Another problem question I created with fuel tank

[dolphans1]

OK guys, I created another problem. I have always kept the fuel Trank full and I’m getting ready for a buddy to paint my fuel tank. I emptied the fuel and my fuel tank looked beautiful inside. Bye then rinsed it out with hot water and a bunch of sludge kind of algae material came out along with a couple leaves believe it or not but other than that the inside the tank look clean like brand new. I told my buddy I was worried about rust or flash rusting And should I pour some kerosene in the tank and slush around to keep it Oily. I was told it would be okay. Well the very next day I went by and looked at the tank and it’s got flash rust all in it. Should I used red cedar vinegar or Metal Rescue ? Has this happened to anyone before? What worked for you?

[sethhope]

I had this when i painted my tank. Im not sure how good it is for anything, but i just sloshed some vinegar in and it seemed to clear out ok. I recommend treating with kerosene after to prevent more flash rust. More experienced guys are welcome to weigh in here.

[dolphans1]

I read and heard coating it is not good because over time it starts to peel off. Acid wash will damage petcock seals.

[dolphans1]

I also read conflicting reports on amount of fuel the tank holds, anywhere to 4 gallons to 5 to slightly under 4 gallons. Nothing is ever easy in life.

[Ranger_xs1100]

I’ve had good success on several different tanks with Evapo-Rust. It will make the tank shiny and new again but it is bit pricey. However it can be saved and used over and over again multiple times.

After cleaning the tank with Evapo-rust, it should be rinsed and dried thoroughly. (rinsing with acetone works well for removing all residual moisture)...Then after dry, immediately coat with an oil base coating of some sort to prevent re-flashing. I have tried different stuff … fogging oil, WD-40, 2 cycle oil, and even sea foam, all of which seemed to work fine. Fogging oil spray was probably the easiest to use. Allow excess oil coating to drain out.

[dolphans1]

I’ve had good success on several different tanks with Evapo-Rust. It will make the tank shiny and new again but it is bit pricey. However it can be saved and used over and over again multiple times.

After cleaning the tank with Evapo-rust, it should be rinsed and dried thoroughly. (rinsing with acetone works well for removing all residual moisture)...Then after dry, immediately coat with an oil base coating of some sort to prevent re-flashing. I have tried different stuff … fogging oil, WD-40, 2 cycle oil, and even sea foam, all of which seemed to work fine. Fogging oil spray was probably the easiest to use. Allow excess oil coating to drain out.

Thanks Ranger and Seth, did you use 4 gallons of Evapo Rust, about how much was it did you fill it to the brim?

[Ranger_xs1100]

I also read conflicting reports on amount of fuel the tank holds, anywhere to 4 gallons to 5 to slightly under 4 gallons. Nothing is ever easy in life.

I have found that a special tank which is stated to have a 3.9 gallon fuel capacity on the bike, will hold aprox 5 gallons of evapo-rust when off of the bike and propped up to fill the front cavity.

[dolphans1]

Flash rust


after 2.5 gallons of hot water flush


after 2nd rinse of hot water the water was clear when it came out

The tank held 4 gallons of cedar vinegar to the edge of brim, going to let it sit for 2 days and report back.

[Ranger_xs1100]

oops!, I must have been thinking about the standard tank then when I stated 5 gallons!, sorry about that.

[dolphans1]

oops!, I must have been thinking about the standard tank then when I stated 5 gallons!, sorry about that.

there are some tanks over the pond that hold 5 gallons, that I read but never seen, I guessed 3.5 until I actually checked.



hard to tell but the tank is full here. about $16.00 for 4 gallons of vinegar, also purchased acetone and oit fog by stabil.

[MPittma100]

US Bike Tank Capacity

Specials - 4 gal
Standards - 5 gal
Venturer - 6 gal

Depending on whose book you are reading, you will see numbers like 3.9 gal, 5.1 gal, etc.

I was told by a UK member that all of the UK Standards had the 6 gal tank.

[dolphans1]

That 6 gallon tank would be useful for long rides, but would also add some extra weight to the bike.

[sethhope]

Flash rust


after 2.5 gallons of hot water flush


after 2nd rinse of hot water the water was clear when it came out

The tank held 4 gallons of cedar vinegar to the edge of brim, going to let it sit for 2 days and report back.

Wow ive gotta look into evapo rust! That stuff looks pretty good. Maybe ill treat my tank with it this year when i do my yearly carb clean.

[MPittma100]

Tannk

That 6 gallon tank would be useful for long rides, but would also add some extra weight to the bike.

In 1981, Yamaha put the 6 gallon tank on the Venturer (Standard). One year only.

[jetmechmarty]

If you acid etched your tank with vinegar, it will quickly rust again, or you may install a liner.

Yes, a liner will fail if not properly installed. I favor the Caswell epoxy liner. That one is most forgiving and won't fail if done properly. Mess it up and your tank is junk as no solvent will dissolve that epoxy AFAIK.