down and dirty fuel tank question

[Rhojo]

Hey guys,

I don't have a lot of time for discussion and research on this topic so instead of posing a "how did you do your tank" question I thought I would just ask this, Is it a good idea to put an undercoating product (rhino lining, line x, store bought roll and tip) on the exterior of the fuel tank?  :study:

I found excessive water in my fuel this year and when I pulled the tank I found some holes, it looked like the typical 35 year old corrosion spots where it came in contact with the hold down straps. The tank is getting checked for repair and I hope to pick it up in a couple of days.

[Capt. Bob]

I don't have a lot of time for discussion and research on this topic.

Neither do I so........

 

Is it a good idea to put an undercoating product (rhino lining, line x, store bought roll and tip) on the exterior of the fuel tank?  :study:

Depends on who you ask.

[Rhojo]

I don't have a lot of time for discussion and research on this topic.

Neither do I so........

 

Is it a good idea to put an undercoating product (rhino lining, line x, store bought roll and tip) on the exterior of the fuel tank?  :study:

Depends on who you ask.

If I were less of a man this response would piss me off.

[Capt. Bob]

And why is that?

You state you have no time to search or discuss so you get a very legitimate and exacting answer, yet your response has something to do with your manhood???

If you had the time or have followed any of the numerous tank installs you would realize there is consensus on keeping an aluminum tank dry but how, is a matter of opinion.

Some members take the "paint it" approach while others say "not necessary". Some say "foam it in", others "no way". Still others use neoprene on the bottom, others starboard/plastic so...........

Given your question and the parameters you set for an answer, the correct response still is......

Depends on who you ask.

[Rhojo]

Sorry CB.
Thanks for your reply.

[Capt. Bob]

Well then, if you ask me........

Yes, you do need to keep the coffin as dry as possible, that is, keep as much outside water out. Make sure the tank hatch and any access plates are well sealed (within reason).

Now you only have to deal with the dreaded condensation formed from the water vapor in the air.

In areas where it's just the condensation on the surface/side/bottom, then I feel the properties of aluminum itself do a pretty good job of resisting corrosion. You need to watch (and protect) the areas that reside between the points of contact of the tank/mounts/supports (think bottom of hull). Keep water out of these and your tank will last a long time.

Can painting help?

Maybe......

If the coating on the tank remains attached, then water can't come in contact with the aluminum thus no corrosion (assuming the coating itself doesn't affect the tank). It might also help insulate the surface in some cases and stop condensation from even forming. That stated, painting seems like a win/win so what's the catch?

Well some think that should the skin of the paint somehow become compromised (think detached/scratched/peel) then it provides a great place for water to collect which leads to corrosion. I'm not sure I really buy that but anything is possible.

I will say I can't recall anyone using Line-x/Rhino liner brand coating but if it sticks to the surface then it's like a belt with suspenders.

Good luck.

PS... If your tank doesn't pass muster, you could go poly and just forget the whole thing.

[gran398]

Jon, it is the original tank, right?

[Rhojo]

Jon, it is the original tank, right?

roger that.

[gran398]

Not to spend money unnecessarily.....but with all due respect it's time for a new one.

We'll use the new age Pascoe Method of aluminum tank install. Or, can go poly like many here do.

Either/or. But new and safe

[hydraulicane]

rhojo,
fininshed my new tank install a few months ago.
went to home depot bought 4 pvc 1/4" high 2" wide pvc sticks
for the bottom of the tank (pasco method). also bought a quart
of aluminum anti-corrosion paint. I spaced it out to where my tank
held 4 strips the length of the tank, then cut them 1/4" short the length
of the tank on both ends. and recessed them 1/4" on each side for water flow.
(can you picture that?) I used 5200 to secure them to the tank no air bubbles allowed.
before installing the pvc strips lightly sand the tank down. then I bought a quart can
of aluminum anti-corrosion paint, I must have put on at 10-12 coats of the anti-
corrosion paint, cause when I got done there was not much left in the can.

the only thing I didn't do was, put a dap of 5200 on the bottom of the pvc strips
to secure it to the bottom of the coffin floor. with the straps and the fuel in the new tank
I'm sure the tank is not going any where.




good luck bro!!!!!!!!!  

[hydraulicane]

well,
sorry rhojo I thought you were in stalling a new fuel tank.
so disregard those instructions.
that's how I installed my new fuel tank on my 19'6 osprey.
I bought a new 50 gallon brand new tank for approx.
$500.00 and change. if your interested and give the dimensions
there is a guy I met right sfter I bought my new tank, that told me he would have done it for
about half of what I paid. shipping might be a problem though. just thought I'd
put it out there.



HC

[Rhojo]

well,
sorry rhojo I thought you were in stalling a new fuel tank.
so disregard those instructions.
that's how I installed my new fuel tank on my 19'6 osprey.
I bought a new 50 gallon brand new tank for approx.
$500.00 and change. if your interested and give the dimensions
there is a guy I met right sfter I bought my new tank, that told me he would have done it for
about half of what I paid. shipping might be a problem though. just thought I'd
put it out there.



HC

Thanks for the post HC, I appreciate the information as I will be installing!