Advantages of motorcycle tank sealants
- Revitalize an old tank.You might like your bike's gas tank, but it's starting to leak. If you don't want to replace it, you can fix it with sealant.
- Save money.Purchasing a new fuel tank can cost several hundred euros. If you're short on cash, you can spend as little as $6 on a sealant that will prevent rust and repair leaks and holes.
- Fix that Planet.We live in a throwaway society. When something breaks, we often throw it away and buy something new. If the idea of sending more waste to a landfill bothers you, fix your gas tank instead of throwing it out.
Types of motorcycle tank sealants
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Fuel tank sealant kit
Cleaning and preparing a gas tank so it can remove rust and seal cracks and holes is no easy task. The benefit of buying a kit is that it contains most, if not all, of the products you need to get the job done. These kits typically contain a cleaner/degreaser, rust remover and tank sealant. Some also come with latex gloves.
Epoxy/Glue
Whether you're an experienced shop mechanic or a beginner, you don't have to spend a lot of money to restore an old gas tank. Instead of buying an all-in-one kit, you can go with just one epoxy/adhesive that gets the job done. Still, you need to prepare the tank properly to allow the product to seat and cure properly. There are several steps you can take to do this.
Best Brands
KBS coatings
KBS Coatings was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Valparaiso, Indiana. The company produces anti-rust paints, fuel tank sealants, engine polishes and car restoration kits. One of its star products is theKBS Coatings automotive fuel tank sealing kit.
BY-15
With headquarters in New Rochelle, New York, POR-15 is well known in the automotive and motorcycle segments and develops high-performance anti-corrosion coatings that can be used on a wide variety of metal surfaces. We recommend yoursPOR-15 fuel tank sealant.
Caswell
Caswell Inc. was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Lyons, New York. The company began by producing a home-made nickel plating kit and today manufactures a variety of metal finishing materials as well as its well-known ethanol-resistant gas tank sealantMotorcycle Caswell Epoxy Gas Tank Gasket Kit.
cream products
Located in Somis, California, this company has a long history of restoring motorcycle gas tanks. Enthusiasts also use their products on trucks and cars. Their products are designed to clean and protect gas tanks. We recommend theKreem Products combination packages for coating and preparing fuel tanks.
rot kote
Red Kote is a fuel tank repair product manufactured by Damon Industries. The Ohio-based company has been manufacturing cleaning and disinfecting solutions since 1938. One of the best products isRed Kote tank sealant for Harley and Custom Automotive Tractors, all gas tanks.
Motorcycle tank sealant prices
- Less than $15:Some sealants are very inexpensive. Many are sold as epoxy or adhesive and are often used to seal more than just gas tanks. That makes them very versatile. However, you still have a lot of prep work to do when using these products with a gas tank.
- $30-$80:If you want a complete kit or are interested in products designed solely for motorcycle/auto gas tank restoration, expect a little more. As we mentioned, kits often include multiple products to get the job done; However, additional preparation may be required prior to application.
Key Features
Fuel Resistant
This is important. Any type of sealant you use on your tank must be impervious to the type of fuel you are using. If you choose an epoxy that isn't petrol proof, it will eventually eat away at the sealer and prevent it from working properly. Motorcycle specific gas tank sealants are fuel resistant, but general epoxies may not be.
Color
Tank seals can dry clear, or they can dry a very light color like red or blue. This is beneficial because the application of the formula allows you to see the coverage better. That way you know the area is properly sealed.
setting and curing time
Different products have different setting and curing times. Some only take a few minutes to settle and an hour to heal. Others don't fully heal for 24 hours. You must be patient when cleaning and preparing a gas tank before applying sealant and it can take a few days to complete the project. The time it takes for the sealant to cure can add a little or a lot of time to the task.
Other considerations
- Size:If you're just renovating a gas tank, you don't need a product that can work with a 25 gallon tank. Unless you plan on sealing multiple tanks, consider a formula that comes in a smaller tube or jar. This will save you money, especially if the product does not have a long shelf life.
Reviews and recommendations of the best motorcycle tank sealants of 2021
overall better
This fuel tank sealing kit stops rust and corrosion and can seal up to 25 gallons. The kit includes cleaner and degreaser, rust remover, gloves and instructions. The product was developed to permanently seal weld holes and seams and is resistant to all types of fuels, additives and most solvents.
The sealant is flexible so it expands and contracts with the fuel tank. It includes detailed instructions and there are several videos available online if you need additional help with the application. When the coating is fully cured it produces a very tough and durable skin. In general it works as advertised.
Unfortunately, there are many steps to follow and you must follow the instructions carefully to avoid mistakes. The process is also labor intensive and can take several hours to complete the work.
This contact adhesive and sealant comes in a 2 ounce tube. It is impervious to gasoline, oil, alcohol, water and most solvents. Developed for automotive use as well as for use in motorcycle tanks, it is a fast drying formula - cures in just two to three minutes. The adhesive/sealant also dries clear and adheres better to a scratched or etched surface.
This sealer is very inexpensive and easy to use. A major benefit of this product is that you can use it for a variety of different purposes, not just to seal a gas tank. People use it to seal carburetors and even fix a leaking gas can. It's also a thin formula, so you can cradle it with ease.
