Applying Por 15 To Your Motorcycle Fuel Tank: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to apply por 15 to motorcycle fuel tank

The POR-15 Motorcycle Fuel Tank Repair Kit is a comprehensive solution for sealing and restoring motorcycle fuel tanks. It offers superior strength and fuel resistance, effectively stopping rust, corrosion, and sealing pinhole leaks. The kit includes a cleaner degreaser to remove gum, sludge, and varnish, Metal Prep to eliminate rust and prepare the tank for sealing, and a fuel tank sealer that creates a permanent seal. Before applying the sealer, it is crucial to ensure the tank is free from plastic parts, contamination, and structurally sound. The sealer is impervious to various fuels, including diesel, E10 ethanol, and high-alcohol content fuels, providing a durable and reliable solution for motorcycle fuel tank repair and maintenance.

Characteristics Values
Purpose Repair and seal motorcycle fuel tanks
Protection Stops rust, corrosion, and seals pinhole leaks
Fuel Resistance Resistant to all fuels, including diesel, E10 ethanol, and high alcohol content fuels
Kit Contents Cleaner Degreaser, Metal Prep, Fuel Tank Sealer, reinforcing fabric, applicator, detailed instructions
Prep Requirements Fuel tank must be free of plastic parts, contamination, and structurally sound before sealing
Post-Sealing Care Drain the tank for an hour to remove excess sealer, use fuel preservation and stabilizer to maintain fuel system

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Preparing the tank: cleaning and removing rust

Preparing the tank is a crucial step in the process of applying POR 15 to a motorcycle fuel tank. This involves thoroughly cleaning the tank and removing any traces of rust, old sealers, gum, sludge, and varnish. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your motorcycle fuel tank for the application of POR 15:

Cleaning the Tank:

Before starting the cleaning process, ensure you have the necessary safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, as you will be working with chemicals. Start by mixing one quart of POR-15 Cleaner Degreaser with one quart of hot water. This powerful degreaser will help remove any built-up contaminants, such as gum, sludge, and varnish, that may be coating the inside of your fuel tank. It is important to follow the instructions on the product and ensure proper ventilation during the cleaning process.

Removing Rust:

Once the tank is clean and free of contaminants, it's time to address any rust. For this step, you will need POR-15 Metal Prep, a rust neutralizer designed to remove rust and prepare the tank for the sealer. Apply the Metal Prep to the affected areas, following the product instructions and safety guidelines. This step will ensure that the tank is free of loose rust and ready for the next stage of the process.

Drying the Tank:

After cleaning and rust removal, it is essential to allow the tank to dry thoroughly. Make sure to follow the recommended drying time suggested by the manufacturer. A dry tank will ensure that the sealer adheres properly in the next step of the process.

Final Preparation:

Before applying the sealer, inspect the tank to ensure it is free of any remaining contaminants, rust, or old sealers. If there are any plastic components inside the tank, they should be removed, as the sealer does not adhere well to plastic. Additionally, ensure that the tank is structurally sound and free of any pinhole leaks or other damage.

By following these steps, your motorcycle fuel tank will be properly prepared for the application of POR 15, ensuring a strong and durable finish that protects against rust, corrosion, and leaks.

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Using the right products: POR-15 Cleaner Degreaser and Metal Prep

To apply POR-15 to your motorcycle fuel tank, you must first ensure you have the right products. The POR-15 Motorcycle Fuel Tank Repair and Restoration Kit includes Cleaner Degreaser, Metal Prep, and Fuel Tank Sealer.

The Cleaner Degreaser is used to remove gum, sludge, and varnish from your tank. It is important to mix the Cleaner Degreaser with hot water in a 1:1 ratio. This will ensure that your tank is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the next steps.

Metal Prep is then used to remove any remaining rust and further prepare the tank for the sealer. It is a metal etching rust neutralizer that is non-flammable and water-based. By using the Cleaner Degreaser and Metal Prep together, you can ensure that your tank is properly cleaned and prepared, which is crucial for achieving the best possible adhesion of the sealer.

Once the tank is clean and rust-free, you can apply the Fuel Tank Sealer. This creates a permanently sealed tank that is impervious to fuels, including diesel, E10 ethanol, and high alcohol content fuels. The sealer also acts as a liner and stops rust, corrosion, and small fuel leaks.

Remember to always follow the detailed instructions provided with your POR-15 kit and ensure your tank is free of plastic parts and contamination before applying the sealer.

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Sealing the tank: applying the sealer

Before applying the sealer, ensure that the tank is free from plastic parts, contamination, and loose rust. It should also be structurally sound and cleaned with a POR-15 Cleaner Degreaser to remove gum, sludge, varnish, and old sealers. You can mix one quart of Cleaner Degreaser with one quart of hot water. Then, etch the tank with POR-15 Metal Prep to remove rust and prepare the tank for the sealer.

