Fuel Tank Preservative

Bob_C · Post by **Bob_C** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 6:34 pm

Getting ready to paint the last things that are required to get my jeep running.

One of which, is the fuel tank. Yesterday I pressurized it probably about 1/2-1PSI, squirted some soapy water on it, and brazed all of the pinholes (only 2, which were realitively close to each other). Anyway, Im thinking about if I should use a fuel tank preservative or not.

Theres a spot of rust on the inside bottom side of the fuel tank. Other than that, there is no corrosion anywhere. However, Im the kind of guy that likes to exercise preventative maintaince, and coating the inside of the tank to protect from corrosion sure sounds like a good idea....BUT

Ive heard some horror stories of preservatives not adhering properly, and 6 months down the line, the preservative is found floating in the gas itself -- and since its nearly impossible to get out, it trashed the gas tank. This would be the only reason why I really wouldnt want to use one.

Any thoughts on this? I know Hal a while back wanted to do something similar, but the company told him unless it was needed, don't use it. Hal: Was this just a matter of preference for them, or is it really that bad to use it on a solid tank?

Much appreciated!

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 9:33 pm

Bob,

I used it on a dirt bike fuel tank and it is doing well after 2 years.

No floaters or flakes so far.

I don't know if it is the best way to go or not, but I am sure others here will have some more info.

Jeff_H · Post by **Jeff_H** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 12:56 am

I did two of my tanks BUT I had it done by a professional reputable shop as they have the kit to do the proper pre-cleaning (in the case of my M38 tank two acetone soaks and two acid washes). I also got a 4 year warrenty out of the deal.

Cheers

Jeff

OKCM38CDN · Post by **OKCM38CDN** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 6:50 am

Bob,

I was going to use it on a brand new reproduction tank as a preventive, They said that for a new tank it was overkill and that in so long as I keep the tank clean and keep the water out it was not needed.

Since I replaced the tank I have not had any leaking problems and so the garage does not smell of gas...

I would go with a professional repair or a repro tank, saves lots of headaches, at least for me... They did say that the tank does need to be clean to use their product...

Hope this helps...

Bob_C · Post by **Bob_C** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 5:41 pm

Well it turns out I didnt fix the tank fully, and there are an ungodly number of pin holes in this thing.

So....

Gotta get a new tank.
So unbelievably pissed, this is the last part I need before I can drive my jeep. Would have painted it by now if it wasn't for me chasing these freakin' pinholes.

Anyone know of any good suppliers?
Was thinking about Darryl Bensinger, but I heard horror stories of the filler necks not lining up right at least on the M38s. Are they the same way on the A1?

Post by **wesk** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 6:37 pm

For the A1 I haven't heard that many horror stories. I believe MD Juan is the only choice for a repop and which vendor you use depends on "Who do you love"

Bob_C · Post by **Bob_C** » Tue Apr 04, 2006 7:19 pm

Haha, Thanks Wes for the insight. Thats what I thought - MD Juan the only choice.

Guess I'll do with Darryl as he's local to me - save on shipping.