Fuel tank linings.

Hi Kev

Following the introduction of additional problems caused by ethanol in petrol, I was recommended 'Caswell' tank liner as both effective and reliable?

Peter

Greetings,

Apparently (technically here-say because I can find no hard evidence to support various web claims) but Hardly Dangerous do use a tank sealer in their bike (tractor) tanks direct from the factory to take care of the odds & sods fuels available in the US and beyond. It was suggested that this was the Caswell product:

http://www.caswellplating.com.au/store/store.php/products/epoxy-fuel-tank-sealer

I have NOT used this product as all my tanks are steel and as such have used successfully the POR-15 product which has been excellent and used in my Interstate tank (and others) for several years, with no issue. Its like flint.

There is another product:

http://www.kbs-coatings.com.au/product/gold-standard-tank-sealer/

but I don't know anyone who has used this one.

POR-15 do not support plastic or fiberglass tanks, so you appear to be pretty limited.......

Finally:

http://www.tankcareproducts.co.uk/

Good luck!

Rgds Steve

Kev, you could always use Esso Synergy Supreme+ (Red label) outside of the UK's ethanol zones. This is E0 and about all we have at the pumps. Problem comes if you want to tour Scotland or the SW in the UK, or the continent. If you intend on using E5 or worse, E10 then ensure your fuel hoses and taps are ethanol proof. (More expense)

I had a near miss about 10 years ago, before I knew about ethanol, when my left hand hose (Mk 3 Commando) started to spray fuel into the hot engine. I was so lucky there wasn't a fire but the fact that there was no warning about the effects and danger has enraged me since. The Petseal turning to mush in two slimline tanks is another story.

The UK government is currently looking at abandoning the 2020 renewable energy targets, ethanol is a part of this, so perhaps there may be more E0 available in the future? At least give us all a choice. Might see you at the Pateley Bridge MG rally in August?

Previously Kevin Feltoe wrote:

Having just had a cracking evening drive in my MG and now sitting here with a coldErdinger Weisbier in total satisfaction, it occurs to me that as my spare fibreglass Interstate tank; unused for some 15 years at least,fitsand looks so good on the Commando I really ought to consider having it linedand painted.

Can anyone recommend a lining; preferably one that will work on fibreglass? I know that there are a few different manufacturers, but it would be good to discuss and perhaps end up with thebest product.

If we can come up with an answer I'd be only too happy to report on the actualprocess. At least then we might get some first hand and factual information that would be of use to everyone.

Kev

Hello Kevin

There is some one in Norfolk I have used, he did a very good job on my roadster tank, he will sell the stuff to do yourself however as I have the original paint on my tank I wanted to minimise the risk of damaging it as my tank already had a liner in it that was starting to degrade due to the ethonal and needed to come out I have a look for his number tonight.

I am interested in this for the tank of my long term project Proddie Racer, which is of course also fibreglass. I have two; the original and a Fairspares 'Norvil' replacement, which is about 15 years old, but never been used, or had fuel in it. As I live in the SW, Esso Synergy Supreme is not available here, so it is either regular trips to the local airfield for Avgas, buy an aluminium tank and consign these two to be ornaments, or line them. I believe Avgas has a different burning rate to normal pump fuel, and is best mixed 50/50 with superunleaded, so even that is not a solution here. Caswell does keep popping up as the one for fibreglass tanks, but like you Kev, I would like to hear from anyone who has used these products in them. With fibreglass, unlike a steel tank, one can only have one go at it.

A word of warning, all of these linings either say they are resistant or you must follow a strict procedure.

Caswell

Phenol Novolac Epoxies are a new breed of chemical resistant materials

Sureseal

New Sureseal is now resistant to Unleaded fuel containing Ethanol.

KBS do not use the resistant word but say you must follow their 3 point prep system fully or their lining will fail ie any failure will be blamed on you not following a procedure, as they are in Aus there is no consumer protection to UK consumers anyway.

Ethanol Resistant is not Ethanol proof, it only slows the process not completely stop it, the lining may last for years but eventually it will fail. They have chosen this wording for a reason.

I have toyed with the idea of fitting a butyl rubber lining in the tank with a removable base. It would be worth it on an interstate tank because the size would allow you to loose a little capacity with the bag. The tank would effectively become a supporting shell.

Good idea, David - but according to this:

http://mykin.com/rubber-chemical-resistance-chart-4

... butyl rubber is OK for ethanol but not for gasoline.

http://www.tankcareproducts.co.uk/

I've used the stuff from this fellow (Ian Potter), it works well. I've used it on a fiberglass roadster tank & a mate has used it on a well (& recently) used wideline fiberglass tank. Ian will also line the tank for you, he did my fiberglass fastback tank.

If doing it your self I.M.H.O. buy twice as much as you think you need, me & my mate bought the recommended amount for four tanks but ended up only doing three of them.

Ian Potteris the person in Norfolk mentioned by Ady Strowger

regards Andy

http://www.tankcareproducts.co.uk/

I've used the stuff from this fellow (Ian Potter), it works well. I've used it on a fiberglass roadster tank & a mate has used it on a well (& recently) used wideline fiberglass tank. Ian will also line the tank for you, he did my fiberglass fastback tank.

If doing it your self I.M.H.O. buy twice as much as you think you need, me & my mate bought the recommended amount for four tanks but ended up only doing three of them.

Ian Potteris the person in Norfolk mentioned by Ady Strowger

regards Andy

Previously Kevin Feltoe wrote:

Having just had a cracking evening drive in my MG and now sitting here with a coldErdinger Weisbier in total satisfaction, it occurs to me that as my spare fibreglass Interstate tank; unused for some 15 years at least,fitsand looks so good on the Commando I really ought to consider having it linedand painted.

Can anyone recommend a lining; preferably one that will work on fibreglass? I know that there are a few different manufacturers, but it would be good to discuss and perhaps end up with thebest product.

If we can come up with an answer I'd be only too happy to report on the actualprocess. At least then we might get some first hand and factual information that would be of use to everyone.

Kev

Hi Kev

I've used slosh on a Triumph sprint plastic tank.Had to use all of the tin in the tank. Advertised as only needing half the amount,but to get a good 100% coverage used it all.

Ethanol had expanded my tank,and rotted rubber hoses and O rings.

Have also used another make on a metal Norton tank,which lasted only 6 weeks before it started flaking off! Can't remember the make of that,but it was a two pack.

Be good to get a good recommendation from other members

Kev

I bought a pack of Caswell last year to do my old fibreglass S type tank - but never used it (I sold the bike!) so I can't say? I did hear that it was one of the few that actually worked - this was mostly from US sources who have had to put up with E10 in some areas for over 2 years.

Peter

Peter, I have travelled quite a bit in the US of A and with the exception of CA there is quite a bit of E0 fuel available, some states have actually banned ethanol in gas and E0 is generally available at marina's. (Check our boat tank damage) More choice than the UK.

While I'm at it, anti ethanol stabilisers, such as Millers as one example are not the antidote for ethanol, they simply slow down the destructive process.

There is tank sealer in the NOC shop - why not use that?

It's Ian Potter who did my tank about 5/6 years ago and no problems with it