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[Peter 53]

I have a brand new tank that I guess I will have to 'seal' before filling it up... has anyone got any recommendations for products? I'm also told it'll need pressure testing before painting - who has done this and what does it entail?
Cheers all and hope you are enjoying the sunshine!

[Alan R]

Hello PETER 53 ------------- What material is it made of ?? If Glass-fibre then I would say "Yes, have it done right away"----but if its a metal one then what's the point ?? The Ethanol in petrol--( Possibly up to 10%) doesn't harm the steel in itself BUT, if the fuel is left standing for long periods then the water content that can be part of the Petrol/ethanol mix falls to the bottom of the tank and it's this that starts the rot ---usually within the seams. Of course you can have it done now and that would be that-----------any of the major players who advertise are OK. Personally I use Tank Care Products as they guarantee to be at 10% proof.They can also pressure test if needed, I believe.( Usual disclaimer).Have a look at this }---------http://www.frost.co.uk/protect-your-veh ... ---------- and this}----- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol_fuel--------- A tad heavy going but you can see what's already going on.

[Peter 53]

Thanks Alan - to be honest I just wanna put the thing on the bike and brush paint it with hammerite, fill up and ride about!

[stinkwheel]

I've never sealed the inside of a new metal tank. There is a theoretical possability of water pooling in the bottom of the tank BUT as anyone who understands the corrosion process will tell you, corrosion requires the presence of iron, water and oxygen. Remove one of these and corrosion will not occur. Water sinks below petrol, petrol does not readily dissolve oxygen so it acts as a barrier to corrosion. A full tank will never rust, it's only the parts of a tank exposed to air that rust.

I've never heard of someone pressure testing a motorcycle fuel tank. There should never be any pressure in it. There should be a breather either in the cap or elsewhere to maintain it at atmospheric pressure. If there isn't, a vacuum will form as fuel runs out of the tank and the fuel flow will eventually stop as a result.

The only thing I'd take issue with is your proposed use of hammerite. It is difficult to get a good finish and takes weeks to fully harden, during which time any dings, knocks or splatted insects will mark it.

Primer, paint then laquer or a two-pack epoxy would be a better bet.

[Peter 53]

Cheers for that Stinkwheel... i've bee reading up on Petseal and other products for sealing tanks and not many folk have good things to say about them! Paint-wise it is currently bare and fairly scratched so I want to put several thick layers of paint on until it can be sanded and prepped for a half-decent finish. But as I am inpatient, impulsive and thrill-seeking I want my new tank mounted now!

[stinkwheel]

I'd definately err away from hammerite then if you're wanting to recoat it at some point in the future. I'd suggest a few coats of zinc oxide primer to be going on with.----------------

A clean with hot soapy water followed by fresh water inside and out, a rinse off with a solvent to thoroughly degrease the outside (eg brake cleaner) than heating the tank up so it's nice and warm prior to painting will give you superior keying, a nice even finish and prevent blistering from any remaining fuel vapour. I usually do any metal componants I'm going to paint with the cheapest hot wash cycle at my local filling station as part of the prep.

[simon]

POR15 make an excellent tank sealer that really sticks and is totally inert once cured but I agree that if it's a new tank as long as you don't put the bike away for long periods with a half empty tank it should be fine as is.

[Jack]

I used Cassel,as sold by this site,and i think it's a good idea to do it as these tanks tend to have lot's of rust and gunk in them too.One tin did 2 tanks also.

[Anders F. R.]

Bill Hirsch tank sealer is highly recommended! I treated the tank on my Model G with this 10 years ago, and it still looks like new inside. It comes in a kit with cleaner, etcher and sealer. It is also ethanol resistant. Just to mention yet another product..... .-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Regards, Anders F. R.

[Alan R]

Whoops---------I think we need to be careful about putting Brand names on our hosts site, lads !! Just as a reminder--- E10 fuel (ie 10% Ethanol/90% Petrol) WILL be selling in the UK at some time in the near future so best make sure that whatever product you use now is at least 10% proof. Earlier products from a few years back are probably not and certainly any glass-fibre product isn't. I don't like this any more than you do but ignoring the facts won't make them go away and could certainly make it expensive to say the least. ........."CRASH" !!!........OH !! my soapbox just collapsed.