gas tank sealant ,new over old,any problem ?

[37coop]

Hello , my 51 F1 gas tank ,on my first run after restoration it stopped with a piece of debris blocking the gas pipe ,after limping home I emptied the remains of the gas and had some bits and pieces in the container ,I took the tank out and took it to my radiator man who also cuts tanks open cleans them then solders them back , he wouldn't do mine as it has old sealant in it ,it appears that most of the rubbish in it has come out,my question is will new sealant over the old sealant work ,I don't want to ship a repro tank to the u.k unless I really have to and the tank apart from this problem seems good ,I don't know how old the old sealant is , many thanks , Jim.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 37coop

Hello , my 51 F1 gas tank ,on my first run after restoration it stopped with a piece of debris blocking the gas pipe ,after limping home I emptied the remains of the gas and had some bits and pieces in the container ,I took the tank out and took it to my radiator man who also cuts tanks open cleans them then solders them back , he wouldn't do mine as it has old sealant in it ,it appears that most of the rubbish in it has come out,my question is will new sealant over the old sealant work ,I don't want to ship a repro tank to the u.k unless I really have to and the tank apart from this problem seems good ,I don't know how old the old sealant is , many thanks , Jim.

Typically, the answer is "no".
The new sealant can only adhere as good as the surface it is being applied to is prepared.
In other words, if the old sealant is beginning to come off, the new stuff will come off with it.
If you are fairly confident the old sealant has dislodged from all the places it was loose, you might try to use the tank as is.
Me? I'd be very apprehensive...

[TJ]

Just buy a new tank. The money you will spend trying to clean an old tank will be as much as you would spend on a new tank.

[G.M.]

Try removing the old coatings with acetone or MEK. This should desolve the old material but will need to soak a while. G.M.

[37coop]

Originally Posted by TJ

Just buy a new tank. The money you will spend trying to clean an old tank will be as much as you would spend on a new tank.

Not with shipping to the u.k and then our robbing tax man this end ,thanks

[alanwoodieman]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

drop a length of heavy chain into the tank, leave a string attached to it for removal, get a buddy to help you shake it around pretty hard, just did that to a previosly sealed tank and the old coating came out in sheets, steamed clean and did the same again, not much junk came out--then used the new Pour 15 gas tank sealer, followed directions and it came out great-remember the tank has to be dry.

[Karl Wolf]

This is a stock gas tank for a 48-52 Ford F1. I had it cleaned 3 years ago. It has NO fuel in it since. It's been in my garage. I decided not to use it and went with a under bed tank. I have the filler neck and will throw it in with the tank.
Tank is in good shape.
Great for your hot rod, resto, or driver project. I will throw in the filler neck as well.

Call text or email for info 916-768-4652

-----------------I am not selling this, but hope that it is of interest to the original poster- I spotted it on SF, Ca. Craiglist just now... It's in Rocklin- just outside Sacramento, Ca.

Karl

[37coop]

Yup,i think I,ll try Woodieman,s idea first, thanks for your input guys,Jim.

[trainguy]

If you cut the top off you would have a better idea as to what you are dealing with,it suer make cleaning much easier.I am sure your rad. shop would solder the top back on after you removed the old lining.If it were mine I would rethink putting sealer back in the tank and maybe repeating the problem.Phil

[G.M.]

Originally Posted by trainguy

If you cut the top off you would have a better idea as to what you are dealing with,it suer make cleaning much easier.I am sure your rad. shop would solder the top back on after you removed the old lining.If it were mine I would rethink putting sealer back in the tank and maybe repeating the problem.Phil

Do the solvent before trying to remove the dry stuff. I would try to remove the old coatings then use acid to remove the rust. Just piling on more coating will become a bigger problem. G.M.

[37coop]

Originally Posted by trainguy

If you cut the top off you would have a better idea as to what you are dealing with,it suer make cleaning much easier.I am sure your rad. shop would solder the top back on after you removed the old lining.If it were mine I would rethink putting sealer back in the tank and maybe repeating the problem.Phil

Trainguy you are spot on ,I picked the tank up from my man this morning ,he cut 3 holes in the rear for me and this afternoon I started scraping the old sealant ,its going to be a tedious job,it has 3 sections and I,v almost finished the first also using a flame to melt some of the difficult to scrape ,and as you said my man is going to solder it for me when its finished .......10 out of 10 Trainguy and as you said I don't think I will reseal it , cheers Jim.

[37coop]

Originally Posted by G.M.

Do the solvent before trying to remove the dry stuff. I would try to remove the old coatings then use acid to remove the rust. Just piling on more coating will become a bigger problem. G.M.

thanks G.m, I will take your advice and use rust remover at the finish
thanks to all for your help , Jim.