Checking a Gas Tank

[Zetman]

I pulled the gas tank out of my boat when re-doing my floor. My question is how do I test to see if this tank is any good. I bought the boat used and had to remove about 5 gallons befor re-moving it. It is a large metal tank out of a 70 GulfStream. I want to make sure it does'nt leak first. The gas that came out looked O.K. ..no rust, just smelled bad. Can I sand and coat the whole tank in some kind of sealant?
Thanks, Zetman

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Checking a Gas Tank

Seal up the fill, vent and fuel supply openings and pump a couple of PSI of air into it. Now brush it with soapy water and watch for bubbles. If no bubbles, it doesn't leak.

 

[andy6374]

Re: Checking a Gas Tank

The above advice is correct for testing a tank.

BUT...MAKE SURE that you give the tank NO MORE than 2psi. You'll want a large dial gauge with no more than 10psi range, 5 psi is better. HVAC distributors sell them.


If it checks out then clean thoroughly and then wipe down a few times with wax and grease remove. Sand with an emory cloth and blow the sanding debris off. Then you'll have to use a metal primer, self-etching zinc chromates work the best. Then you can essentially but alot of different epoxy based sealants over the tank. Coal tar epoxy and Interlux Interprotect to name a few.

 

[Zetman]

Re: Checking a Gas Tank

Thankyou for the information..Zet