Quote:
Originally Posted by funola
Have you used the POR15 tol seal a W123 tank? I'd be worried about not being able to do proper surface prep and the POR15 eventually flaking off and clog the fuel system. The W123 fuel tank is no ordinary steel tank. I have one sitting outside in the elements for more than a year now and there is not a hint of rust anywhere. I've been using my stock W123 tank for VO for 40k miles now with zero problems. I take the fuel level sender out pretty often just to look for poly and it has always been spotless and never failed on me while on VO.
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Yes I have. I did not do it purely out of prevention - I had a pinhole leak in the bottom of the tank after having it steam-cleaned. (A leaking fuel tank full of diesel is AWESOME, everyone should try it!!
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The W123 tanks are indeed lined. I called up POR-15 technical support and grilled them on this very topic. Turns out most steel tanks are lined. They assured me that if I followed their procedure (clean with Marine Clean twice, prep with their acid etchant, then Tank Sealer, and drain and dry for several days) I would have no problems.
It's been 25k and two years and my primary fuel filters are spotless. No flakes.
The factory tank lining does break down over time, especially at the bottom where it could have rusted from water in the (diesel) fuel over the years. If someone is committed to using the main tank for WVO (whether as a single tank kit or as the heated tank in a 2 tank conversion), this is why I suggest lining the tank with the POR-15 kit. Exposed steel + WVO = poly. And once it starts, it can get really bad fast.
That all being said the *best* place for WVO IMHO is in a second purpose built aluminum tank with heat exchanger.