2-piece gas tank reseal

[Handy Don 17,607]

1 hour ago, Bar Nuthin said:

don't think the sealer they used was fuel resistant because

And don’t ya wonder where the likely bead of sealant inside the tank disappeared to?!

[Bar Nuthin 3,415]

6 hours ago, Handy Don said:

And don’t ya wonder where the likely bead of sealant inside the tank disappeared to?!

Dissolved is my guess.

 

My fine grade glass blasting media arrived today, and I was able to accomplish the following..

1. Blast the surface corrosion on the inside surfaces of the tank - with particular attention to the flange perimeter. (Sorry I was on a roll and forgot to get photos)
2. Install the new gasket and torque ALL of the screws to what I feel was adequate and equal tightness
3. Line the entire inside of the tank with Red-Kote. (It's some messy stuff despite best efforts to keep it controlled)

Now to let it set for a few days to thoroughly dry.

 

I abrasive blasted a small area on the exterior of the tank that would be hidden by the hood - to see what it looks like.

(the crud along the bottom is some remnants of the old sealer I haven't cleaned off yet)

 

 

I'm looking at a product called Sharkhide Metal Protectant to achieve a more "vintage" appearance (as opposed to polishing). Plus, not being acrylic it can be touched up as needed.

 

  

[The real milo 2]

On 10/24/2026 at 8:25 PM, Bar Nuthin said:

The 754 has had the fuel tank apart and whoever did it used some kind of gummy sealant on both sides of the gasket. I noticed that it randomly shed drips of gasoline. By randomly, Maybe a drop or two one day - then dry for 3 or 4 days, then a drip - not necessarily in the same location.

So, I took it off today and opened it up. The first thing I noticed is that none of the Allen head screws holding together were very tight.

The second thing I noticed is that one of the threaded holes appears to have been repaired with JB Weld (or something similar).

Perhaps that was their reasoning for not over-tightening the screws. The gasket is still perfectly flat with no indentation from being compressed, and the use of whatever kind of gasket varnish it was coated in.

 

Anyway, the repaired crack appears to be contained to the inner side of the tank and everything else seems okay to my unexperienced eyes.

I'm ordering a new gasket but looking for tips or advice from anyone who has had these tanks apart, or experienced anything similar.

 

EDIT: I see Lowell references "Permatex Aviation Sealant" - possibly the goop I found on my tank?  Anyone using something better?

 

 

 

 

 

First identify whether the tank is metal or plastic, then use a sealer designed for that material and for gasoline. Remove all fuel, clean the surfaces thoroughly, and let the repair cure fully before testing. Keep sparks and open flames far away during the whole process.

[Racinbob 13,240]

Clean it, then clean it again, repeat. It sounds like you might be able to reuse the gasket but I'd get a new one. Install gasket and just snug up the screws. Don't overtighten. Then Red Kote tank sealer. It doesn't take much. I've done several and I use maybe 1/4 cup. I'm still working on the first and only quart I've purchased. I swirl it around the gasket area. Allow to dry. It's dry only when the oder is gone. It will be a permanent fix.

[Bar Nuthin 3,415]

22 minutes ago, Racinbob said:

you might be able to reuse the gasket but I'd get a new one

 

I found a guy on eBay that sells really nice ones for $20. (click photo for link)