gas tank on a 78E

[XS 1100 Rick]

My gas tank on my XS1100E has a bit of varnish build up in it but not to bad

But luckily no rust both of my petcocks were leaking fuel so I am waiting for my rebuilt kits to come in from Georgefix . So before I pull the petcocks off I want to flush out the tank.

Whats the best and easiest stuff to use to get arid of varnish build up in the tank.

Thanks

Rick

[MPittma100]

Varnish Buildup

I am going to suggest Acetone (if there is no tank liner). If you decide to use this, you will have to exercise extreme care not to get it on your paint as it will remove it quickly. Acetone also dries quickly when exposed to the air, so your tank's interior will be clean and dry when emptied.

You can actually add the Acetone to the gas and run it through while riding/running. That is the easiest procedure. You could try some of the fuel cleaners that are available at your local auto parts stores.

One more suggestion is that you use E0 gas (non-ethanol) especially when it sits for long periods of time. E0 is not the easiest gas to find, but it is worth the trouble.

Check carefully for rust. If there is a significant amount, that is a whole other story.

Good luck.

Mike

[skids]

I would think that acetone that is undiluted with gasoline would devour your petcock filter towers... Be careful with that stuff as it will eat plastics as well as paint jobs.

[Gallaecus]

why not just leave the varnish in there ?

maybe it will protect the tank from future rust ?

[DGXSER]

That varnish will break down into the gas you put in the tank, and become small particles that can get through the filters and clog up the jets in the carbs, or at least the float needle valves and cause leaky carbs.

Anything in the tank will eventually get into your engine. If it is not fuel, then it can cause problems.

[XS 1100 Rick]

Thanks for the replies
I decided to use paint thinner I put a gallon of it in the tank and it seems to be working its loosing it up I go out and swish it around every once in awhile it will take some time buts that aright since I wont be riding anytime soon LoL!!

Afterwards will rinse it out with hot water and Pine Sol than add 2 pints of Rubbing alcohol to evaporate the water and should be good to go after that.

Will let you know how this turns out.

Rick

[scratcher09]

When cleaning out old tanks I use white vinegar and a few spoons of salt. Let it sit a couple days and rinse it out. Works good for surface rust but never tried it for varnish.

[jetmechmarty]

Vinegar will etch the tank! It's an acid. It will get rid of the rust but is not appropriate for the varnish. The paint thinner may work fine. Just get the tank dry as quickly as possible. If the thinner doesn't work, the acetone will. If you have quality paint on your tank, the acetone won't hurt it as long as you remove it right away.

[Schming]

Might be a little late, but for varnish, Berrymans B-12 pourable (or spray), or any good fuel injector cleaner will clean well.

I would remove the petcocks, to clean and possibly rebuild, and cap the openings to swish the cleaner around.

Also you get a good veiw, of the inside, from the openings.