Tank Liners...Input Please.

[nejeff]

Got a tank with a seam leak. It was Por 15'd around 2012 and it never really took. Someone suggested you could use Caswells Sealer right over the top of old liners.

Thoughts?

[Big T]

No way, no how

Liners fail most often due to poor preparation, which is why the existing one didn't "take". From the Caswell's instructions:

Application Instructions - Read The PDF
All traces of oil and gasoline should first be removed by pouring about 1 pint of acetone or lacquer thinner into the tank, and rotating the tank several times to thoroughly sluice the sides with solvent. Dispose of the contaminated solution.

When recoating your gas tank from failed Kreem or POR-15 tank sealers, remove the old, failed coating using a paint stripper containing Methylene Chloride.

Place a hand full of drywall screws into the tank and shake them around vigorously for several minutes. These will dislodge any loose particles of rust. In the case of Fiberglass and plastic tanks, this will rough up the tank interior, improving adhesion.

Rinse out the tank with about 1-pint of acetone or lacquer thinner, then set aside and allow to dry. Use an airline to blow air into the tank to aid drying.

[tas850g]

I took my tank to a radiator shop and had it red koted. It’s been great since. It cost around $100-$150. Well worth it in my mind.

[chuck hahn]

Caswell 2 part liner kit or POR 15 here. Cant stand red kote. looks like schit and isnt very workable in my opinion

[Nessism]

I've been down the rabbit hole several times stripping out old liners before applying new and it's NOT a fun task. And since the tank is leaking now that makes the project that much worse because whatever you put inside the tank to strip it will leak out and make a mess.

What I've had the best results with is heavy duty paint stripper, the stuff that requires mineral spirits to remove, along with uncoated aquarium rocks. The rocks are to help scrub the surface of the metal. Some people use larger bits like screws and such instead of rocks but in my experience those larger parts won't reach into the nooks and crannies inside the tank. Anyway, dump in a gallon of stripper, some abrasive media, plug up securely and shake like hell. Then repeat the shaking every 15 mins or so until the liner is loose and gummy.

While the stripper is working there will be pressure build up inside the tank so be sure to release this or the tank will pooch out and swell like a balloon. Don't ask how I know this!

If all goes well the liner will release in a day or so of this process. I'd hold onto the stripper/gravel slurry until you are sure all the liner is gone inside, and the only way to know this is to dump out the slurry and rinse first. Huge pain in the butt. Sometimes it's back and forth several times before the liner is all gone. You have to use an inspection mirror and flashlight so you can look all around inside the tank to be sure it's clear.

And regarding liners, Caswell's is the stuff I'd use if the tank is leaking. It's thick as cold honey and will plug up holes better than more fluid liners.

GOOD LUCK!

[jsandidge]

To remove the liner, you could have a bonfire like Chuck!

[nejeff]

Sounds like this is going have to be a total interior cleaning, the usual rust removal techniques. I had heard the Caswells worked right over the old liner but I guess that is not the case.

Better get to work I guess if I want to save it

[uteman]

Whilst I cannot contribute to removal methods I hope you do not mind if I suggest a tank sealer that you may not have seen before being an Aussie product

https://www.redwhiteandblue.com.au/

I have used others before and was very pleased with the ease of use this product provides. Worth a look anyway

[Burque73]

A very timely thread here as I just noticed a strong gas smell when I walked into the garage. Tiny pinholes literally just opened up. Looks like I'll be lining my tank soon.

[salty_monk]

Cross Ref to another active relevant thread:

https://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?253958-POR-15-Fuel-Tank-Repair-Kit-Lessons-Learned-and-Proper-Application

[wymple]

I only use Red-Kote. It's been perfect, Seals anything, sticks to anything so the tank doesn't need to be all that well prepped, and is tough as a basketball. I spilled a little in the garage years ago. I let it set up and nothing short of fire is going to remove it now.