To coat or not to coat an alloy tank

Title says it all. Searched but couldn't find anything definitive. You guys w/ alloy tanks, did you coat them and are there any other concerns/issues w/ alloy tanks? This tank came w/ a screw on flip open monza cap. Are the threads meant to be sealed? Thanks, Rick

I am not going to seal my alloy tank. FWIW

I'm not sure what you would seal it from?

Why would you want to?

Alcohol will corrode aluminum. It leaves the little white "fuzzies" on the surface (aluminum alkoxide). This is an inorganic salt and should be totally captured in a fuel filter. However, I have never seen this in an alloy tank using modern alcohol containing fuels. Perhaps there isn't enough alcohol in most gas formulations to worry about. If I were using an alloy tank in an area with alcohol blended gasoline, I would definitely drain it before storing it for the winter, but I don't think I would be overly concerned during the riding season.

Has anyone experienced problem with corrosion of the float bowls in Mikuni carbs? They are aluminum also. I haven't heard of any issue with them. (At least not issues related to alcohol corrosion).

I don't know how fast it happens but the junk they put in modern gas will react with the alloy and cause corosion. I assume it's the Ethonal ? But I'm no chemist. Leads back to the same old problem of how to deal with glass tanks too.

gtsun said:

I don't know how fast it happens but the junk they put in modern gas will react with the alloy and cause corosion. I assume it's the Ethonal ? But I'm no chemist. Leads back to the same old problem of how to deal with glass tanks too.

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Perhaps a little surface corrosion if it's left unused for long periods but who cares. Throw a few ball bearings in there swish around. If you leave gas in it that long you would need to clean it anyway. In no way can I see this causing tank failure. simply empty it for the winter or extended non use. I have an old aluminum Husky tank for my P11. It looks great inside. Had aluminum Yamaha tank as well, never saw anything to cause concern.

well................ i guess i'd want to if modern day ethanol/gas would corrode it which is why i asked in the 1st place. why the hell do you reply to a legitimate question w/ an inane one?

the rest of you guys thanks for the comments.

I have had a bartell fastback tank in use for 3 years now.I just drain it at seasons end. Looks good and shiny inside to me. If you happen to damage it and need it repaired you risk having to remove the coating anyway.Good luck with that one. If it starts to leak at a seam someone can tig it and you can buff it out. The heat would probably affect the coating also and you would have to remove it. I can't see any reason to seal it unless you guys come up with one.
That was the reason I bought an alloy one.
Bruce

rgrigutis said:

well................ i guess i'd want to if modern day ethanol/gas would corrode it which is why i asked in the 1st place. why the hell do you reply to a legitimate question w/ an inane one?

the rest of you guys thanks for the comments.

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Sorry if that came off sounding stupid. I've never heard or seen this in bikes or boats. The only reason I can see for sealing the tanks are, one, fiberglass resin gets leached- dissolved equals tank failure, resin in carbs etc, or 2, you are afraid of rust in your steel tank . Tank coatings on metal tanks just don't seam to be worth the hassle. The interior of a metal tank isn't that hard to clean. As stated by someone, tank damage is easier dealt with in non coated tanks.

Will

Hey will I'm sorry I threw some acid your way. I just didn't know about seali g aluminum. Just being overcautious I reckon.

No problem, on the reread I can see how you thought I was trying to be a dick. What I should have written is have you heard or experienced any problems ? I'm not much of a word smith, my old lady says that I'm rather blunt with my language.