Fuel Tank Seal

[Shack]

I need some recommendations for sealing the access panels on my fuel tank after I open them up to clean them out.

I have integral fiberglass tanks with 6"x6" access panels secured by bolts every inch and a half. The panels will have diesel fuel behind them, and the previous work was completed by sealing the panel edges with what appears to be Permatex (blue goo), another panel with some black stuff, and another with some white (?) stuff. (Possibly painted over).

Any recommendations would be helpful. Waiting for this advice also assists me in procrastinating the job that is sure be a pain the butt (spine and knee caps, too.)

Thanks,
Shack

[Rockter]

Just about any of the proprietary gasket sealants will do it, particularly in conjunction with a gasket cut to size. In the UK, "Blue Hermetite" is one of the sealants I have used. Surfaces must be very clean indeed though.

[Shack]

I finally went with a Permatex product from AutoZone. They make a range of sealants. This one is oil resistant and remains flexible. Hope it works. So much for procratinating ... I need that tank clean for my Espar heater and its getting colder..

[sailingdog]

Shack-

As long as it is a RTV type sealant, it should be fine.

[Shack]

I'm in luck.

Its RTV!! Room Temp Vulcanizing?

Are there many that are not? I never thought to look for this feature when I was standing in the aisle at AutoZone.

[sailingdog]

The RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) sealants tend to resist fuel chemically attacking it far better IIRC. Its been 10 years since I did much with fuel tanks and engines on a regular basis, but I don't think that's changed much. FWIW, most of my engine and fuel related experience is with restoring old muscle cars, Mustangs and T-Birds mainly, rather than boats... I prefer to sail my boat.