Fuel Tank De-rust

srod · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 2:50 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank De-rust

Fuel Tank De-rust The second addition of Motorcyclist Retro, fall 2008 has an interesting article in the Retro How To, page 97.
Called forget the Creams and Coatings; do it with Electricity. the solution to a rusty tank involves a battery charger, washing soda (Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda), a galvanized bolt, tap water and some wire.
he gives a gentleman at www.honda305.com CA77 forum credit...
I have a little rust along the bottom seam of the tank nothing much for now but will have to deal with it sooner or later...
Has anyone gave this method of tank rust control a try? If so were the results long lasting and worth the hassle?
thanks...

tbpmusic · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 3:34 pm Post subject:

Electrolysis will work, but with a caveat - it's "line of sight".
Meaning that if the sacrificial electrode can't "see" the area, not much will happen there.
I've had acceptable results with flat, regular pieces - not so much so with irregular, convoluted volumes like a fuel tank.
I also don't care much for the fumes and funky foamage, it can be kind of messy.

I prefer Milk Stone Remover myself - but don't take my word for it, try electrolysis yourself and make your own judgement.

bill

tbpmusic · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 3:35 pm Post subject:

srod · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 3:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks, the article doesn't mention or warn about fumes.. it talks about the nasty bubbling yellow green sludge..
My problem is limited, 98% of the tank is clean just the welded seams at the bottom and not the full seam yet.. but rust never sleeps, it would make me sleep better if it was a black oxidized seam..
but I'm not ready to commit without more research..

riderfour · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 4:00 pm Post subject: Tank Rust Removal

There is an excellent article, about gas tank rust removal,
in the new issue of our VJMC magazine. These links should help too -

http://vjmog.com/ftopict-248.html

http://www.rusteco.com/auto.htm

http://www.rusteco.com/free2wheel.htm

http://www.rusteco.com/news.cfm

hippy

Sherry

srod · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 4:09 pm Post subject:

Thanks Sherry

srod · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 4:37 pm Post subject: Re: Tank Rust Removal

[quote="riderfour"There is an excellent article, about gas tank rust removal,in the new issue of our VJMC magazine.

Is VJMC magazine available at bookstores? what month or issue? Small-town Minnesota limited selection but a couple of times a month I come out of the woods...

archangel · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 6:51 pm Post subject:

I have some pics of a tank a user on a other site sent me of his tank It was hard to see but it looked like it zinc plated the tank in the pics.
Like a lot of pics they weren't the best but here is one after

smi481 · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 9:18 pm Post subject: VJMC

SROD -

The V.J.M.C. magazine isn't for sale on newsstands, but
you can join the group here -

http://www.vjmc.org/

Then you will get an entire years subscription.

And ask for the current issue when you contact
them. It has a Honda 450 on the cover and a picture
of the cover is on their website home page.

This is the issue that has an actual test of RUSTECO in it
with before and after pictures. Just pour it in the tank,
fill it to the top, put the gas cap back on and come back in 3 days ....
no more rust and no caustic chemicals to deal with.

The article also has a list of "home brew" rust removal treatments,
that have appeared in Internet discussions and forums over the past
year, that go from funny to downright dangerous.

Also, when you join V.J.M.C., you can immediately look at that particular
issue plus other past issues in the Members Only section, by simply
typing in your name and V.J.M.C. membership number.

Good luck!

JimMc · Posted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 9:22 pm Post subject:

I've used electrolysis on some old muzzleloader barrels, it's nothing new, gun owners have been doing it for many years. Have used Evapo-Rust on fenders and other lightly rusted parts with success but never on the gas tank. It may work if the rust isn't too severe.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=96431

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2008/10/21/how-to-get-rid-of-rust-in-motorcycle-gas-tanks/

http://antique-engines.com/electrol.asp

http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/motorcycle/how_to/mc_tankrust.html

http://www.dansmc.com/gastank.htm

srod · Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 3:54 pm Post subject:

smi481-thanks for the info on VJMC also thanks for the Rusteco info I've been to their site,, I'd definitely be interested VJMC magazine and membership.. I'll have to fill out their membership application.

JimMc-Some super links full of useful information, I'm going to have to create a special section and bookmark these for future reference..

archangel-was electrolysis used to clean inside of the tank you pictured? The tank I'm working on has extremely has good paint and finish not a dent or scratch, I was under the impression electrolysis wouldn't effect the exterior.. I had planned to use duct-tape and plastic to protect the finish.. Now I'm leaning toward a little less aggressive rust removal method..

thanks guys your responses are appreciated...

hustler · Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 5:24 pm Post subject: Be careful with that paint

WE SENT A YAMAHA 305 TANK TO RUSTECO AT THEIR CALIFORNIA HEADAQUARTERS IN 2004 AND
HAD THEM TREAT IT FOR RUST INSIDE. IT HAD EXCELLENT PAINT AND EVEN THOUGH RUSTECO SUBMERGES THE ENTIRE
TANK IN THE LARGE CHEMICAL BATH AT THEIR PLANT, WHEN IT CAME BACK, THERE WASN'T A MARK ON THE PAINT.

ON THEIR WEBSITE RUSTECO PUBLICLY ADVERTISES THAT THE LIQUID IS -

Safe, Efficient, Easy Rust Removal and Protection

Simple to Use: soak in liquid or brush on gel.

Will NOT harm SKIN, existing PAINT, PLASTIC, RUBBER, etc.!!!

Safe for all metals, including aluminum and chrome.

NEVER HEARD OF RUSTECO EVER DAMAGING PAINT, BUT THAT IS A REAL CONCERN WHEN IT COMES TO ACID
BASED CHEMICALS OR HARSH TREATMENTS THAT MAY LOOSEN PAINT. HAD A FRIEND USE CLR INSIDE
HIS TANK AND JUST A FEW TINY DROPS OF THE LIQUID LANDED ON THE OUTSIDE PAINT OF THE TANK. THE CHEMICAL
DIDN'T REMOVE THE PAINT, BUT WHEREVER THE DROPS LANDED, THERE ARE NOW CLOUDY SPOTS ON
THE PAINT. BE CAREFUL!

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY WHEN IT COMES TO RUST REMOVAL IN A VINTAGE GAS TANK.

tbpmusic · Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 6:28 pm Post subject:

CLR is bad news - that's hydrochloric acid, and will definitely mess up your paint.

bill

archangel · Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 7:29 pm Post subject:

archangel-was electrolysis used to clean inside of the tank you pictured? The tank I'm working on has extremely has good paint and finish not a dent or scratch, I was under the impression electrolysis wouldn't effect the exterior.. I had planned to use duct-tape and plastic to protect the finish.. Now I'm leaning toward a little less aggressive rust removal method..

thanks guys your responses are appreciated...[/quote]

I was told the person got the tank from a junk yard in a very rusted condition and the out side gray paint and rust on out side was the same after the treatment as when he got the tank.

He said he wanted to make sure it would not harm the bad tank before trying it on his good one.
he said out side of the old tank was unharmed by the electrolysis for what that is worth.
I don't know him personalty . just read his post on another site .
hope this helps

sabremanV65 · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

Regular old Vinegar , soak for a few days.