Fuel Tank Rust Removal

[Scott_B]

Any first-hand experience removing rust from the inside of a fuel tank? As expected, there are a few different options on YouTube. I've got the tank filled with white vinegar at this point, but it doesn't look to be doing much.

There is an interesting video using electrolysis which I make attempt if the vinegar doesn't do the trick:

[YouTube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyG0mu2T4u0 [/YouTube]

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Motoracer13]

I had to have a few cleaned about 30 years ago and we would take them to a radiator shop. Years ago there was one off square in Liberty that's long gone but I know Avondale Radiator is still open down street from NKC hospital. Might be worth calling to see if they could boil out the tank. IDK that's just my experience!

[Scott_B]

I had to have a few cleaned about 30 years ago and we would take them to a radiator shop. Years ago there was one off square in Liberty that's long gone but I know Avondale Radiator is still open down street from NKC hospital. Might be worth calling to see if they could boil out the tank. IDK that's just my experience!

Thanks for the idea. I'll give them a call.

[Scott_B]

Quick update for any of those following this thread:

After 2 full days of vinegar bath, I was able to get quite a bit of the rust out. However, I anticipate my fuel filter will eventually clog once again, as there is still visible rust inside.

Ace Radiator in Independence charges $65 to completely clean out and coat the inside with a rust inhibiting agent. I may end up doing this before Troy's Independence Day Weekend ride.

I never would have thought to call a radiator shop for this work. Thanks again for the suggestion!

[stimmer6253472]

For what it is worth I used the Kreem 3 part kit on an old rusty 79 Suzuki SP tank with awesome results. Even 4-5 years later it was still holding up well. It is a 3 step process with an acid of some type that you use to clean the tank then an alcohol to dry and then a liner step. Was very easy and it worked very well. If I remember it was only around $30.

[ozarksrider]

The tanks I"ve had do this always seem to do this in the seams, where the tank is welded. How bad is it? Does it leak? Mine I cleaned as best I could, kept the water out, and kept it full of fuel.

Friend told me about using bb's, put a bunch in and shake it around. Makes sense, getting the loose stuff out. No personal experience though....

[Scott_B]

Final Update....

The fuel filter clogged up on Sunday, so I pulled it off and took it to ACE Radiator Monday morning. Got a call around noon, saying the rust was removed, but exposed a layer of some type of coating that wasn't reacting to his chemical, and flaking off just like the rust was before. Most certainly, I was looking at a constant battle to keep the fuel filter clean. Long story short, I'm waiting on a replacement tank I found on Ebay with a shiny non-rusted interior.

Thankfully, ACE didn't charge me anything for the work, so I put that $65 towards the $180 replacement tank. At least next time I buy a used motorcycle, I'll know to take a good look at the tank.

[stimmer6253472]

The tanks I"ve had do this always seem to do this in the seams, where the tank is welded. How bad is it? Does it leak? Mine I cleaned as best I could, kept the water out, and kept it full of fuel.

Friend told me about using bb's, put a bunch in and shake it around. Makes sense, getting the loose stuff out. No personal experience though....

I know the OP already ordered a new one. Just an FYI. My dad has a 50+ year old trencher I needed to borrow but the tank leaked from several pin size holes and I used the same Kreem stuff I mentioned above and it worked great as well. You can put several layers on it to fill any small leaks. That repair was during the same time frame as the Suzuki and its holding up perfectly as well. On both of them i took a handful of random nuts and bolts and used them to agitate the rust off the inside. Take your time and you 'll be surprised how clean you can get them. Of course the key is to clean it good before re sealing it. Just mentioning it because I wondered how well the stuff worked before I first tried it and you can tell I was impressed.