Airbrush Online

Posted: 30 Nov 2004 08:30 pm Post subject: Lining gas tanks

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Lining/Sealing Gas Tanks:
(note, never use sealer of any kind on an oil tank)
It is vitally important to read and follow the directions on the packaging or data sheet for your choice of tank liner. Nearly all tank liner failures can be traced to improperly installed liner/sealer. Doing the job right will give you many years of trouble-free use.
Removing Old Tank Liner:
(this works for most sealers)

GET SAFETY GLASSES OR GOGGLES, WEAR THEM!!
Get a pair of solvent-proof gloves too (do not use surgical gloves, they will melt).
Go to your local pet shop and buy a half-pound of loose large gravel
(not the shiny glass beads or rocks, the jagged gravel chunks).
Go to your local hardware store and buy a gallon of Acetone.
Pour both into your tank, after you plug all the hose outlets, petcock hole, etc.
(Do not put a cap on there, too much pressure could build up from the next step.)
Shake the tank enough to move the gravel around. Cover the filler hole with your hand to keep from splashing yourself in the eye with acetone and gravel chips. Release the pressure when you feel it building up. Keep your face clear.
Keep a bucket handy if you need to pour off the acetone to check your progress.
Once all the liner is removed, you can re-line the tank according to the instructions in the liner kit.
You can re-use the acetone/gravel mix on another tank. Just pour the acetone through a paint strainer to remove the bits of liner that came off in chunks or strips (you can scoop out the gravel first with a big spoon or a shovel, etc.). Eventually, it will become too contaminated to be used, but you could get at least a pair of Fat Bobs out of it and possibly quite a few more.