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Christian Van H · 02-02-2009, 17:35

Hello all! Does anyone have any experience using Butyl caulk to seal access ports on their Diesel tanks? I has several steel covers to bolt back on my steel diesel tank, and since I believe Butyl to be a "wonder" caulk, its first on my list for this job...any thoughts? Thanks, Chris

Maine Sail · 02-02-2009, 17:39

Considering that Mineral Spirits really softens butyl and makes for easy clean up I'd test some butyl with some diesel to see what happens. It's great stuff but not as chemical resistant as some other choices. As much as I hate sillykone it might be your best choice..

Stevens 47 · 02-02-2009, 19:04

Christian try this link from Mcmaster Carr for Buna-N sheet you should be able to cut it to make a gasket it stands up diesel. McMaster-Carr

**Pblais** · 02-02-2009, 19:48

Buna N is the ticket. There is no caulk for this. You need a real gasket material resistant to fuel.

I Like McMaster Carr not so much that they are cheap but they do have everything (mostly). They have a lot of great details on materials and what they are good for too. Gaskets and O rings would be one of those. You can learn a lot there. From in VA if I order in the morning I get it the second day even paying 5 day shipping rates. They really are a responsive mail order company.

Christian Van H · 02-02-2009, 21:07

Thanks guys for the Buna-N heads up. I guess my main worry is leakage from the bolts / screws which fasten the plates to the tanks. Either I punch smaller tight holes in the rubber and torque down to squeeze the Buna-N tight against the fastener, or I apply sealant to the fasteners as I screw them through the Buna-N... Tough one...

Stevens 47 · 02-02-2009, 22:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christian Van H

Thanks guys for the Buna-N heads up. I guess my main worry is leakage from the bolts / screws which fasten the plates to the tanks. Either I punch smaller tight holes in the rubber and torque down to squeeze the Buna-N tight against the fastener, or I apply sealant to the fasteners as I screw them through the Buna-N... Tough one...

Use a leather punch slightly smaller than the bolts. The holes will stretch over the bolts when you tighten them you should have a good seal. Do not over tighten the nuts. You also can use a sealant from Permatex #2 around the bolt heads as a added precaution. I finished my tank build and installed the seatek inspection port system much like you are building, pressure tested the tanks by compressing air into the tank...no leaks.

Christian Van H · 03-02-2009, 04:50

Sounds good. THANKS EVERYONE!

mobetah · 03-02-2009, 05:05

christian,

Just go down to your local auto parts store (NAPA, O'Riley's, Car Quest, etc.) and purchase a tube of good, solvent resistant, gasget replacement material. It's worked for me!

Good Luck, Bill A.