lining a fiberglass tank?

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Lorenzo

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.. I know this has been discussed extensively in the past
anyhow, I am wondering if there's any new product able to protect a fiberglass tank from ethanol..

I heard very good things about POR 15, but I am not sure if it may be used only with metal tanks
 
I haven't heard of anyone being successful with anything to be honest with fiberglass.
 
I bought a fibreglass tank from Burton's about two years ago as it was supposed ot be ethanol proof (to 10%). The note that came with it recommended lining the tank. I decided not to as I don't use ethanol fuel. However aftera couple of months I noticed the inside of the tank was tacky to the touch. Ishould have followed the instructions. I decided to Caswell the tank so I cleaned it out and following the instructiuons to the letter I lined it. It's been fine since then. I think the problem is not just with ethanol but with modern fuels. I know classic car owners who have all sorts of problems with this and they also don't use ethanol.

However currently I only use the bike for short test rides and short excursions to visit my mates etc. I hope to have the time to do a few decent trips later this year so I'm going to get an Indian fastback (steel) tank. Long term it is probably the best way to go.
 
I caswelled my new Burton Bike bits FG tank 3+ years ago before putting into service and it's as "hard" or whatever internally as it was when I purchased it. At the time, Burton told me it didn't need any sealer as it was made with resin that can handle ethanol but I decided it was best to treat it first.
 
POR 15 tank liner for fibreglass tanks is crap,,, DON'T use it.

After I cut my "new" tank open to get the POR 15 out I used Hirsch and that was a few years ago, still good.

POR 15 paints are good, but the tank liner is rubbish.

Graeme
 
I think the key is the cutting it open so you can abrade the surface if necessary then apply the goop everywhere. (My original yellow tank is waiting for future generations to solve this problem. I went to a steel tank.)

Hobot do you think you need an Interstate tank to hold your ashes when you're gone? I wouldn't mind much if they just filled the Roadster tank as much as possible then threw the whatever is leftover in the garbage.

Russ
 
mike996 said:
I caswelled my new Burton Bike bits FG tank 3+ years ago before putting into service and it's as "hard" or whatever internally as it was when I purchased it. At the time, Burton told me it didn't need any sealer as it was made with resin that can handle ethanol but I decided it was best to treat it first.

I did the the same thing with my original fastback tank. It took me about a week to remove the 'creem crapola'. But that Caswells is the real deal. Since I live in Socal I have an endless supply of surfboard craftsman who have made my original tank look sweet. Never did I think that a surfboard that broke my nose twice 30 years ago would enable a craftsman to repair my Norton Commando fiberglass tank. And they will paint the 'shadowed' Norton before they clear coat. If you buy the Burton's fiberglass tank you should treat it first.
 
Russ our ashes would fit in the oil tank, but as IS tanks so unwanted by most and the fiberglass either ruined or prone to be, likely the best bang for the bux and get seen up on a shelf some where easier for the curious seeing the logo and metal flake color to check it out. I'm tickled to read of others success with the Castwell 2 part epoxy, just don't skimp on the thickness or set up time to use. IS tank is big enough for a tablet screen but I'd just leave a plug or port to see the contents. Should toss in a couple loose bones or pebbles to add sense of past presence if shook.
 
I have been suggested the new products from Caswell, such as the Dragon's blood sealer or the Black Magic sealer they have.
Anyone already tried one of them on a fiberglass tank?
 
Navalac resin is the basic anti ethanol ingredient to check and ask for from Caswell. On the other hand they have come up with nano thin dips for fabrics and electronics that completely impregnable to about anything so I may look into that too. Caswell sealer adds rigid strength to the tanks and a whole tank could be made out of it alone.
 
If you plan on doing a lot of riding, get a metal tank. Put the fiberglass tank on a shelf behind your bar. Not only does the fiberglass deteriorate, if you crash it can crack open easily and splash gasoline on you. Happened to one of the NENO members. Fortunately it did not ignite. Gasoline has a very low flash point, around -45F, and a high vapor density.
 
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