POR-15 Tank Repair - Long Term Report

[CycloSteve]

Well, simply put, I am not pleased.

Six years ago I installed my subtank and non-US maintank assemblies. Both had some rust flashing on the inside, so I thought using POR-15 Tank Repair would be a good idea. I followed their extensive instructions to a T, with all of the cleaning and drying stages. The process takes several days to get the prep and coating done. The inside of the tank looked great after cleaning, and I should have left it at that.

Now after pulling the sender unit to replace with a Diesel one (for my conversion), I noticed a 3" piece of POR in the tank. Then after closer inspection it was apparent that the coating was bubbling in many places, and was fairly easy to pull off. The only places where it was having issues was on the upper half of the tank, thus I suspect that the fuel vapors and increased methanol in the tank are the culprit. Luckily there appear to be zero small bits and pieces, just large strips. I had the sender out three years ago, and there were no telltale signs of any issues at that point.

I am sure there are those who would say that poor preparation is to blame. Trust me, it is not. Newer fuel blends have destroyed what should have been a lifetime coating. Now I need to pull both tanks and have them hot-tanked to get the gunk out. It may end up cheaper to just get new tanks shipped from Japan, though.

Simply letting others know, use POR-15 Tank Repair at your own risk.

 

[wearsabrowncoat]

Good to know. And if you think the sender unit is undamaged send me a PM I would like to purchase it.

 

[jfz80]

Thanks for the heads up and timely post. I'm about to swap tanks and you confirmed my concern about trying to treat the one I have here currently with oxidation inside.

 

[Hornd]

Had a pin leak in a Jerry Can and used Por-15 to seal them up.
Thanks for the look-out.

Are you sure you followed the preparation directions?

 

[samiam09]

I used their kit when i put the 4.3 in my truck had to modify the Toyota tank to fit the Chevy fuel pump,m mine was dry for month before and i did not put gas back in it for 2 months, have not had a problem. its been since 2010 .Maybe i was lucky.......... maybe it was the extended drying time,or maybe the new fuel mixtures they sale now ate it off your tank.I would contact them and see what they have to say about it.Or maybe cause I'm in the smog nazi state they wont let them put anything into the fuel that would make the car run better.

 

[CycloSteve]

Good to know. And if you think the sender unit is undamaged send me a PM I would like to purchase it.

The level sender unit is staying with my rig. I will at some point be selling the cover/pump assembly which has the proper fill/transfer hose for the gasser motor with a subtank, including the EFI pump.

Had a pin leak in a Jerry Can and used Por-15 to seal them up.
Thanks for the look-out.

Are you sure you followed the preparation directions?

Yes, 110% about the cleaning, dry times, tips, you name it. My suspicion is that some of the new California fuel blends exceed the 10% Ethanol limit, and other additives which are being used to reduce smog are eating away anything which is not steel. It was clear that there were blisters forming between the metal and the POR-15, as one of these additives has the ability to penetrate the POR-15. These bubbles were still pressurized, and metal was clean below, thus not due to a pin-prick in the coating, nor contamination or corrosion below. I bet that the coating would be fine with older fuels, and just simply cannot deal with the new formulations. YMMV, as this is just my personal experience and observations.

 

[Hornd]

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[120mm]

I don't trust ANY tank sealant. I'm not afraid of so called "flash rust" either.

I work with old cars all the time, and if I have a question about a tank's integrity at all, I replace it, period.

And I'm usually a cheap bastard, too.

 

[SNLC]

I have used KBS fuel tank resto kit. So far so good. Being that these tanks I have used it on are in 1960's trucks it only makes since to find and use non-ethanol. Old carbs, old style fuel filter and NOS sending unit it is worth finding the non-ethanol. My town of 10,000 we have two stations with it. Different though, resto trucks and not DDer's.

Cheers

 

[CycloSteve]

Pulled both tanks today along with the sensors and main filler.

Subtank is 100% fine with no bubbles or peeling in the POR-15 coating. I have decided to leave it alone.

With the Maintank, it appears that only the coating from the seam upwards and some of the baffles have peeling. I am wondering if the top of the tank has a different factory material or coating, such as galvanizing. I can reach into the tank and peel off sections from the top no problem. The bottom is rock solid with zero bubbles or peeling. Scratching my head on this one for sure.

Have a gallon of Methyl Chloride to strip the coating, but still contemplating. Can source a new tank for under $400, so may go that route.