Gas tank sealer/repair an epoxy compound?!

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

I was under the inpression that epoxies were vulnerable to attack by harsh chemicals such as fuels and the oxygenating components commonly added to fuels, but I found this product that states otherwise.

I thought that I’d post it up here since some experts may perhaps be able to shed light on whether this is true or if their claims are false.

Link to the product

http://www.caswellplating.com/aids/epoxygas.htm

I would be skeptical to use this just from my understanding that epoxies usually deteriorate form long term exposure to fuels. Obviously there are other chemical vaiiations on the “epoxies” we are familiar with but I personally don’t have any knowledge of the specific properties of these different types. If someone could chime in that would be great.

I was going to have a tank sealed with a similar system but that forms a bladder once it sets (not epoxy based).

Thanks.

#2

I may be wrong, but, I thoguht it was the other way around. Epoxies handle fuel well, poly/vinyl handle fuel poorly?

Caswell is a kick but website. Ive been wanting to test our their epoxy spray paint for a while. Just havent had a reason to buy it.

#3

Epoxies and vinylesters are commonly used to manufacture storage tanks for chemicals. Polyesters are generally a bad choice, as they don’t hold up well.

#4

From all the things I have read, it says that epoxies deteriorate with long term exposure to the oxygenating compounds very commonly found in fuels…ex ethanol… the epoxies spften up, so is this not true?

#5

Perhaps there is a special epoxy that handles fuel contact better than others?

Andrew remember POR15 gas tank repair/recoating kit? I bet that stuff is epoxy of some sort. just guessing.

#6

Ya I have looked at all them out there, there is the por15, Hirsch, and Gold standard or something like that, but they all say something bad about each other in indirect ways on their sites that makes me second guess using any of them…

#7

can anyone give any insight or suggestion as to what sor to of coating I should use? I am wanting to coat a composite tank made of epoxy to protect it, any suggestions?

I have done a lot of reading and the consensus is that alcohol destroys epoxies, and polys/vinyls even faster… I have not yet had any luck finding a suitable coating that could provide a protective barrier. The po15 stuff, not the caswell, nor the kbs godl standard deserve my trus from what I have read so far about them. the aviation industry uses coatings for the fuel tanks but aviation fuels don’t have alcohol additives…

#8

The best way is to put liquid plastic inside of the tank. After cure is strong and 100% safe. The KTM racings tanks have the same idea.:wink: I do the same to my tanks.:smiley: