Aluminium Tank..require liner?

[nixon]

Hi

hoping for some input please..i got a tank via cycle -x..who had a few tanks from a potential supplier.

a note taped to the bottom advises 'seal before use'.

Is this needed with raw alu? redkote etc?

thanks!

 

[xb33bsa]

maybe it leeks :-\

 

[Tim]

I've had a raw aluminum tank on my XS650 for years and have never had a problem. That sounds like a bit of a disclaimer. No liner is needed to protect the metal itself in my experience, so they're likely suggesting you stick some of that disgusting, horrible KREEM type crap in it to resolve any pin-hole leaks.

If the tank is worth the effort, I'd have it pressure tested and then deal with any leaks properly - by having it professionally welded.

Others will I'm sure chime in with suggestions, but Junior on the site here is a wizard with hand forming aluminum tanks.

 

[Flugtechnik]

I had a custom aluminum tank made for me by a very experienced welder. It had several pinhole leaks in the welds. I took it back to him and he spent hours chasing pinholes, only to have new ones pop up as he tried to fix others. He said it was very hard to not create pinholes in complex joints with aluminum sheet that thin.

I coated it with redkote and it was fine.

So you are right, the metal doesn't need it, it would be to seal up any pinholes.

 

[nixon]

appreciate the feedback guys!

Ive got some red kote so will go that way..