Dealing with a rusty gas tank can be a real headache for any car or motorcycle enthusiast. You’re looking for a reliable solution to seal those leaks and prevent future rust. While browsing through options, you might come across Kreem gas tank sealer. However, before you reach for that can, it’s crucial to understand why, as an expert in auto repair, I strongly advise against using Kreem. And while you’re at AutoZone looking for solutions, let’s guide you towards what actually works and how AutoZone can still be a part of your tank sealing process, just not with Kreem.
The Kreem Catastrophe: Why to Avoid It
If you’re considering Kreem, do yourself a favor and spend a few minutes searching online for “Kreem gas tank sealer removal.” You’ll quickly find countless stories of frustration and regret from people stuck with Kreem liners that have failed. “Nasty” is an understatement when describing the removal process. In fact, if I’m inspecting an old bike and discover a Kreem-coated tank, I’m immediately reducing my offer price significantly because I know the trouble it represents.
The core issue with Kreem is its tendency to delaminate and fail over time. This failure isn’t just an aesthetic problem; it becomes a functional nightmare. Flakes of the Kreem liner can break off and clog your fuel petcock screen, leading to fuel starvation and engine problems. Removing a failed Kreem liner is a laborious and unpleasant task you definitely want to avoid.
Reliable Alternatives: POR-15 and Caswell
So, if Kreem is off the table, what are the better options for sealing your gas tank? For effective and lasting results, I recommend considering POR-15 or Caswell gas tank sealers. These products are designed for durability and resistance to fuel and chemicals, providing a much more reliable lining than Kreem. They form a robust barrier against rust and leaks, giving you peace of mind and saving you from future headaches.
AutoZone’s Smart Solutions: Sealing Accessories
Now, where does AutoZone fit into all of this, especially when we’re focusing on “Gas Tank Sealer Autozone”? While I don’t recommend purchasing Kreem from AutoZone or anywhere else, AutoZone can still be your go-to for essential accessories needed for a successful gas tank sealing job, regardless of whether you choose POR-15 or Caswell.
One crucial step in the tank sealing process is properly sealing openings like the petcock, fuel filler, and crossover tubes. This prevents the sealer from leaking out and ensures a complete internal coating. This is where AutoZone comes in handy. For sealing the petcock opening, rubber caps from AutoZone are an excellent choice.
These rubber caps effectively seal the petcock opening and also protect the external threads during the coating process. This ensures that the internal passage gets coated, preventing rust in a critical area. Using an external cap like this is preferable to internal plugs, which might prevent proper coating of the entire hole.
For the crossover tubes, simple pieces of fuel line can be used to seal them, allowing the internal surfaces to be coated. And for the filler cap opening, you can find tapered rubber plugs at stores like Ace Hardware (or similar hardware stores near AutoZone if they don’t carry them) that work perfectly. These plugs and caps are reusable, making them a worthwhile investment for future projects. Remember to use a piece of string trimmer line to clear any excess sealer from these openings after coating, ensuring they remain unobstructed.
The Proof is in the Protection: POR-15 Results
To illustrate the effectiveness of a quality sealer like POR-15, here are before and after photos. These images show the remarkable transformation and long-lasting protection that POR-15 provides. The interior of the tank in these pictures remains in excellent condition years after the POR-15 treatment, proving its durability.
Kreem’s Failed Promise: A Cautionary Tale
In stark contrast to the success of POR-15 and Caswell, consider the example of a Kreem-lined tank that has failed. The peeling and delaminating liner shown below is a typical outcome with Kreem. Ignoring the warning signs and opting for Kreem can lead to this exact scenario – a tank requiring extensive and messy liner removal.
If remnants of Kreem are not completely removed, they can compromise the adhesion of any subsequent liner you apply, leading to repeated failures. Furthermore, those loose Kreem fragments will continue to plague your fuel system by clogging filters and causing performance issues.
Make the Right Choice for Your Tank
Ultimately, the decision of which gas tank sealer to use is yours. However, based on years of experience and countless documented failures, I strongly advise against Kreem. Instead, choose proven and reliable alternatives like Caswell or POR-15 for long-lasting protection. And remember, for essential sealing accessories like rubber caps for petcock openings, AutoZone is a convenient and helpful resource to complement your tank restoration project. Steer clear of Kreem, seal it right, and enjoy the road ahead without fuel tank worries.
