Mercedes Mullins
Red-Kote is an internal fuel tank liner designed to seal leaks and prevent rusting. It is sold in one-quart and one-gallon metal cans and is backed by Damon Industries' guarantee of over 70 years of service to the automotive industry. While Red-Kote is resistant to several additives, including ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, and methanol, it does not perform well with ethanol. To cure Red-Kote, the tank must be mobile to tip and coat the inside, and any excess must be drained to ensure proper curing. Users have reported success with methyl hydrate and acetone to cure the product.
Characteristics and Values of Red-Kote Fuel Tank Liner
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Packaging | One quart metal cans (9 per case) or one gallon metal cans (1 per case) |
| Warranty | Damon Industries, Inc. warrants its products to be free of defects in material and workmanship as delivered in the original container |
| Liability | Limited to replacement of product found to be defective |
| Performance | Totally dependent upon the user following the instructions exactly |
| Coating | Flexible and does not crack |
| Polymer | Specifically chosen because of its tight adhering qualities |
| Resistance | Resistant to additives like ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, toluene, methyl tertiary butyl ether, isopropyl alcohol, and tetraethyl lead |
| Curing | Takes approximately eight hours to dry |
| Removal | Can be removed using acetone |
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What You'll Learn
Red-Kote's resistance to additives
Red-Kote is a fuel tank liner manufactured by Damon Industries, Inc. It is designed to seal leaks and prevent further rusting in gasoline or diesel tanks. The product is available in one-quart metal cans packed 9 per case or in one-gallon metal cans packed 1 per case.
Red-Kote is resistant to several additives and substances, including:
- Ethyl Alcohol
- Methyl Alcohol (up to 10%)
- Toluene
- Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Tetraethyl Lead
However, it is important to note that Red-Kote should not be used with certain substances. For example, it is not suitable for use with biodiesel fuel, racing fuels (without prior discussion with a Red-Kote chemist), or water/water-based substances, especially potable water. Additionally, Red-Kote cannot be sprayed, even after thinning, and should not be used on fiberglass or plastic.
While Red-Kote is resistant to many common additives, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines to ensure proper use and avoid any issues.
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The application process
Red-Kote is an internal fuel tank liner designed to seal leaks and prevent rusting. It is a flexible coating that does not crack or peel off. It is resistant to several additives, including ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, toluene, and methanol.
- Make the tank mobile: Ensure the tank is mobile so that you can tip and coat the inside effectively. This step is crucial, especially if you are dealing with an unremovable tank.
- Thin the Red-Kote: If the Red-Kote has become slightly stiff in the can, you may need to thin it out. However, be mindful not to exceed the recommended thinning limits, as this can affect the coating's ability to leave a good sealing coat.
- Coat the tank: Apply the Red-Kote to the interior of the tank. Use a sprayer or a brush to ensure complete coverage of the tank's internal surface.
- Slosh and drain: After coating, slosh the Red-Kote around for about 5 minutes. Then, drain the excess product from the tank. This step is crucial to prevent pooling, ensuring proper curing.
- Cure the coating: Allow the Red-Kote to cure. This process typically takes around eight hours. You can use a section of copper pipe attached to an air nozzle to blow any remaining puddles, ensuring complete curing.
- Repeat if necessary: Depending on the condition of the tank and the desired level of protection, you may need to apply multiple coats of Red-Kote. Follow the same process for each coat, allowing adequate curing time between applications.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions during the application process. Red-Kote is a reliable product for sealing fuel tanks, as evidenced by its use in tanks that are still in good condition after almost 20 years.
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The importance of tank preparation
Tank preparation is crucial to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of the Red Kote fuel tank liner. Without proper preparation, the liner may not adhere correctly, leading to potential issues such as peeling, leakage, or corrosion. Here are some detailed instructions on the importance of tank preparation:
Firstly, it is essential to determine the condition of the tank. If the tank is rusty, it is necessary to remove the rust thoroughly. This can be achieved through various methods, including using muriatic acid, electrolysis with water and baking soda, or mechanical methods such as shaking the tank with loose chips, nuts, or bolts to scrub the interior. Removing rust ensures a clean surface for the liner to adhere to, preventing further corrosion and leakage.
Secondly, after addressing the rust, it is crucial to clean the tank thoroughly to remove any remaining debris, oils, or contaminants. This step can be accomplished using denatured alcohol, acetone, or kerosene, followed by a thorough drying process. A clean tank is essential to ensure that the Red Kote liner adheres correctly and does not interact with any residual substances.
