Tank restoration.

[Jonny]

Evening all, I'm knew to this forum lark, just curious and have a few questions that some of you may be able to answer.

I have recently purchased a CD 175 petrol tank, whilst I was aware that it was In need of refurbishment, I was unaware of the complications of rust internally.

Firstly ... Is internal surface rust within a petrol tank an issue ?

Secondly ... How can I remove this cheaply and effectively ?

Hope someone can help... Thanks in advance .

[eastanglianbiker]

welcome to the forum and yes rust inside the t ank can be a big problem with it flaking and blocking fuel tap fuel line and carb easy way to sort it out if the tanks is still structurally sound is to use a tank sealant petseal is one such make http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Petseal-Ultra-Petrol-Tank-Sealant-For-Motorcycle-Fuel-Petrol-Tanks-260ml-/401084818775?hash=item5d6284a557:m:mIeOOYk68RGJIXTzrOMuxkg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mr Fro]

Alright matey.

Rust in the fuel system can be an issue. You could try citric acid solution or electrolysis to remove it.

[Jonny]

Thank you both for your responses, I don't suppose either of you have any more links to products please ? Apologies for the inconvenience ...

I'm guessing the sealer you've sent me eastanglianbiker is for after treating the internal rust ??

[Guest]

I would drop some nuts and bolts in the tank first and then give it a vigorous shaking to dislodge any loose stuff. Try washing it out with petrol afterwards as well

[Jonny]

Morning all, thank you for your advice, will post back with results.

[eastanglianbiker]

yes thats for treating the inside of the tank if you have got areas that the tank has rusted through or has heavy rust on the outside then give it a poking about to make sure its not going to turn into holes and you will need to either replace the tank or find someone who is capable of doing a good job of repairing it im sure gautrek can help with names for that job if needed

[hardleydavidson]

I had exactly the same issue heavily rusted interior until last week.

I'm not the best mechanic and my father-in-law thought I was bonkers but I drained my tank and filled it with 4 litres of cheap coke. Checked it after 24hrs and not much had happened, left it for 4 days and rechecked and there's virtually no rust at all. Of course leaving something this acidic in the tank will eat away the metal so I washed the inside with water and baking soda to neutralize it, then applied a sealant.

Might not be the best method but it worked for me.

[polecat1]

Ordinary vinegar will remove the rust if you can buy it cheap enough. I found an old gin trap buried in a field, had been there years and was very rusty. I'd just been reading about someone cleaning a rusty petrol tank out with vinegar so I thought I'd give it a try. I left the gin trap soaking for 24 hours but when I took it out it didn't really look much different, so I put it back and left it another two days and I was amazed at the results, it even functioned properly when I set it.

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss349/kevegg/IMG_1079.jpg

http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss349/kevegg/IMG_1085.jpg

[Grumpy Old Git]

I would drop some nuts and bolts in the tank first and then give it a vigorous shaking to dislodge any loose stuff. Try washing it out with petrol afterwards as well

 

Pea gravel is better - Just keep 'shaking and rotating' to ensure all the flakes are removed, then clean out (I used 'old' petrol), fully dry and then sealant (there are quite a few on the market).

You can pay slightly more and get a 'kit' with 'rust remover', primer and sealant to ensure a 'top notch' fix.

Tip: before putting gravel (or nuts/bolts) into the tank - Remove the petcock and filter (use a small bung or tape to block the hole).