fuel system.

 

I have removed Cream sealer from motorcycle tanks with MEK, can't recall removing POR15. I put roofing nails in along with the MEK and shook it around over the course of a couple of days.