30 year old fuel tank

TogTeeth · #1 03-01-2009, 11:05 PM

I am refurishing a 20-foot 1978 MA. The fuel tank had a few pits in the top but was otherwise in great shape. I am using a wire brush to get it down to clean aluminum. I was thinking about painting the tank. I would guess it to be around 75 gallons. Would you guys reccommend coal tar epoxy or another kind of epoxy paint. I am going to use zinc chromate as a primer before the paint. What are your thoughts on this?

Tiny · #2 03-01-2009, 11:40 PM

You might want to pressure test it if you have ANY areas of concern, we needed a new tank after pressure testing , though the tank looked only somewhat pitted. Just a thought.

TogTeeth · #3 03-02-2009, 10:05 PM

Great advice thank you. I would hate the put the tank in and then find out I have a problem. I guess the Coast Guard will do a pressure test?

Caymanboy · #4 03-02-2009, 10:28 PM

Pretty sure the CG will NOT due a test, either a tank manufacturer or yourself will have to do it, not to many other people will take on the liability on a used tank, as far as coatings go, stick to one manufacturer, IE, Interlux, Pettit, etc. Haven't heard of coal tar being used in eons. Might want to reasearch that a little further. I do know if you are coating old aluminum you better make sure it is clean, and a wire brush isn't going to cut it, it should involve some kind of etching acid of the same manufactures of the epoxy you plan to use.

Islandtrader · #5 03-03-2009, 08:32 AM

Normally if you have the tank clean a radiator shop can pressure test it for you.

Remember if you PT it yourself not to let the air in to fast...slow is the key. You only need to get 3-4# of pressure.

TogTeeth · #6 03-04-2009, 10:46 PM

Thank you caymanboy and islandtrader. Great advice once again. I plan to go to a local radiator repair shop for the pressure test and I will most definitiely chemically treat the tank with a cleaner before the paint. Interlux or pettite paint will be used. All I have to do is pick a color. Thanks again guys.

Michael Vezzosi · #7 03-02-2009, 08:50 PM

I believe I still have the original aluminum fuel tank in my 1979 MA. She is due for a pressure test due to some odor coming up the rigging tunnel this past year-I'd have it done especially if it were out. I believe mine is stamped at 68 gallons. For what it's worth. Good luck. Part II.