Plastic Gas Tank

[GSUwhiskers]

Has anyone bought a replacement plastic gas tank for their trike? Mine is not leaking, but its terribly rusted inside and I know its only a matter of time before it springs another leak.

[Flyingw]

If you don't plan on putting decals on the gas tank, plastic is the way to go. No more worrying about rusting tanks. I've put plastic tanks on several of mine and if I could put decals on them, I would be in bliss.

[GSUwhiskers]

Ten four, I'm not worried about decals. I will probably make that conversion after the timing chain, front brake and tires are done.

[SpiritOfTheWild]

Why can't you decal the plastic tanks?

[Flyingw]

The fuel vapors leeches through the plastic and if there's a decal will form a vapor bubble under the decal and in short order bubble the decal right off.

[dustrunner]

now I know why an old suzy dirt bike tank I have that was painted has a bazillion bubbles on it...thanks flyingw

[QUASIMOTO]

You could avoid this problem by coating the inside of your tank with Dragons Blood Gas Tank Sealer by CASWELL. It seals all the bad stuff in, even ethanol.
The fuel vapors leeches through the plastic and if there's a decal will form a vapor bubble under the decal and in short order bubble the decal right off.

[pipeline triker]

Decals won't stick sometimes because of the release agents in the plastic also. I really like plastic tanks in some cases, my sons atc 70 I put one on, just put one on my wifes 250 es also. Have had a # on atc 200s as well. No rust, dents, or scratches they work great for kids or hunting machines.

[86125m]

They are easier and more reliable in most cases but I prefer the look of a metal tank.

[UPNATM]

They are easier and more reliable in most cases but I prefer the look of a metal tank.

I also prefer the look of a metal tank as well. One thing I noticed while riding my SX with the plastic tank is that if you like to pitch them into corners, its a lot softer on the knees with the plastic tank than with the metal. :D

[t65h]

Be careful of what you buy. I just put one on my 85 ES and it is horrible. Fit is bad, color is bad, side covers do not fit, and the cap wouldn't even go back on right.

[smrover1]

I bought a new Clark for my 350 but havent installed it yet. Its deff not all nice and shiny like my metal tank in fact im not real fond of the red its not even a gloss red more of dull red but it wont dent or rust just hope dont leak

[mster2000]

I put Clarke tanks on my 185s and 200es, same tank fits both machines, makes the machines look a bit newer, sexy shape. If you can find one its worth the extra money, rather than one of the cheapos on ebay with crappy caps. The only crazy thing you have to do is crush the air intake cover with a clamp or vise for the tank to fit over the frame. Be brave!

[Bobbyevo]

Yeah I got the plastic tank for my 200es after haveing the original blasted and powdercoated it had two weeping holes
So orderd the plastic tank the tank cap isn't great and wasn't to happy about crushing the intake cover but it's on there looks great and is a lot softer on the knees

[GSUwhiskers]

Okay so what is the best brand tank to buy? And am I understanding that if I try to paint a red tank white (plastic tank) that the fuel vapors will ruin it?

[UPNATM]

Okay so what is the best brand tank to buy? And am I understanding that if I try to paint a red tank white (plastic tank) that the fuel vapors will ruin it?

A lot of folks like Clarke tanks. I honestly prefer the OE metal tank over a plastic one, but I have a Clarke tank that came on my SX, and I like it. I mean depending on how you ride, and what part of the country you are from, it will for sure hold up better than a metal.
They are a little spendy, but you can get a Clarke tank in white also if that's what your looking for.

http://clarkemfg.com/atc-250-sx-all-stock-capacity-p-28.html?zenid=4d73b212200b680180560eb6f6e3f190

[GSUwhiskers]

I am looking for white, are you saying a paint coat on a plastic tank will not hold up?

[rouseanator]

I used some radiator soder to seal the hole in tank so it wouldn't leak then filled with apple cider vinegar then let it sit a few days then blast it out with hot soapy water, then swish around some acetone in it to get water out and let it dry then use redkote tank sealer and rotate every 10-15 min to get a even layer around in side tank (keep cap off as much ass possible it dries alot faster)

[Flyingw]

Don't you even think about pointing a paint gun at any plastic tank.

[czac]

You could avoid this problem by coating the inside of your tank with Dragons Blood Gas Tank Sealer by CASWELL. It seals all the bad stuff in, even ethanol.

Seriously? if you did this on a plastic tank it would seal it so the vapors don't bubble the pain or stickers?? I painted mine and its all bubbling right off and looks worst than it did before!

[QUASIMOTO]

I haven't done it myself, but that's what the product is advertised to do; and is the only tank sealer recommended by Airtech; for their tanks. Dragon's Blood Gas Tank Sealer
Permanently Repairs Steel, Aluminum, Fiberglass and Plastic Gas Tanks
The same phenol novolac chemistry as our regular Gas Tank Sealer product.
Ethanol Resistant Chemistry. Withstands racing fuels and alcohol.
Bright Red Color Makes For Easy Identification of Missed Areas
Each kit treats tanks up to 10 gallons
Application Instructions
Seriously? if you did this on a plastic tank it would seal it so the vapors don't bubble the pain or stickers?? I painted mine and its all bubbling right off and looks worst than it did before!

[czac]

yeah I just looked at it on Amazon, and I asked the question there and they all seem to agree it works great!

[GSUwhiskers]

Man, I'd hate to have a red tank on an 87.... but I can't afford a white tank period.