Circumstances (the magic triumvirate of good weather, time off, and motivation) aligned themselves properly last weekend and I finally sealed up Ludwig's gas tank.
I been hypnotized! from stirring the POR-15. If you do this, stir it, don't shake it. POR-15 is the anti-007. Then you pour it in the (taped up except for one hole) tank, tape up the last hole, and slosh it around so it coats the inside all even-like.
Then you dump all the excess into an empty cat litter container (or equivalent).
After it drained for half an hour I looked inside and didn't like what I saw. My sloshing technique had been wanting, leaving some thin spots. The directions say not to do two coats, but I figured that it hadn't cured yet (it takes 96 hours), and so a second sloshing wouldn't count as a "coat". I dumped the POR-15 in again and revised my sloshing thus:
This time around it looked good. I think.
While the tank's out you might as well check out the filler neck, especially if your bus smells kind of fuelly after fillings.
I thought this was cool, the evidence of 36 years' worth of gas nozzles.
Apparently VW didn't seal gas tanks at all after a certain year (if they ever did; I don't remember), so if you seal yours it'll be better than new! Go for it. Full instructions here.
7 comments:
I totally need to do that. I'm having an issue with that fuel smell in my bus. It happens after fillings for sure, but also when press on the gas hard, take turns fast, etc...anyone riding in the bus just gets bombarded sometimes with that fuel smell, then it will go away for months, and you will smell nothing. LAME.
Also, LOVED the sloshing video. Your technique is second to none. :)
That is a great idea--did you do anything to "prep" the inside of the tank prior to dumping the POR15 in?
Did you use the entire can of POR15?
The whole procedure, including tank prep, is outlined in much greater detail (and, unlike my account, with appropriate gravitas) at a link which I've posted as an edit to the original post.
*SPOILER ALERT*
Yes Minnie, you use the whole can. But it's a small can.
Alright,
whc03grady.
But does that sealant work? Some say yes, some say no.
Many say you should not try to make your own gas tank because it will leak and the sealant will not fix the spots where the welding has gaps.
~i was considering making a tank for a bike once. Bicycle with a motor, bike. Motorized bike.
I hope you have luck, success!
@AtTD--I'm not sure I follow you; I didn't make this gas tank, it's the original VW tank and has never had any leaks (the tank itself hasn't anyway).
The problem is that VW never sealed or even painted the insides of their gas tanks, so when they aren't full there gets to be a decent amount of surface rust that sloughs off and clogs fuel filters. Water in the gas does a number on the tank too, and so does gas that's sat in a tank for a loooong time.
The sealant is POR-15 which is specially formulated for this kind of work. Its reputation seems to be top-notch.
Alright,
whc03grady.
Yup, i know it is the original tank. I just have my head filled with "tank sealant does not work", after a decision to try build my own tank. And talking to to many mechanics!
I just shelved the idea.
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