What's the best way to clean out a rusted motorcycle gas tank?

Question

I bought a used 93 GSXR 750 from a private owner and the inside of the gas tank is rusted, horribly contaminating my fuel and lines. I'm not going to buy a new tank, so I was hoping to get some ideas on how I can properly clean the tank out and continue using it. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

the above poster's method is a good one, if you don't want to go that route, just get some rust dissolver from your local parts store, dissolve the rust, thoroughly rinse out the rust dissolver with scalding hot water, once all the water evaporates (a few minutes later, refill with fuel)

Answer 2

take the gas tank of. put lots of ball barings in it put a little bit of penetrating oil in it and shake it around. after a little bit take everything out rinse with gas then do it again and again untill it is good.  then let a full tank of gas sit in it for awhile.

Answer 3

"Kreem" fuel Tank Liner.

It's a 3 part process

Acid cleans and etches the tank surface.

Base neutralizes the acid.

Liquid epoxy coats the inside of the tank - making a hard liner as strong as the fuel tank.

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/search/sea...

Purchase the combo pack.

Answer 4

and if you want you can put some rocks or nuts and bolts... in tank and shake the heck out of it.... but its better to do what he said cost like 50 bucks and its done right

Answer 5

Take the tank to a good radiator shop and have them clean/seal the tank.  It shouldn't be very expensive for this procedure.

Plus, you don't have to worry about properly disposing of all the hazardous waste that you would create if you did it yourself.

Answer 6

CLR

http://www.jelmar.com/CLRbasic.htm

Answer 7

I haven't read the other responses yet but I can tell you putting rocks in your tank isn't the best way to go. That is a typical response to this question.

Drain it, then put warm water and sand in it. Shake it around really good and empty it. Do it twice if you like. 4 cups of sand and 2 cups of warm water would be a good mix for a 4 gallon tank. It should be thick and gritty. After the next dump spray it out with a hose with a high pressure setting nozzle. You may want to get it lined if the walls are nasty looking.

You'll want to make sure the lines are clean and carbs as well. IMO Carbs are a headache so I'd let a mechanic do that.

Answer 8

The sand on the paint shaker is a great idea.. (never heard of that one before..thanks)

BUT.. most important is, whatever method you use to clean it out, afterwards once it is clean and dry, YOU NEED TO SEAL THE INSIDE !  dont forget or skip that step or the water that is always present in gasoline will slowly restart the rusting process anytime that there is air present.  So, unless you plan to keep the tank constantly full, plan for the sealant to avoid the problem again.

(and, it goes without saying that you have a good fuel filter - right?)

.

Answer 9

Fill 1/2 full with clean gravel and set on paint vibrator,

Answer 10

They sell fuel tank cleaning kit and liners that is the best way I have heard of useing rocks or sand that sound like lot of work to me. Just make sure you clean you lines and you may want to install a fuel filter to help out. if you bike dose not all ready have one they have clear ones so it is ez to see if your running clean fuel