Should I Seal A Brand New Fuel Tank?

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Bill Everett
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Should I Seal A Brand New Fuel Tank?

Post by Bill Everett » Wed Aug 14, 2019 2:58 pm

I was lucky to find a new gas tank.

Before installing it, should I clean and/or seal it to prevent rust?

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George House
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Re: Should I Seal A Brand New Fuel Tank?

Post by George House » Wed Aug 14, 2019 3:25 pm

No. I wouldn’t. Rust is your enemy. Will you pour anything but gasoline in your new tank? Will you leave gallons of gasoline in your new tank for many months after the touring season thereby asking for chunks of varnish to clog up the carburetor? We steam out, scourge with a variety of Ospho then seal old rusty tanks because new ones are inordinately expensive
I don’t know why I turned out this way. My parents were decent people 🤪

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Bill Everett
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Re: Should I Seal A Brand New Fuel Tank?

Post by Bill Everett » Wed Aug 14, 2019 3:56 pm

George;

No, gas only, and probably non-ethanol. No, I will drain gas out during non-driving time.

Question...Is rust less likely to form if the tank is full?

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DanTreace
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Re: Should I Seal A Brand New Fuel Tank?

Post by DanTreace » Wed Aug 14, 2019 4:28 pm

A new gas tank will last decades, best to drain tank for prolonged storage, just as you would for the carb.

Good inside storage in decent environment the tank insides will stay like new. If you are worried, drain and then spray bomb the inside with WD-40 and quickly replace the cap. Used to do that when living a couple of blocks from the Atlantic ocean. Ran thru lots of spray cans covering tools on the peg board and the kids beach bikes :geek:
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Re: Should I Seal A Brand New Fuel Tank?

Post by John kuehn » Wed Aug 14, 2019 4:40 pm

If it’s a new tank and has normal use it will be just fine the way it is long after we’re all gone.

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Charlie B in N.J.
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Re: Should I Seal A Brand New Fuel Tank?

Post by Charlie B in N.J. » Wed Aug 14, 2019 4:57 pm

no sealant BUT it would be wise to put a few gallons in it & slosh it around a bit to check for leaks before installing it. guess why.
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Re: Should I Seal A Brand New Fuel Tank?

Post by Scott_Conger » Wed Aug 14, 2019 5:56 pm

Charlie

I think that is excellent advice.
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Re: Should I Seal A Brand New Fuel Tank?

Post by DickC » Wed Aug 14, 2019 6:23 pm

I would not seal it. We have gone through several "best things since canned beer" products that eventually turned out to be the worst things since "sliced bread". I always use non-ethanol gas and make sure I have a full tank when I won't be using the car for several months. I have never had a rust/other matter problem in forty years. Just my .02.

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