Removing rust from gas tank

Jeff396 · Nov 8, 2002

I am in the process of trying to remove rust and some buildup from a motorcycle gas tank when some fuel went bad. So far I have tried throwing in a bunch large nuts and shaking it which seems to be working somewhat but I think my arms will fall off before I get anywhere. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to clean out the inside of my tank? I know Eastwood has a kit to clean and seal the tank but I'm not too sure I want to use the sealer which is about half the cost of the kit.

Jeff

Boondox · Nov 8, 2002

Nice bike, Jeff! Reminds me that the first historical reference to a motorcycle was in the bible: "Joshua's Triumph was heard throughout the land." Corny, I know. Sorry.

I'm not sure if they show it on their website, but POR15's printed catalog has a step-by-step on how to clean a gas tank. Check their webpage, and if you don't see the instructions, order their catalog online.

Hope this helps. Pete

karmakanic · Nov 8, 2002

Here's a link to a method for removing rust. I haven't tried it, but I've heard it works slick as a whistle.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://users.interconnect.net/nlindsey/rusty2l/electrolysis/electrolysis.htm>rust removal by electrolysis</A>

HTH,
Dave

Booker57 · Nov 8, 2002

Work bench vise needed. Gently clamp a vibrating sander pad side up, strap tank to pad where sand paper goes. Add steel shot and light oil. Turn on sander and watch for slippage, Turn off sander, retighten straps, go for it.
This worked for a lawn-mower tank, a motorcycle is not much different

Gary_in_Indiana · Nov 9, 2002

Here's a <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.por15.com/index.html>link to POR-15's website</A> for you.

Jeff396 · Nov 9, 2002

Thanks, it looks like they sell the rust remover separately so I think that's the route I'll take. The electrolysis sounds interesting but I'm not sure it would be okay for a painted tank. I also managed to find a variation on the sander idea. They suggested borrowing a mini cement mixer and putting a bunch of broken safety glass in the tank, put the tank in the mixer and turn it on. Of course you would have to pack the tank in with foam but I think they were using this method for car gas tanks where finish wasn't as much of an issue. Do you think the rust will stay away if I don't let the gas turn again or should I consider the sealer?

Jeff

bgott · Nov 10, 2002

Gas tanks used to be lined with a lead coating to prevent rust. I'm sure they have used other coatings. If you use abrasives to remove the rust you are going to remove the rest of the coating. It's already gone or was never there in the spots that rusted. Coat it and save yourself a future PITA.

Jeff396 · Nov 10, 2002

Thanks, it never occurred to me that gas tanks were coated to prevent rust......duh./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I guess I'll go ahead and spring for the entire kit. It's funny, I've owned this bike for some 24 years and never noticed the problem until the gas turned a couple years ago.

Jeff

karmakanic · Nov 10, 2002

<font color=blue>The electrolysis sounds interesting but I'm not
sure it would be okay for a painted tank</font color=blue>

One of the advantages of electrolysis is that it attacks only the iron oxide (the rust). The bath is just baking soda and water, so it's inert itself.

What ever process you use, seal the tank afterwards or you'll for sure will be fighting rust again. Whenever I'm restoring an old car or piece of construction equipment one of the first things I do is remove the tank and send it out to my local radiator/gas tank shop. They use a process called "plasticizing" to clean and seal the tank with a plastic coating. Costs me around 75-150, depending on size of tank. I haven't seen the home use kit, but I suspect it uses a similar process.

Dave

Jeff396 · Nov 10, 2002

I just ordered the POR15 tank repair kit for motorcycles online. It comes with a degreaser/cleaner, a rust remover and the sealer. With shipping it totaled about $33.00. I'll let y'all know how it works./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Jeff