Epoxy is a wonderful adhesive that can be used to seal leaks in fuel tanks, repair holes in sheet metal, and create strong bonds between metals.
However, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether epoxy is suitable for your project. Here’s what you need to know about using it around gasoline:
Does epoxy react with gasoline?
Epoxy is not resistant to gasoline, ethanol, kerosene, diesel fuel, and jet fuel. Epoxy is also not resistant to brake fluid.
If you are planning on using epoxy in a space that contains any of these chemicals it’s important that you take steps to ensure it won’t react with them and cause harm or damage to the object being coated with epoxy.
Table of Contents
Can you use epoxy to seal a gas tank?
No, you can’t use epoxy to seal a gas tank. In fact, epoxy is not resistant to gasoline at all. That’s because epoxy uses a chemical bond to form the resin in its resin and hardener components.
Gasoline eats away at this type of bond, which means that even if you used the highest quality epoxy on the market for sealing your gas tank, it would still break down over time due to being exposed to gaseous fuel vapors in an enclosed space.
If you want your car’s fuel system protected from corrosion caused by gasoline vapors as well as everyday wear-and-tear such as dirt buildup and water seepage into your tanks’ pores during heavy rainstorms or after driving through deep puddles (all of which can cause rust), then there are other options available besides using high-quality epoxies like those offered by West Marine® or Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.. For example:
- Using #2 stainless steel bolts instead of brass ones will prevent galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals within enclosed spaces such as inside fuel tanks where contact occurs between metal surfaces when one piece touches another (e.g., nuts) causing pitting on both parts’ surfaces over time due to electrolysis occurring between them because one material corrodes faster than another when they’re placed together under similar conditions during everyday use (i.e.; wetness). This can happen either because they’re made with different types
Is epoxy resin resistant to petrol?
The short answer is no, epoxy isn’t resistant to petrol.
Epoxy resin is not resistant to any of the solvents listed above: ethanol, acetone, paint thinner (also called mineral spirits), lacquer thinner (also called xylene), and kerosene. They all dissolve epoxy resin.
However, there are some industrial-strength adhesives that can withstand higher amounts of these substances but they aren’t used in consumer products because they tend to be toxic and/or harmful if they get on your skin or into your lungs.
What kind of glue will hold up to gasoline?
- JB Weld
- Epoxy primer
- Epoxy
- Super glue (Krazy Glue)
- PVC glue (Use outdoors only.)
- Silicone glue (Use outdoors only.)
- Gorilla Glue
(This will hold up to gasoline, but it’s not as strong as JB Weld.)
How do I epoxy my gas tank?
You’ll want to clean the surface of your tank with soap and water before applying any epoxy, as this will provide a better base for the adhesive.
Then, mix up some epoxy resin in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions (usually by weight), and apply it to both sides of your plastic sheeting. Let this dry for about 30 minutes before proceeding.
Once your tank is covered with a thin layer of epoxy, carefully place it over top of your gas tank opening so that it fits snugly against both sides.
Press down firmly on each corner and allow an hour or two for everything to set up fully before filling up and using your vehicle again!
Is epoxy ethanol resistant?
We’re sorry to tell you, but epoxy is not ethanol resistant. Epoxy is generally not resistant to most solvents, including gasoline.
If you want to paint over a gas tank or any other parts of your motorcycle using epoxy, it’s best to use JB Weld brand epoxy filler instead of what you can find at a hardware store: automotive-grade JB Weld works great for this purpose, and will be strong enough for everyday use on your bike!
If you’d rather seal up your gas tank with paint instead of filling it with something like JB Weld or goop (which many people do), then we recommend using several coats of good quality automotive spray primer over the inside surface before painting with whatever color(s) suit your fancy.
This will help prevent any kind of corrosion from happening inside that area
Is epoxy primer gasoline resistant?
When it comes to epoxy primer, the answer is yes. Epoxy primer is resistant to most chemicals, including gasoline. However, because of ethanol’s ability to dissolve some types of adhesives and paint, it cannot be used as a protective layer for epoxy primer.
Does JB Weld hold up to gasoline?
You will not want to use JB Weld for the repair of a gas tank leak.
- First, it does not hold up well against gasoline. It is not resistant to ethanol either, which can be found in many common household cleaning products and fuels.
- Second, JB Weld is also not resistant to other chemicals that may be present in your fuel tank. For example, if you live in an area where road salt is used during winter months on icy roads or drive through a lot of road construction zones where they spray water on the ground, this could cause corrosion issues with any epoxy sealant you apply over the top of your leaky rust hole.*
Conclusion
In conclusion, yes, epoxy can withstand gasoline. You should be able to use epoxy on your gas tank without worrying about it failing.
It will work great as long as you use the right type of epoxy and follow the instructions properly when applying it to your car or other vehicles.