Once the tank is prepared, you can apply the POR-15 Fuel Tank Sealer. This sealer is a high-tech product that is impervious to all fuels, including diesel, E10 ethanol, and high-alcohol content fuels. It will create a permanently sealed tank that is resistant to rust, corrosion, and small fuel leaks. The sealer comes in a silver colour and has superior strength and fuel resistance.

When applying the sealer, follow the detailed instructions provided in the kit. It is important to understand the proper chemical interaction between the products in your repair kit to achieve the best possible bond of the sealer to the inside of the tank. Ensure that any plastic components inside the tank are removed before applying the sealer, as it does not adhere well to plastic.

After all surfaces have been coated with the sealer, drain the tank for about an hour to remove any excess sealer. Then, use fuel preservation and stabilizer to keep your fuel system in proper working order and to avoid "stale gas" problems in the future.

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Draining the tank: removing excess sealer

When it comes to draining the tank and removing excess sealer, there are several methods and important considerations to keep in mind. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, it's crucial to identify the type of old sealer in your tank. Different sealers will require different approaches for effective removal. For instance, acetone or methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) can be used to dissolve some sealers, while others may require a good quality paint stripper. It's important to note that POR15, a common sealer, can only be dissolved using methylene chloride, found in proper paint strippers. If you're unsure about the sealer type, you may need to experiment with different methods.

Once you've identified the sealer, you can begin the removal process. If using acetone or MEK, start by pouring a litre of the solvent into the tank. Add a handful of nuts and bolts or other abrasive elements like gravel to act as agitators. Shake the tank or roll it around to ensure the solvent and agitators coat the entire interior surface. Allow the mixture to soak for several hours or even overnight for best results.

After soaking, drain the solvent and agitators from the tank. Be cautious during this step as the solvent may adhere to the tank's exterior, leaving streaks. You may need to use a pressure washer or steam cleaner to thoroughly flush out the solvent and remove any remnants. If a pressure washer is used, a steam cleaner may still be necessary to eliminate all traces of the stripper.

If the sealer is particularly stubborn or the tank has a liner, you may need to try alternative methods. One option is to use a chemical liner, but this should be done with caution as it can lead to internal corrosion and fuel contamination. Another approach is to mechanically remove the sealer by blasting the tank's interior with walnut shell media or seeking professional advice from a chemical engineer or industrial painting contractor.

It's worth noting that some people prefer to avoid sealers altogether and opt for fuel-soluble sealers or keeping their tanks full of fuel to prevent rust. Additionally, frequent use of the motorcycle helps to burn off condensation and prevent rust formation. However, if you need to store your bike for an extended period, it's recommended to drain the tank and repeat the oiling process to protect against rust.

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Maintenance: using fuel preservation and stabiliser

Maintenance is a key part of keeping your motorcycle in good condition. Using fuel preservation and stabilisers can help keep your fuel system in proper working order. Here are some tips on fuel preservation and stabilisers for your motorcycle:

Firstly, it is important to understand that gasoline does not keep and can cause fuel delivery problems over time. To prevent this, it is recommended to run your motorcycle at least every week or two until it is fully warm. This is the best way to prevent fuel delivery issues.

When it comes to fuel stabilisers, there are a few options available that have been known to provide consistent and reliable results with motorcycles. These include Seafoam Fuel Additive, Spectro FC Premium Fuel Conditioner & Stabilizer, and Star Tron Star brite Enzyme Fuel Treatment. These products can help prevent bad gas and fuel delivery issues. Be sure to follow the instructions on how much to use and how often.

Another option for fuel preservation is to use a fuel system treatment such as Marvel Mystery Oil (MMO). MMO is oil-based and can be used to coat the fuel system, protecting it from corrosion and rust. It can also clean the fuel system and lubricate the upper cylinders and valves. Before storing your bike, pour in 2 ounces of MMO, then fill it up and ride for a short while to get it worked in.

Additionally, when using the POR-15 Motorcycle Fuel Tank Repair Kit for sealing and protecting your fuel tank, it is recommended to use fuel preservation and stabiliser to maintain your fuel system. This will help prevent "stale gas" issues in the future.

By following these tips and using fuel stabilisers and preservation methods, you can help keep your motorcycle's fuel system in good condition and prevent fuel-related problems.

Frequently asked questions

POR-15 is a motorcycle fuel tank repair kit that seals your bike tank and protects it from rust, corrosion, and seals pinhole leaks.

The kit includes a cleaner degreaser to remove gum, sludge, and varnish, metal prep to remove rust and prepare the tank for sealing, and fuel tank sealer which creates a permanently sealed tank.

Before applying POR 15, it is important to understand each product in the kit and how it works. Proper chemical interaction is essential for achieving the best possible bond of the sealer to the inside of the tank. Ensure the tank is free of plastic parts, contamination, and loose rust.

After all surfaces have been coated, drain the tank for about an hour to remove excess sealer. Then, use fuel preservation and stabilizer to keep your entire fuel system in proper working order and to avoid "stale gas" problems.

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