My motorcycle fuel tank is rusty inside, should I cream it?

Question

I own an 83 Honda Magna V45, which I recently purchased. After further inspection, I've realized that the tank inside has started to rust. maybe 20-40% covered. I have heard that cleaning the tank with an acidic mixture and then creaming it to coat it is what I need to do. I have also heard that the cream starts to deteriorate as well causing junk in the carbs, and that just the straight mixture + power washing the inside is better. I don't know what to do?

Purchasing a new tank is out of the question.

To Use the acid mixture and or cream it, I would be completely removing the tank to do the work and get rid of the rust.

Answer 1

get one of the cycle tank repair kits from KBS coatings. Follow the directions to the letter for a tank that will look better than new! Kreem sits on top of the metal. KBS tank sealer interlocks with the metal and will flex/expand with the tank.
Kits:
http://www.kbs-coatings.com/Tank-Sealer-C29.aspx

Answer 2

Like you said, completely remove the fuel tank and strip it fully.
If you can bung up the bottom of the tank or if there is a fuel cock leave it in place.
Buy yourself some sulphuric acid some gloves and eye protection and do this in a well ventilated area.

Place your tank where it will be stable and will fill completely without having to move it.
Think about covering the tanks paintwork with some thing and have some frest water on standby incase of spills!
Work out the capacity of the tank and grab youself a container that you can put the solution in.
Add the water first and then carefully pour the contents of acid into it! I would suggest something like 3:1or even 2:1 depending on how bad the rust is!

Once you have added the ratio mix it up and pour it into the tank. You will need to monitor the progress using a torch! Not a cigarette lighter or you might get a surprise!

I work on Motoryachts and clean stainless strainers this way sometimes when they are in really bad shape, so it's worth a go!

Good luck and take you time doing it and keep your eye on the solution.
Make sure you follow correct disposal procedures when handling acid. Your local refuse should have something in place for acids!

Troy.

Answer 3

Motorcycle Petrol Tank Sealer

Answer 4

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Steel chain?! BAD idea! Using any kind of media or physical object(s), ESPECIALLY a STEEL chain, to knock rust loose in a gas tank is asking for trouble. Save some coin, and take it to a radiator shop, they have a way to boil them out, and remove the rust, same as a radiator. They can also coat the inside with a rust inhibitor. I had a gas tank done on a car years ago, for around $60. Radiator shops don't just do radiators. Be smart, and be safe. You'll have to repaint the tank, but if you're restoring, it probably needs it anyway. - The Gremlin Guy -

Answer 5

the kreem kit works if you follow all the directions. you may have to use the rust removing solution that comes with the kit more than once to get to bright metal inside the tank. make sure the inside is dry before putting in the kreem & rotating the tank. its better to use 1/2 lb. of clean dry metal nuts ( you can get the oil off them with brake cleaner) than to use rocks when cleaning. use more than 1 coat & coat the entire tank not just the bottom. the previous answer is right it will take a few days to do it right & may take more sealer than you think it will. the directions are complete, read all of them before you start. make sure you keep it out of the threads when you stop up the holes or it will break loose little threads of sealer when you screw a fitting back in them. stay away from gasahol if you can.

Answer 6

Assuming you mean purchasing the KLEEN tank kit, then it works very well.

However, you need to be patient and make sure you do the job properly and according to the directions. If you do then it will work and will not flake off into the carbs. To do it properly takes about 4 days. You need to clean twice and then cream it. Make sure to clean out the carbs after removing the tank b/c there's bound to be some rust in there already.

Answer 7

take of the tank, empty it out and let dry,plug up the holes, put in the derusting acid,some times we put in some steel shot and shake it around to descale the rust.after it is clean follow the directions on the cream kit.after coating let it thuraly dri in the sun..

Answer 8

If you knock rust loose you will clog up fuel lines or chambers. If you cannot buy a new one, look for a used one in good shape.

Answer 9

see if you can get the tank sand blasted, better yet .,..after market tanks come at a reasonable price.

Answer 10

I agree with the last guy, replace it if possible. Do not try to put a "Band-Aid" on it. It WILL cause problems later. It happened to me. I did the same with my radiator. REPLACE IT!!!