General Topics/Tech TipsDiscussion on break in periods, rider comfort, seats and pad suggestions. Tech tips as they become available will be posted here.
I’ve read so many posts about gas tank liners and am still on the fence as to what’s really better, liner or no liner. Just because the tanks come with a liner from the factory doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better. And let’s find the most effective method for removing old lining material from a tank. There are so many different techniques out there, yet I havent found one that works well.
I’m asking for everyone’s help to find the answers;
Pro liner people - why is lining a tank good, why re-line a tank, and which liner products are the best? No liner people - why is lining a tank no good, what needs to be done, if anything, to run a tank without a liner? Both - How to remove the lining from a tank with and without damaging the paint?
moons past when steel was steel, liners were never heard of, i had many tanks with just zinc coating like the pacer and hummer had and nary any trouble. today, i am like you, tank liners are iffy but sometimes a necessary evil. my latest venture was an after-market coffin for my 74ch with is now failing after a few years. i think i will just run mm oil with the fuel and see?
I have re lined several tanks.the kits I use come with aircraft grade stripper.Being very cautious and having a plan on how to do the job helps.read the instructions several times ,so you know what to do.I have lined a few tanks that were so called "no liner" tanks that leaked gas all over the rider a fee miles down the road,yeah ,usually on your crotch area , He was told there was no need for a liner with my tanks..anyway after paint and finish work is not the time to find out you need a tank liner.You tube has some videos of the procedure and so does kb coatings on their website.several placed to choose from I just use KB coatings.
Last edited by 0lowrider1; 12-29-2018 at 03:18 PM.
No liner is always better. If you have a leak fix it. Liner became popular with aftermarket tanks and the oft time shoddy manufacturing of them. Companies got tired of the returns so they warned you to pressure test the tanks prior to painting and use a tank liner if it leaked. In my mind they should pressure test them because if it leaks then the tank is defective and don't pass the problem on to me. Harley fixed their shoddy workmanship at the factory by automatically putting liner in all the tanks. Guess they figured they'd all probably leak!
My advice? Pressure test your tank and if you find a pinhole leak fix it from the outside, not the inside. I used to use lead solder, flux and a mini torch. If you have crack or a hole replace the tank.
My home made pressure test items.
*** Disclaimer !!!! *** Before you apply heat or flame anywhere near a used gas tank be absolutely certain you have thoroughly washed out ALL traces of gasoline from the inside and outside of the tank or you won't even hear the BOOM!
Back in the Mid-80's I put an aftermarket "Quick Bob" gas tank on my FXRS shortly after bringing her home, purely for the style vs the way it came from the motor company. Didn't put any kind of liner material in that new tank, and still haven't. I've heard/read waaaayyyy too many horror stories about home-applied tank liners.
FWIW: I suspect most of those stories were from folks who used KREEM, but I didn't canvas all of them to find out. I just stayed way from any kind of aftermarket liner material, and I'm glad I did.
The only "Liner removal" method I've heard of is to use an industrial strength stripper and tumble with steel ***** inside.
12-28-2018, 03:48 PM
Gas Tank Liner vs No Liner
