KBS Tank Sealer Worth the Effort?

[manic]

Heeeey

Side under driver seat fuel tank on my 90 has a weep. It drips to the ground every now and again but its pretty minor for now. New fuel tank in the UK is around $150 so I suppose that means a new tank here is around $300

The KBS tank sealer is around $100 for the kit. So how effective is a coating of this stuff, will it be a long lasting fix? Is it horrible stuff to work with?

Ultimately I'm wondering if a good coat of this sealer on the inside of my existing tank plus a clean up and KBS rust proofing coat on the outside might give me a tank that lasts as long as a new britpart one?

[redrovertdi]

If the tank is leaking because it is pin holed from rust as my 110tdi and my previous RR classic did just spend the extra on replacement and get over it with confidence, i painted my new 110 tank on the outside with por15[not tank sealer] because its steel and rusted between the strap/hanger and i couldnt get a plastic one[td5 i believe?], in the past i have had a fuel tank[bmw2002]welded up and 2 motor bike tanks done with por15 US tank sealer, for your cost i would replace the tank rather than attempt repair when its not a rear or expensive part

[101RRS]

I have used the POR equivalent in an old rusted bike tank and worked very permanently filling some quite large holes. However the clue to its success is covering the whole of the inside of the tank so it forms an inner skin.

You will need to take the tank out and pour the product in and then constantly turn the tank around in random directions until the entire inside of the tank is covered - even then it will have to be randomly turned until the sealant starts to go off to prevent pooling in one spot.

Garry

[123rover50]

Justmixing up some redkote dry with acetone today for my series one.
I dont think its enough volume to cover the flat sides of a square tank so think I will order another can. Curved sides can probably be covered easier than flat ones.
Didiman

[manic]

thanks.

yeah of course a new tank is easier and pretty much guaranteed to give good service. I'm only considering a repair because the 90 with side tank was never sold here in Auz so AFAIK its not readily available at a good price. In the UK they are cheap but postage is more than the value of the tank itself.

Whilst I save money and recycle my tank with the KBS fix, I think its only worth it if I end up with a tank protected to last another 10+ years.

I think considering it has such a small/slow leak I may gamble and try the KBS... surely it cant make it any worse.

That is unless someone on here has tried the KBS/POR liner and been disapointed?

[jimr1]

;) Hi mate , I think you'l find fixing a leaking fuel tank, is only a repair , it will get you out of truble . It won't last to long . It will let you down at the wrong time and in the wrong place . Look to replace your fuel tank , at least you'l have piece of mind ..Regards ,..jimr1 :)..

[101RRS]

;) Hi mate , I think you'l find fixing a leaking fuel tank, is only a repair , it will get you out of truble . It won't last to long . It will let you down at the wrong time and in the wrong place . Look to replace your fuel tank , at least you'l have piece of mind ..Regards ,..jimr1 :)..

The POR product is designed as a permanent fix and I have had no issue with it.

Garry

[numpty]

Dont know about KBS, but I have used Redkote, which is also designed as a permanent fix, and had great results.

Whatever you use, just, make sure you follow the instructions to the letter.

[Scouse]

That is unless someone on here has tried the KBS/POR liner and been disapointed?I've been disappointed with the POR one.
I lined a newly built tank (fabricated) & it started flaking off after a couple of years & blocking the fuel pick up.

This was done in 1995 so it could well have improved slightly by then (I would hope).

[gromit]

Justmixing up some redkote dry with acetone today for my series one.
I dont think its enough volume to cover the flat sides of a square tank so think I will order another can. Curved sides can probably be covered easier than flat ones.
Didiman

There's more than enough Redkote in one container to do a Series 1 tank.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/series-i-land-rover-enthusiasts-section/159944-1956-series-1-pto-welder-home-made-4.html

Post 36 covers Redkoting.....

You end up chasing the last drops around the tank so that you don't get a thick buildup (which can apparently skin over then the fuel breaks through and you get strings of Redkote in the tank).
Probably best to do it outside, I was working inside because it was raining. As the acetone evaporated it cooled the tank which ended up running with condensation on the outside. I ended up a bit light headed, well more light headed than usual.....


4 Wheel Drives in Blackburn, VIC get fuel tanks made to order, they can supply a Series 1 tank as long as you supply a usable filler neck. I'm sure they could get a tank for the 90 made but they might need one as a sample.



Colin

[redrovertdi]

Scouse, i am a fan of por15 products but had the same results as you with the tank sealer in my steel bmw and alloy matchless bike tanks, they were both cleaned properly first. Again if the tank is readily available new for a fair price i would replace, why polish a turd?
Richard

[Scouse]

Yeah, now I'll have to cut the tank open to get rid of it all :twisted:.

[101RRS]

Must have been how it was applied - mine is fine after six years.

Garry

[cjc_td5]

Or as used by "back in" (taken from the series 1 section)..
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/series-i-land-rover-enthusiasts-section/137327-fuel-tank-repair-post1563504.html?highlight=solvent#post1563504

4:1 mixture of PVC glue and PVC cleaning solvent. He says it works excellent and is a fraction of the cost of the real stuff.

I have used Redkote on my series 1 fuel tank. One can is easily enough for the tank. Worked excellent.

Cheers,

[Scouse]

Must have been how it was applied - mine is fine after six years.

GarryBrand new metal, instructions followed to the letter.

It's a big tank though & I needed double the recommended quantities - not cheap in the '90s.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/895.jpg

[Lotz-A-Landies]

thanks.

yeah of course a new tank is easier and pretty much guaranteed to give good service. I'm only considering a repair because the 90 with side tank was never sold here in Auz so AFAIK its not readily available at a good price. ...The 90 with the side tank was sold here, but very few in number (the price was almost the same as the 110), so yes the tanks are difficult to find. However aren't the Perentie tanks the same as the 90 side tank? They are in the same place.

[Samblers]

I have used the KSB tank sealer kit and recommend it. This was on a '64 kombi fuel tank that had a fair bit of surface rust and i wanted peace of mind, especially around the seams.

It was easy to work with and dried to a very tough thick finish, I was impressed. No leaks.

Hope this helps

[manic]

Well in the end I went for the KBS option over getting one shipped from the UK. From UK to my door would have been around $270AUD.

I spent $150 on restoring the current one, so a bit of a saving.

Unless the tank is good for another 23 years I would have to say its not worth all the effort! It takes 4 days for the coating to dry and another 4 before you put fuel in it. Also there are steps that require you to go out and wrestle the tank every 5 mins for an hour - not fun.

Tank off and jet washed:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/03/567.jpg

Tank sealed with KBS and fresh coat of paint:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/03/568.jpg


Because of the design these tanks are incredibly good at trapping dirt and moisture, so if you have money to spend start with a new one and then:
- drill off the spot welds around the lip and throw that mud trap guard in the bin
- fit it with a flip down tank guard like this -> Fuel Tank Guard for Landrover designed and fitted by Gwyn Lewis 4x4 (http://www.gwynlewis4x4.co.uk/page52.html) so you can clean out the crud!

But then you will likely have spent over $500! :eek: