Fuel tank issues

mynameismud · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 3:05 pm Post subject: Fuel tank issues

Ok- I had used the POR 15 fuel tank sealer according to the directions (this was 2 yrs. ago), and after recent running issues, I drained the tank last weekend. Just now I got under there to re-install the fuel tap and there was a piece of silver partially blocking the hole. So, I slowly pulled it out with needle-nose pliers, then there was more and more and more. (like a magician pulling scarfs out of his sleeve). Shocked

So, now WTF...why would it flake off like this? I followed the directions to a "T" let it set for the recommended time and such..Now, do I pull the engine and have the tank flushed at a radiator shop- or flush it with a hose, dry it and give it another try?...

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sloans265 · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 3:11 pm Post subject:

I have seen POR-15 do exactly what they say it does. But I've seen it do what its not suppose to even when applied correctly. This isn't the first or second time I've seen this. Might have something to do with just how bad the tank is to begin with.
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mynameismud · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 3:41 pm Post subject:

the tank was really dry when i got it- i should have avoided messing with it all -together...betting that made it worse.. Rolling Eyes

or i should have taken it to a radiator shop to begin with..
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mynameismud · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 6:17 pm Post subject:

anyone have any thoughts?
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Culito · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 8:34 pm Post subject:

Take it out, drop a length of chain in there, shake the crap out of it...
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dms · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 11:55 pm Post subject: gas tanks

I have used a marine epoxy several times on various fuel tanks and had exellent results , I coat it on the outside and just clean the inside really well. Either way all that stuff inside has to come out as it rolls around in the tank it will get smaller and the it will plug the screen , or build up in the carb . Best of luck . Smile

mynameismud · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 4:52 am Post subject:

yah- just pisses me off that i have to pull the engine - because of this..
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pyrOman · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 7:01 am Post subject:

IMHO unless there simply isn't a replacement tank available, the costs, time and trouble to do this "sealing" is far more than just buying a new one. Confused

Not to rub it in and I realize not everyone has access to the proper tools and/or friends, but I had a firend make an all aluminum 17.5 gallon tank for my bus. Have had absolutely no issues going on 7+ years. He's made aluminum tanks for boats many times before so I was sure mine would hold up well. Smile

Good luck on your "fix"! Cool

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Clara · Samba Member Joined: June 14, 2003 Posts: 12600

That sucks! Guess you have to pull the tank and clean that crud out, or get another tank.

Personally, I've never bothered to 'reseal' a tank, and it's been fine.
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roberto · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 7:32 am Post subject:

Try contacting por 15 and see what they are willing to do. (warraty wise) they like to boast on how great of a product they have.

I hope mine does't start to come undone.

mynameismud · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:12 am Post subject:

i'm sure it's not a por -15 issue (thou a local guy, stated he would never use it) - + i think it would be difficult to prove. This a.m. the only local guy i could find after calling 5 other radiator shops, tell me he charges between $250-$350 to flush, repair and coat a tank (he uses some red rubber material to coat it inside/out..depending on what's needed.
I'll just pull it and see what's up-
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mynameismud · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:13 am Post subject:

Spezialist · Banned Joined: July 01, 2005 Posts: 1941

I have heard in a classic motorcycle forum that anything but metal in gas tanks is no good because of the ethanol in gas today. I think I also saw that they reformulated the inside liner to withstand this. I wouldn't use the stuff. Vintage bikes are also suffering because some have fibreglass tanks and apparently they melt altogether.
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mynameismud · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:21 am Post subject:

well - crap...one of the local places "Redi-strip" that does tanks is owned by a co-workers husband..time to deal... Wink

so- what's everyones feeling...to seal (coat) the inside or no? I perfer to not mess with this again. Do I have to recoat- if I get it striped?
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Major Woody · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:30 am Post subject:

I would get it dip stripped and have the interior phosphated, then just keep her full of gas.

localboy · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:32 am Post subject:

I was forced to "boil" and re-seal my Notch tank. They don't make 'em anymore, if you get my drift. The local radiator shop that did it sealed it with a somewhat translucent red substance. Seems to be working fine but I've only had gas in it for three months. Cost me $240 but I had no choice. They guaranteed it would not leak or break down.

On the Westy I just bought a new tank from Busboys. IIRC it was like $100+/-. A little thinner gauge steel that OG but nice, clean & new. The OG one was so bad with rust, varnish etc I figured it wasn't worth the time/effort involved to use it for the $100 for a new one. Hopefully you can work a good deal. Good luck.
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pyrOman · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:32 am Post subject:

Again, a new tank is what, about $100, versus a dip-strip-seal job?!?!? Confused

I'd rather have a new tank made or just buy one! Cool

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Stocknazi · Samba Member Joined: June 18, 2004 Posts: 5454

i would also recommend contacting por-15 and make a report that their product did not perform properly. at the very least you should recieve a refund on the tank products you used. if it were me and i was going to keep the bus i would look for another used tank, even a later model tank that has a fuel sender if you can't find an early one. removing the motor is good practice and not that much trouble anyway. however it does suck having to do soming to your bus b/c you thought you had covered all the angles the first time around.
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localboy · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:50 am Post subject:

$98 + frt

http://www.bus-boys.com/
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mynameismud · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 9:35 am Post subject:

havent people been having issues with repro tanks? mines a '56-
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