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Fuel Tank Sealer Breaking Down

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by GREASER815, May 20, 2012.

  1. GREASER815
    Joined: Dec 2, 2008
    Posts: 973

    GREASER815
    Member

    Well, heading home from a cruise last night and broke down. Lost fuel to the carb and could not get it going. Ended up trailering it home and looked into it today. I have never had any issues until this spring with fuel. Looking into my filter it looks like pieces of latex paint. I know the previous owner had the gas tank restored and sealed about 2 years ago. Only thing I can figure is the sealer is coming off and plugging my pickup tube. Have any of you run into this? I am going to go with a new poly tank but just thought I would ask to se if this is a common problem.
     
  2. I had the same problem years ago with the gas tank on my 48 Panhead. The sealer slowly let go - can't remember what sealer I used. A new gas tank is the answer - good luck.

    Mark
     
  3. Mercchev
    Joined: Dec 22, 2004
    Posts: 605

    Mercchev
    Member

    Yeah, had it happen in mine too. Took the sender out and put a new screen on the pickup...that kept me going til I could redo the tank.
     
  4. Low57F100
    Joined: Feb 5, 2012
    Posts: 54

    Low57F100
    Member

    i used to do motorcycle tanks all the time up till 10 years ago or so using the commonly available "Kreem" kits. they either changed the formula or the ethanol in the fuel eats its but i wont do it any more do to the exact issue you are having.
     
  5. GassersGarage
    Joined: Jul 1, 2007
    Posts: 4,726

    GassersGarage
    Member

    My buddy had that problem so I've never used sealer on a tank.
     
  6. stewdecky
    Joined: Apr 30, 2010
    Posts: 100

    stewdecky
    Member
    from Kansas

    Mine went down and I put on a new fuel pump and wasted my time. I finally took the tank out and the top half of the liner was peeling off and rust was everywhere. The gas i drained out looked like iced tea. Got one made of stainless steel and won't have to worry now. Won't use the sealer again.
     
  7. GREASER815
    Joined: Dec 2, 2008
    Posts: 973

    GREASER815
    Member

    I am looking at the poly tanks, cant afford a stainless one and every new vehicle on the road is running poly with no issues. Around $200 for everything doesn't seem too bad.
     
  8. tb33anda3rd
    Joined: Oct 8, 2010
    Posts: 17,588

    tb33anda3rd
    Member

    i had it happen before, cut the tank open and found the sealer let loose because the tank was not cleaned well enough.
     
  9. CutawayAl
    Joined: Aug 3, 2009
    Posts: 2,144

    CutawayAl
    Member
    from MI

    Even before modern fuels I know of cases where the sealer separated in sheets. The inside of the tank should be chemically clean. Depending on the tank that could mean mechanically cleaning by sloshing with abrasive, acid cleaning, strong solvents or detergents, etc. These sealers are not all the same, so do some research. It has been a while since I have bought any so I am not up to date.

    This guy has a good product. Not sure if anything better has come along since I used it. http://www.hirschauto.com/
     
  10. Model T1
    Joined: May 11, 2012
    Posts: 3,309

    Model T1
    Member

    It's the great fuel we are buying cheap. Or is it the cheap fuel we are buying? It desolves everything. The poly tank is the way to go. I can't see everyone spending a fortune on stainless. We're only gonna live so long. You can walk down to JC Whitney and buy a new poly tank.
    Take that old sealed tank over and throw it over Starved Rock like the Indians who jumped when I was a kid. The Carp will love it.
     
  11. GREASER815
    Joined: Dec 2, 2008
    Posts: 973

    GREASER815
    Member


    It's like you have been here before......
     
  12. haul'n ash
    Joined: Aug 24, 2008
    Posts: 38

    haul'n ash
    Member

    Here's my two cents. Car stopped twice on me, restarted after waiting a little while, made me late to work, that was it. I run clear filters right at the tank to keep an eye on things. Found this red transparent material in the filter. Cut the top out of the tank, s****ed out the "sealer", wire wheel polished the inside of the the tank with a die grinder, and welded the tank back together. (DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME KIDS!) The sad part was that the previous owner meant well, but the tank was in nice shape inside anyway.
     
  13. tfeverfred
    Joined: Nov 11, 2006
    Posts: 15,788

    tfeverfred
    Member Emeritus

    Would ethanol be the cause? I've read it can break down the inside of tanks that once used regular gas as well. (regular as in just plain gas)
     
  14. Willy301
    Joined: Nov 16, 2007
    Posts: 1,426

    Willy301
    Member

    I had a tank lined 3 days ago...but it is an air tank, not going to put fuel in it. The little 12v compressor makes so much water, even with a filter, it is hard to stay ahead of draining it. And no, not using it for airride....
     
  15. Randy in Oklahoma
    Joined: Sep 18, 2008
    Posts: 301

    Randy in Oklahoma
    Member
    from Oklahoma

    Yep, same problem with sealer in old pickup.

    I got around it for a while by putting a marine fuel/water filter on, that uses a filter canister about the size of a an oil filter. You can get the mount and filter for about $20 at Academy sporting goods in this part of the world. Replacement filters are less than $10.

    Eventually bought a new tank.
     
  16. 40FordGuy
    Joined: Mar 24, 2008
    Posts: 2,907

    40FordGuy
    Member

    I'm all about the new tank method............ Worth the $$, in breakdown prevention.

    4TTRUK
     

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