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When you own a motorcycle, little repairs can add up and cost you quite a bit financially. If you have an older gas tank, you may want to consider sealing it instead of replacing it in order to save a bit of money. With a little know-how, it doesn’t take much to extend the lifespan of your tank. Our buying guide below features some of the best motorcycle tank sealers on the market.
Benefits of Motorcycle Tank Sealers
- Revitalize an old tank. Maybe you like the gas tank on your bike, but it starts leaking. If you don’t want to replace it, you can fix it instead, using a sealant.
- Save money. It can cost several hundred dollars to buy a new fuel tank. If you don’t have that kind of money, you can spend as little as $6 on a sealant that can prevent rust and repair leaks and pinholes.
- Save the planet. We live in a disposable society. When something breaks, we often dump it and buy something new. If the thought of adding more waste to a landfill bothers you, repair the gas tank you have instead of throwing it out.
Types of Motorcycle Tank Sealers
Fuel Tank Sealer Kit
Cleaning and prepping a gas tank so you can remove the rust and seal the cracks and pinholes is no easy task. The advantage of purchasing a kit is that it contains most if not all of the products you need to get the job done. These kits typically feature a cleaner/degreaser, rust remover, and tank sealer. Some also come with latex gloves.
Epoxy/Adhesive
Whether you’re an experienced garage mechanic or a beginner, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to refurbish an old gas tank. Instead of getting an all-in-one kit, you can opt for just an epoxy/adhesive that can do the job. Still, you will have to prep the tank properly in order for the product to set and cure correctly. It can take several steps to do so.
Top Brands
KBS Coatings
KBS Coatings was founded in 2005 and is based in Valparaiso, Indiana. The company produces rust preventive paints as well as gas tank sealers, engine enamels, and car restoration kits. One of its top products is the KBS Coatings Auto Fuel Tank Sealer Kit.
POR-15
Based in New Rochelle, New York, POR-15 is well-known in the automotive and motorcycle segments and designs high-performance, rust-preventive coatings that can be used on a variety of different metal surfaces. We recommend its POR-15 Fuel Tank Sealer.
Caswell
Caswell Inc. was founded in 1991 and is based in Lyons, New York. The company got its start by producing a DIY nickel plating kit, and it currently makes a variety of metal finishing supplies, as well as its renowned ethanol-resistant gas tank sealer, the Caswell Epoxy Gas Tank Sealer Motorcycle Kit.
Kreem Products
This company from Somis, California, has long been associated with motorcycle gas tank restoration. Enthusiasts also use its products in trucks and cars. Its products are designed to clean and protect gas tanks. We recommend the Kreem Products Fuel Tank Liner and Tank Prep Combo Paks.
Red Kote
Red Kote is a fuel tank repair product made by Damon Industries. The company, which has a manufacturing plant in Ohio, has been producing cleaning and sanitizing solutions since 1938. One top product is the Red Kote Tank Sealer for Harley and Custom Automotive Tractor All Gas Tanks.
Motorcycle Tank Sealer Pricing
- Less than $15: Some sealants are very inexpensive. Many are sold as an epoxy or adhesive and are frequently used to seal more than just gas tanks. This makes them very versatile. Yet you will still have to do a lot of prep work when using these products on a gas tank.
- $30-$80: If you want a complete kit or are interested in products that are solely designed to refurbish motorcycle/automotive gas tanks, expect to pay a little more. As we noted earlier, kits usually contain several products to get the job done; however, you may still need additional prep before application.
Key Features
Fuel Resistant
This is vital. Any type of sealer you use in your tank has to be impervious to the type of fuel that you use. If you choose an epoxy that’s not impervious to gasoline, then it will eventually eat through the sealer and prevent it from working properly. Motorcycle-specific gas tank sealants are fuel-resistant, but general epoxies may not be.
Color
Tank sealants can dry clear or they can dry in a very bright color, such as red or blue. This is beneficial because when you apply the formula you will be able to see the coverage better. That way you know the area is properly sealed.
Set and Curing Time
Different products have different set and curing times. Some take just minutes to set and an hour to cure. Others don’t cure completely for 24 hours. You have to be patient when you’re cleaning and preparing a gas tank before applying the sealer, and it may take a couple of days to complete the project. How long it takes for the sealer to cure can add either a little or a lot of time to the task.
Other Considerations
- Size: If you are only refurbishing one gas tank, you don’t need a product that can work on a tank that’s 25 gallons. Unless you plan on sealing several tanks, you may want to consider a formula that comes in a smaller tube or can. This will save you money, particularly if the product doesn’t have a long shelf life.
Best Motorcycle Tank Sealer Reviews & Recommendations 2021
Best Overall
KBS Coatings Auto Fuel Tank Sealer Kit
Best Value
Seal-All Contact Adhesive and Sealant
Best for Professionals
POR-15 Fuel Tank Sealer
Best Complete Kit
Kreem Products Fuel Tank Liner and Tank Prep Combo Paks
Honorable Mention
J-B Weld TankWeld Gas Tank Repair
Honorable Mention
Red Kote Tank Sealer for Harley and Custom Automotive Tractor All Gas Tanks
Honorable Mention
Northern Radiator Fuel Tank Liner Kit
Tips
- Before you apply a sealer, make sure to clean the gas tank. Drain out the fuel and remove all the fittings, including the sending unit.
- Tape over any holes on the tank except the one that you will use to pour in the sealer. After pouring it in, tip the tank to make sure it coats the whole interior. Drain out any excess sealer.
- Let the tank fully dry. This can take from 8-24 hours. When you’re sure it is dry, reassemble it and put it back on the bike.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take for motorcycle tank sealer to dry?
A: That depends on the brand. Many products require at least 24 hours, but some may be more or less. Make sure to read the instructions.
Q: Do you need to take the gas tank off to apply sealer?
A: Yes. In order to seal the inside from top to bottom, you need to have the ability to tip and rotate the tank and shake it around so that the sealer entirely coats the inside of the tank.
Q: What do I do if sealant dries on the outside of the tank?
A: After the sealer is fully cured, use 300-grit sandpaper or a green pad scrubber to remove the excess sealer.
Final Thoughts
Our pick for the best motorcycle tank sealer is the KBS Coatings Auto Fuel Tank Sealer Kit. It’s a comprehensive kit that is perfect for sealing pinholes and seams.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider the POR-15 Fuel Tank Sealer.