Rust in the tank

willprevale · #1 16th December 2004

Here's an good reason to winterize properly. Two years ago I laid mine up for a rebuild. I drained the tank and set it aside in preperation for painting. It was in a heated basement so I thought it wouldn't be a major concern. It was a full six months before I got it back on the road. Within weeks I was having fuel related problems. I found sediment in the float bowl several times and the needle and seat were constantly sticking and leaking. Reserve was worthless as the accumulated rust prevented proper flow. Last night I drained the tank. The strainer and the bottom of the tank was layered with gook, sludge and rust. I put in 2 quarts of CLR and did the gravel scrub.I now have it filled with CLR and soaking overnight. I'll drain and flush it tonight and hopefully be ok. It may only be a temporary fix but we'll see. I'll keep you posted.

stevo · #2 16th December 2004

ya need some tank liner POR15 is the company that makes it I think...do a search...

willprevale · #3 16th December 2004

I know about them but I'm holding off on doing it til the weather warms. It requires a minimum of 70 degrees and 96 hours to cure. What I'm doing now is only a stop gap measure that will hopefully get me through the winter.

stevo · #4 16th December 2004

OK...ya headin in the right direction then....that POR stuff is good gear I use it on all mine and make sure ALL my tanks are lined BEFORE they get airbrushed..

Could ya do the job and sit it on top of the hot water system????

willprevale · #5 16th December 2004

hmmm, hadn't considered it. You may be onto something. I'll let you know.

stevo · #6 16th December 2004

just have to ventilate well .... ya don't want that stuff in ya livin space...although the new stuff is nowhere near as nasty as the old stuff...doesn't work as well or as quick either

flathead45 · #7 16th December 2004

not scare anyone but, I have seen some tank liner creams improperly installed that pulled loose from the inner tank and gum up everything (big mess) but that was years ago and the technology was not as good

read the directions and follow them to the letter or it will not stick properly

gamhill · #8 16th December 2004

If it's that bad, do you really want to try and seal it? I've used the sealers before, and had mixed luck with them. You might want to just replace it. I've seen lots of tanks on eBay, I expect you could find a used in better shape.

willprevale · #9 17th December 2004

It's not "that bad" yet. I think I can salvage it. I'm using the POR next week as suggested by Stevo. I've known about the stuff before but never knew anyone who used it. Stevo's recommendation is good enough for me. I do know folks that have tried the cream lining and everyone to a number says it's worthless.

IronMick · #10 17th December 2004

I have heard several stories about the tank liners [PQR and Kreem]. One has a much better reputation than the other. Don't know which. You MUST MUST MUST follow instructions carefully exactly. I would not do it myself based on the stories i have heard. I have had two tanks lined in my past; both were done at an auto radiator shop that specializes in restoring fuel tanks. It cost about $85.00. That is 2 or 3 times what you will pay for a kit, but it is worth the extra, in my opinion, to have confidence in the job being done correctly. To locate a shop ask at any local bike shop.