Author Topic: treating/coating to expansion tank.  (Read 4304 times)

Robert Cassin

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 145
  • Thanks , Rob
    • USA DogTags
treating/coating to expansion tank.
« on: April 11, 2020, 02:48:55 PM »
Hi all, Can anyone recommend a sealer or coating to use on the expansion tank? My old tank rusted away. I got a good used one and would like to make this one last. Thanks, Rob
1943 White M 3 Halftrack
1941 White M3A1 Scout car
1942 Harley WLA
1941 Zundapp KS 600
1941 BSA M-20
1976 Condor
1966 International Navy Pickup

steve1973

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1419
Re: treating/coating to expansion tank.
« Reply #1 on: April 11, 2020, 02:59:17 PM »
Any gas tank sealer should work. POR-15 has a good kit as does Bill Hirsch. I've used both and work great.

Steve A.

mkoloc

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 244
Re: treating/coating to expansion tank.
« Reply #2 on: April 11, 2020, 07:01:48 PM »
I just used POR on my original halftrack fuel tank and it worked nicely!!  I have also had great luck with Redkote on other tanks which dries very quickly (high solvent content).  The POR has a 96 hour dry time.  I use a fan to circulate air thru my tanks and this helps both products to dry a bit quicker. One item of note, the POR's silver color makes it easy to see how well the coating is covering the tank.  Very helpful if your working on something with baffles.  Redkote is very slight blue in color not as visible. Both products work well as long as you clean the item thoroughly before sealing.  If you acid wash your tank to clean it (1 to 3 mixing ratio), make sure you use a backing soda wash to neutralise the acid wash. Follow that up with a couple of plain water rinses, and then use a MEK rinse to absorb any moisture left in the tank before air drying.  You can find MEK at Home Depot, Menards etc. No fuel tank sealer will work on dirty or damp surfaces.
Good luck with your project.
Mark A.R. Koloc Sr.
LTC USA (RET)
1631 Bitter Creek Lane
Batavia, OH  45103
Cell:  715-821-9426
MVPA # 31144

Robert Cassin

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 145
  • Thanks , Rob
    • USA DogTags
Re: treating/coating to expansion tank.
« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2020, 07:52:56 AM »
My concern with using these sealers is they are really for gasoline and it seems that they react badly with water or at least too much water, and I know there is more water in coolants that fuels. But maybe I am reading too  much into the directions. I only have the read the Red Kote warmings  and if it is not completely dry of water, it is not going to adhere. Maybe once  its is free of H2O, it will be fine. Thanks for the help.
1943 White M 3 Halftrack
1941 White M3A1 Scout car
1942 Harley WLA
1941 Zundapp KS 600
1941 BSA M-20
1976 Condor
1966 International Navy Pickup

mkoloc

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 244
Re: treating/coating to expansion tank.
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2020, 05:12:08 AM »
There are also food safe sealers out there that might be a better choice for the overflow tank .. in hindsight fuel tank sealers may not be a good choice for hot liquids .. nothing on their instructions indicate that hot liquid are save to use with them.  The tank of course will continue to cycle between hot and cold.  Food grade sealers should be designed for that.
Mark A.R. Koloc Sr.
LTC USA (RET)
1631 Bitter Creek Lane
Batavia, OH  45103
Cell:  715-821-9426
MVPA # 31144

mkoloc

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 244
Mark A.R. Koloc Sr.
LTC USA (RET)
1631 Bitter Creek Lane
Batavia, OH  45103
Cell:  715-821-9426
MVPA # 31144