HarleyTechTalk

Hi I own a 81 fxwg and i patched the original oil tank at bottom seam and it started to leak again eventually, Then I replaced with a tank my buddy told me it didn,t leak,WELL it did after the oil got hot. Then I purchased one at swap meet and of course was told that one didn't leak. But it does! At least I Got a little smarter this time i checked for leaks before installing it on the bike by heating up cooking oil and filling the tank w/ hot oil.
  I could just by a new one but the only  new tanks available are  Chrome and I want to keep black . So after all this bla bla bla the question is are there any oil tank sealer products to seal inside of tank. Thanks!   

Good question. I am fitting up a wrap-around on my 4 speed frame and I am wondering if I should seal it.
Could probably use a gas tank sealer, however I am concerned that the fitting holes would seal over. With a gas tank it would just make the bike not run, but with an oil tank...
I'll be watching this post for suggestions.

  I would never risk sealing an oil tank,,,,don't want sealant peeling off and goin thru motor..
Dave

never thought about the peeling .Maybe i just need to buy a new chrome one and paint it Black.

Don't know if this one is raw, painted or chromed.

http://www.bikebandit.com/harley-davidson-motorcycle-fxwg-80-1981-oil-tank-oil-hoses-and-rear-chain-oiler/o/m1559sch164213

Part number 100, "oil tank kit", $230.

Call 'em up, it is listed as an OEM replacement, it may already be painted black.

I weld'em up with a torch and a coat hanger all the time.Always worked for me.Charlie

take it to the radiator shop if your not willing to try to weld it up yourself. they will take time to pressure test it too.....never put a sealer in an oil tank.   eric

I used Por-15 tank sealer in mine- bonds to the steel and hasn't peeled in over 5 years. Tough as nails.

ive mig welded a couple,,nawt a plug ,,jus tryun save someone a buck,,but jireh had ols cool type wraps fer 79 n was ship included,,now ship is 100,,but are chrome(cheeyutee chrome scratches easy) but holds oil ,,n they have stock style black too er chrome,,  black is 69$..id weld before id use a seal fer reason above

How much pressure should be used to test an oil tank? Has anyone ever discovered the oil pressure at the return line?
I wouldn't think test pressure should be too high.

Same question for a fuel tank- how much pressure?

Thanks

it doesn't take much....too much will distort a tank. don't ask me how i know.....! i run a regulator set to 10 pounds.plug your holes and a spray bottle with soapy water or if you have the means to submerge it. that works too.

Bericuda-

Yeah, I would think that 5 - 10 psi would be plenty.

Thanks

Hey Ironman- I was perusing the Jireh catalog looking for some other stuff, and I saw a black tank for $68.95.
Jireh PN 26-116.

i would think the acids in the oil will eat away at any type of sealer over time.

When I was checking for leaks on a gas tank I used a low presure regulator and gauge, I kept it under 5 psi.  It's surpriing how those SIs add up. I walked in on one of my guys "pressure testing" a home fuel oil tank one day. Before I could say anything it opened up at a seam like a bomb went off in it.   

When we could see and hear again he said "It only had 12 psi in it."   

I remembered this thread and thought it could bear being regurgitated...don't use sealer! I am guessing the one I just opened up in my lil shop has Kreem in it (why oh why???)  Ya now cant get the oil to run out of the POS anywhere...and its custom painted to boot!

Is there anything else that would be a white color like the Kreem? Just curious...

Craig

I've used JB Weld on the bottom seems of the '65 up type Big-Twin oil tanks with no leaks for years now.

AMF/Ride & Shoot Safe

On oil tanks if you don't have access to a Tig welder yourself, go by your local airport and look for a welding or fab shop. If they are qualified to work on aircraft then they can get a good bead down that won't leak with out distorting your tank. I was taught tig welding by a guy who is qualified. I still leave the fine work to him but I can do just about anything else with out too many problems. Also when you do weld it, use stainless steel filler rod instead of mild steel.
EASY