What is the best way to remove rust from gas tank?

Question

I have a fairly rusted out gas tank in my motorcycle, old 74 Honda CB200 and was wondering what is the best way to derust it? I have heard of people using detergent and nuts and bolts and shaking it around forever. I've also heard of people using Kream but then having issues with that. I've also heard of people having good results with POR-15 products.

Answer 1

i have used por-15 in the past, but i really like the KBS Coatings 3 step system.  they have a cool flowchart - http://www.kbs-coatings.com/Flow-Chart--...

the instructions are really good also - http://www.kbs-coatings.com/Gold-Standar...

Answer 2

the last resort is to steam clean or do a boil out. Thats how it was done in the old days some hi pressure steam cleaners can do it pretty fast. remember that you only need to get out the big stuff, if you maintian your fuel filter it will catch everything and using a good quaility grade fuel will slowly work the rest out into your filter.

Answer 3

you will never completely get the rust out.if it has large chunks inside it means the tank has severely deteriated and mmaybe will never seal no matter what you use.whatever the case dont drop rocks or nuts or anything in there as you may never get them all out.a small flexible chian or similar might work to loosen the big chunks.then you can seal it.Kreem is way overrated and i have never seen it last.and when it starts to peel you have a serious problem with it clogging things up.I have used Red-Kote with great results and never any issue.you can google the site and they have an online instruction sheet

Answer 4

Yeah, I've not heard good things about the Kreem tank sealer, although i've not used it myself. If there is a large amount of build up inside the tank, I would lower a section of chain inside (nuts and bolts just don't seem to cut it) and shake that around.

Would definitely look into one of the tank sealers that specifically includes a chemical etch to eat whatever rust has built up.

Hope that helps.

Answer 5

Yamaha makes a great 2 part rust remover for tanks. I have used it with good results. Also, if you have a nice paint job on the tank the Yamaha stuff won't harm it if you spill some on the paint. It's about $15.00 at a Yamaha dealer.

Answer 6

I used the Kreme treatment on the tank of my 81 GS750L with excellent results. You must first remove the tank from the bike and remove the fuel strainer petcock assembly.

The kit comes with an acid wash that disolves the rust from the inside of the tank. The next step is a thorough water rinse followed by air drying. You then pour the sealing Kreme into the tank, swish it around so that it coats the entire inner surface of the tank, pour out the excess.

At this point you must set the tank down while the coating cures. The tank gets really COLD as the chemical reaction takes place.

In 2 hours the tank is ready to be reinstalled and filled with fuel.

This treatment is a permant fix.

Answer 7

take it to a blaster, and let them do it.