Tell me if this sounds right ....

I spoke with a Harley Davidson Customer Service rep in Milwaukee yesterday. I wanted HD's stance on how to re-seal / re-coat a stock gas tank. I wanted to know what their instructions were for abrading the stock (grey) film off the inside and what to use as a sealer.

Much to my surprise, I was told that Harley Davidson strongly suggests that the tanks are NOT re-sealed / re-coated. The official stance is leave it alone, don't re-seal. My rep told me to fill the tank 3/4 of the way with water, put a half pound of large fishing "split shot" (or other non sparking metal) in the tank and shake it until the loose coating comes off.

Once the loose material is abraded off, dry the inside with compressed air, remount and refill. Furthermore, I was told that gasoline itself is a anti rust agent.

She also told me that she personally has taken several calls from frustrated customers who have used Kreme & POR-15 in their tanks, only to find that it was toxic to the paint.

This leaves me wondering if I should re-seal the tank or not.

What do you think?

 

I would talk with a custom builder or some HD wrenches in the field. Why not PM Shovelhead Bob?

 

To kreme a gas tank is to ask someone named bubba to kick you in the ba**s!

I did it once before on a virago with a rust problem. I used a kreme that was recomended by a yamaha dealer. I had carb problems with the rust. I had carb problems with the kreme. The Kreme continued to flake over the next 5-6 months.

HD told you correct. Rust can not form if the tank is full with fuel! That is why you store a bike with a full tank and some stabilizer.

I would utilize some in line fuel filters if you are concerned about flakes of anything contaminating your tank.

Good luck.

 

Failed to see it last night....but nice pain job.