Inboard gas tank sealer?

[nightstalker]

The 40 gal. gas tank in my buddies rig is about 25 years old (aluminum). It still works fine but was wondering if there is a gas tank sealer, coating that can be applied to increase the life of the tank?
Nightstalker

 

[Ned L]

Re: Inboard gas tank sealer?

There are gas tank sealers which are quite effective, however they require rolling the tank around with a small amount of sealer inside to coat the entire inside of the tank. Unless you can remove the tank from the boat this may be rather difficult.

 

[abj87]

Re: Inboard gas tank sealer?

as long as the tank is free of corrosion (surface oxidation is ok and actually protects it), there is not much that can go wrong with an alum tank.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: Inboard gas tank sealer?

There are gas tank sealers which are quite effective, however they require rolling the tank around with a small amount of sealer inside to coat the entire inside of the tank. Unless you can remove the tank from the boat this may be rather difficult.

Removing the tank would not be a problem, but knowing my buddy, he would probably leave the tank in place and roll the boat a few times. Seriously, can we find that type of sealer at Boater's World or West Marine? If not, where can I find it?
Nightstalker

 

[Ned L]

Re: Inboard gas tank sealer?

Tank sealer should be available at good auto parts stores. It is used mostly by guys that restore old / antique cars, farm tractors, & the like, I think it runs about $35 a quart. Yes, you really need to pull the tank, wash it out well, dry it, plug all the holes & pour a god bit in, then roll the tank all around, then pour out the excess (excess can be saved & re-used). Not a bad idea to give it two coats a couple of days apart.
Seriously though, if the tank in a boat were in that poor condition that you really think it needs this I would really recommend replacing the tank. (Forgetting EPA stuff for a minute here) If the tank in a car or old farm tractor leaks you will see it from the stain / puddle under it, without too much risk. If the tank in a boat leaks you will fill the bilge with gas & fumes & may not know it until it blows up. A fuel tank in a boat takes a harder beating than on in a car - 40 gallons sloshing around as the boat pounds into a head sea is tough on the seams.

 

[john from md]

Re: Inboard gas tank sealer?

Go to a motorcycle store and ask for Cream or Kream (forget the spelling) This is an epoxy material that is specifically made for sealing tanks with minimum work. You do have to roll the tank around to coat all the areas. For a forty gallon tank, you may need a gallon of this stuff and a couple of guys to spin the tank to cover it well. It works great and last for the life of the tank.

John