However, it is important to avoid getting this sealant on your skin as it is very difficult to remove even with paint thinner. Therefore, you must wear latex gloves during the application. It also has a strong odor and can be difficult to use when you're upside down.
POR-15 stops rust, corrosion and fuel leaks and seals holes and seams. Create a bond with a light gray, flexible, non-porous film. It is resistant to all fuels, alcohols and additives. This high-tech sealant is also effective against newer Phase II fuels that contain more alcohol.
This product is known for its strength and fuel resistance. Coupled with hydrochloric acid and a few screws and a little effort, it will easily remove all rust in a motorcycle gas tank. It works great whether you use the POR-15 Complete Rust Removal/Metal Preparation System or remove it yourself. It comes in an 8 ounce can, which is enough to fill more than one small tank, because a little goes a long way. It works well and seals the tank perfectly if you take your time.
One problem with this product is that it's thick and messy. So if you spill it on yourself or those around you, it won't come off very easily. It also takes a few days to fully cure and dry. Also, the substance tends to thicken, so it doesn't store very well. After drying, it leaves a rough surface that is unsightly, but it's okay if it's under the tank.
This kit contains a pint of tank liner, a quart of tank A prep and a pint of tank B prep. Creates a coating on your gas tank to keep it from rusting or corroding. It can be used as a preventive measure on new and old tanks that use gasoline, gasohol or diesel fuels.
Tankliner seals holes and prevents hairline cracks from seeping through. This kit is easy to use and as long as you follow the instructions you can remove extensive corrosion from your tank. It holds up over time and generally works as advertised.
A disadvantage of this product is that it cannot be used for plastic tanks and is not compatible with all fiberglass tanks. The company also recommends testing it before use. Also, application can be cumbersome.
This two-part epoxy can be used on fuel tanks, metal radiators and other items, and on surfaces such as iron, stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum and bronze. Once fully cured, it is resistant to petroleum, hydraulic fluids and other harsh chemicals. Once you've kneaded the two parts, it takes five minutes to set and an hour to set. It dries to a dark gray color.
This high strength epoxy and adhesive is very versatile and can also be used for drinking water tanks and lawn and garden equipment. The epoxy is easy to mix, you only need to use the bare minimum and the rest will last. It eliminates leaks and is a solid, long-lasting solution. It's also great value for money.
However, some users say that this product works more as a temporary fix than a permanent fix. It may also not work as well on dented tanks and if the surface is not completely dry the epoxy may not fully cure.
Red Kote Tank Sealant is resistant to gasoline, diesel, alcohol and other fuel additives. One liter will seal a 14 gallon tank. The product seals rust under the coating so it won't flake or clog fuel line filters. It also reduces the formation of additional rust. Because the formula is flexible, it won't crack and lasts for a long time.
Red Kote is easy to use as long as you follow the instructions. It has strong adhesive properties and will not peel off even on bent metal. Vibrations and dents do not loosen the coating. Because it's such a light color, the cover is highly visible, sealing leaks and holes you don't see. It flows well and when it sets you won't smell the solvent anymore so you know the tank is done.
However, you should apply it in a ventilated area and wear safety goggles and a mask as inhaling the fumes can damage your nose and throat. Also, it can be messy during application and is so thin that more than one coat may be required.
This kit contains everything you need to clean, prime and reline your motorcycle, car or any fuel tank. Contains 1 liter of cleaner, 1 liter of fuel tank prep and 1 liter of fuel tank liner. The formula stays flexible so it won't crack or peel. It is alcohol resistant and is applied in a brilliant blue color allowing coverage to be seen.
The product seals invisible leaks and holes. Covers and seals old rust and prevents neurorust formation. One kit is enough to treat a 12 to 20 gallon tank, which is far more than you need for a single motorcycle tank. The formula is resistant to gasoline, diesel fuel, ethanol and other fuels and additives.
The biggest problem with this product is that you won't be using it entirely to repair a motorcycle gas tank, so you'll have plenty left over unless you plan to use it on multiple tanks. Also, it is a bit expensive compared to other products.
tips
- Before applying sealant, be sure to clean the gas tank. Drain the fuel and remove all accessories including the transmitter unit.
- Tape off all holes in the tank except for the hole you will use to fill the sealant. After pouring, tilt the tank to make sure everything inside is covered. Drain excess sealer.
- Allow the tank to dry completely. This can take between 8 and 24 hours. When you're sure it's dry, reassemble and put back on the bike.
frequently asked questions
Q: How long does motorcycle tank sealant take to dry?
A:That depends on the brand. Many products require at least 24 hours, but some may take longer or shorter. Be sure to read the instructions.
Q: Does the gas tank have to be removed to apply the sealant?
A:Yes, to seal the interior from top to bottom you must be able to tilt, rotate and shake the tank so that the sealant completely covers the tank interior.
Q: What do I do if the sealant dries on the outside of the tank?
A:After the sealer is fully cured, use 300 grit sandpaper or a green scouring pad to remove excess sealer.
final thoughts
Our pick for the best motorcycle tank sealant is thisKBS Coatings automotive fuel tank sealing kit. It's a complete kit perfect for sealing holes and seams.
For a cheaper option, consider thePOR-15 fuel tank sealant.