Red Kote tank sealer question - Protecting internal threads

[spandau]

Hello,

I have a tank that I am going to seal with Red-Kote. The tank has internal threads for the gas cap and the petcock. Can someone tell me the method you used to protect these internal threads. The Red-Kote instruction that I have are not very helpful.

Is it sufficient to screw the gas cap on while rotating the tank to distribute the sealer and then simply remove the cap before it cures? If I install the petcock (or a threaded plug) and leave it in until the product is cured, will it break free of the Red-Kote? Should I leave the petcock in place and attempt to drain the Red-Kote through the petcock?

Lots of options which all have drawbacks. I'd like to hear anything that has been attempted with both success and failure.

Thanks,
Steve

P.S. I have already researched the pros and cons of using a sealer and determined that the tank does need to be sealed. I have also already purchased the Red-Kote based on several reasons including it's ability to be removed at a later time, if desired.

[exeric]

I think Red-Kote is an excellent sealer and I've used it on a number of tanks with no problems. As for keeping it off internal threads, that can be a challenge. The petcock bungs can be chased with a tap but don't get Red-Kote in the petcocks; use a plug. The gas cap threads will be harder to protect unless you make a plug. I had that problem on an Excelsior tank and did get sealer on the gas cap threads. I had a heck of time scraping the sealer free of the threads. I think if I did it again, I would use something like duct tape. If you do get sealer on the threads, you can always use MEK to clean the threads.

[rwm]

silicone from a tube. use the non-paintable kind. goob it on real thick. then when you are done peel it off like one large booger.

[Robert Luland]

First off you have to rotate the tank to evenly coat it. You need rubber stoppers in all holes. Bob L

[Steve Swan]

Just curious. I understand Red-Kote is MEK based ?

Great tip isolating threads using silicone sealant.

[harleytoprock]

I have never used the red-kote sealer but have used kreem style sealers in the past and now use 2 part epoxy sealers. When I seal the tanks I have handy a cup of lacquer thinner and some nappy rags. With a thinner soaked rag and wrapped around my finger I just clean off the sealer from the internal threads before it cures. After the threads are clean and the sealer is still curing, I keep the tank in an upright position so no sealer drips back on to the threads.

[45OZ]

Red Kote is Acetone based & it stays flexible I have used this product many Times on several tanks I just Plug the openings with a rubber stopper, If I can't find a bolt, for internal threads since red kote will not adhere to non metal, for my pet cocks I just threaded a ss bolt through the opening & removed it when the Kote had Cured, when I installed the petcock I brushed a little Kote on the threads & screwed it back in place (no Tape) no leaks, as far as the gas caps I don't see that as a problem because there is no need to go up into the threads when you are koting the tanks & if a little gets on the threads this is an acetone based product & we did a test on "cured" Kote the acetone will dissolve cured Kote so it can be easily cleaned, I have used this process on 41 Indian Tanks 32 Harley Tanks 18 & 20 Reading Standard Tanks NO Problem Grate stuff !!

[Steve Swan]

When i've used sealers in the past, i use a dummy threaded plug when i have it. If not, i use the actual threaded part and after the excess liner is drained and the tank is put up to cure, i remove the threaded plug, wipe anything off that needs wiped off. I really do like the silicone seal suggestion, when i can, i'm going to try it.

[spandau]

Thanks for all of the replies. The silicone worked great.

Regards,
Steve

[exeric]

I'll try the silicone on the next tank Steve. Good tip Rob.