Expert: Bill Silver - 8/10/2004

Question
I'm exploring options for my leaking fuel tank (1990 Suzuki VX-800), though my question may be of general interest.  So far, I've found these "repair" options in the US, wonder if you have any thoughts on what products / processes might work best:

1. Kreem--didn't find web site but did hear enough horror stories that I'm avoiding

2. POR-15 http://www.por15.com/product.asp?productid=306  sounds good, but criticized by Bill Hirsch (below) as nothing more than a moisture cured paint  

3. Bill Hirsch http://www.hirschauto.com/mkit.htm  alcohol resistant sealer--not clear what chemistry his sealer kit uses.

4. Moyer Fuel Tank Renu  http://www.gas-tank.com/bike.htm service that takes tank in, bakes out fumes and moisture, blasts interior and exterior, coats inside and bottom half of outside with sealers, bakes, primes and sends back for about $250-$275 plus repainting cost--2 year guarantee against leaks or rust

5. Caswell epoxy tank sealer  http://www.caswellplating.com/aids/epoxygas.htm  Phenol Novolac Epoxy, is more thixotropic, means it ‘hangs' on the tank walls during the coating.  Several testimonials provided.

Thanks for your help,

Phil Wallas

Answer
Phil, this is always a point of controversy for m/c owners.
KREEM was the original solution, but has found be be lacking in comparison to newer products.

Many of the people on the VJMC list (www.vjmc.org) seem to lean towards POR-15. I don't have any info/experience on the other products.

None of it will work unless it is adhering to perfectly clean metal. I think people often get in a hurry and fail to treat the fuel tank correctly, causing eventual problems.

If you just have some pinhole leaks on the bottom, then POR-15 or Kreem will work. Yamaha makes a fuel tank sealer system, too.  Old time restorers flush the tank, away the metal around the leak and use lead solder to fill small holes, using either a torch (more damaging) or a HIGH WATT soldering gun. JB weld works pretty well, even with gasoline.

The nature and size of the leak has a lot to do with what is required to repair it. If you have major rust problems inside, it may be cheaper to find a good used fuel tank on the web or Ebay auctions.

FYI/// http://www.vx800.net/ and here is another source I found on the web.
http://www.leakersgastanks.com/leakers_2.htm


Bill Silver