Thirdly, proper preparation also includes choosing the right liner for your specific tank and its intended use. Red Kote is known for its flexibility, adhesion, and compatibility with methanol and ethanol fuels. However, some users have reported issues with ethanol fuel and recommended alternative products like POR-15 or Caswell. Understanding the fuel type and selecting a compatible liner is crucial to prevent future complications.
Additionally, tank preparation involves following the manufacturer's instructions for applying the Red Kote liner. This includes steps such as filling the tank with the recommended amount of Red Kote, ensuring complete coverage of all interior surfaces, and allowing adequate drying time. Proper application is essential to achieving the desired results and longevity of the liner.
Finally, tank preparation also encompasses safety considerations. When working with chemicals like Red Kote, it is crucial to wear proper safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator. Taking the necessary safety precautions protects the user from potential health hazards associated with the chemicals involved.
In conclusion, tank preparation is of utmost importance when applying a Red Kote fuel tank liner. By removing rust, cleaning the tank thoroughly, choosing the right liner, following application instructions, and prioritising safety, one can ensure the effectiveness, durability, and success of the Red Kote liner in fuel tanks.
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Removal of Red-Kote
Red-Kote is a coating used to seal fuel tanks. It is a flexible polymer that adheres tightly to the metal and protects it from further rusting. While Red-Kote is known for its durability, there may be instances when you need to remove it from a fuel tank. Here is a comprehensive guide on the removal process:
Pre-Removal Steps:
Before initiating the removal process, it is crucial to empty the fuel tank completely. Ensure that you remove the sender unit, float, feed lines, filters, and any other components that could be clogged by the coating. Use a rubber mallet or a piece of chain to remove any loose rust inside the tank, and then flush out any remaining debris. Steam-clean the tank for about 15 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned. It is important to note that boiling water should be avoided, as high alkalinity can remove tin from the terne plate.
Drying the Tank:
After cleaning, the tank must be completely dried. This process can take up to 12 hours without the use of a blower. To expedite the drying process, you can use a blower to circulate air through the tank, reducing the time to approximately one hour. Alternatively, you can drain the tank for 5 minutes and then pour 500ml of acetone into it, swish it around, and then pour out the acetone. This will help remove any remaining water from the tank before coating.
Removal Process:
The recommended chemical for removing Red-Kote is acetone. Fill the tank with acetone and let it sit for a while. The exact amount of time needed may vary, but it could take a few hours or more. You can also try methyl hydrate, which has been reported to be effective in removing Red-Kote. Alternatively, MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) is known to remove Red-Kote if given enough time. It is worth noting that using acetone will likely affect the paint of the tank, so be prepared for potential paint removal.
Post-Removal Steps:
Once the Red-Kote has been successfully removed, the next step is to wash out the tank. This can be done using vinegar, which has been reported to effectively remove factory liners. Ensure that the tank is thoroughly rinsed and prepared for the next steps, which may include recoating with a different product or keeping the tank over half full when not in use.
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Alternative products
Several products can be used as alternatives to Red-Kote Fuel Tank Liner. Here are some options:
POR-15
This product is a popular alternative to Red-Kote and can be used to coat the inside of fuel tanks. It is known for its ability to create a durable, rust-resistant coating. While it may get a little soft and dentable, it doesn't peel or lift off the surface.
Caswell Tank Sealing Products
Caswell offers a range of tank sealing products that can be used as an alternative to Red-Kote. These products are known for their effectiveness in sealing and protecting fuel tanks.
Kwik Poly
Kwik Poly is another option for lining fuel tanks. It has been reported to have good results, with no issues mentioned in user forums.
Kreem
Kreem is a product that can be used to coat fuel tanks. However, it has been known to peel off, which may not be ideal for long-term protection.
Acetone
Acetone is a chemical solvent that can be used to remove existing coatings, such as Red-Kote, from fuel tanks. It is important to note that using acetone may require additional steps, such as washing the tank with vinegar, before applying a new coating.
Methyl Hydrate
Methyl hydrate is another chemical solvent that has been used successfully to remove Red-Kote from fuel tanks. It is recommended to shake the tank well and let it sit for a few hours to ensure the coating sloughs off.
These alternative products offer different features and benefits compared to Red-Kote. It is always important to carefully follow the instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturers when using any of these products.
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Frequently asked questions
Red-Kote is an internal fuel tank liner designed to seal leaks and prevent rusting. It forms a tough, flexible membrane that will not crack or flake.
Red-Kote is available in one-quart and one-gallon cans. You can spray it into your tank, but you must make the tank mobile to tip and coat the inside. After coating, slosh it around for about five minutes, then drain the tank to remove excess Red-Kote.
Red-Kote takes approximately eight hours to dry.
Acetone is the best way to remove Red-Kote.
