Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Other Bikes rusted gas tank

Further along in the 71 BSA Scrambler restoration project, I'm wondering if anyone has ever dealt with a **SEVERLY** rusted gas tank. Meaning the interior. There was so much rust in there that the petcocks were clogged. I cleaned enough out just shaking gasoline around on the inside that I think I can get flow with new petcocks, but every filter from the tank to the carbs is going to periodically clog for years if I don't do something more aggressive. Any thoughts? I've heard of epoxy liners that can be poured in, but that sounds like a sticky mess. I'm thinking of using some muriatic acid, but no idea how to dispose of that when done.

small clean (fishtank rocks work good)rocks or ball bearings and shake to get the loose heavy stuff off. Then muratic acid there is stuff called Kreem that comes in 2 parts the first part is the muratic acid then the 2 nd part is a coating for the inside of the tank. Be SURE you get the inside of the tank very clean before you use the coating or it will peel off the inside surface and cause even more problems.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Brows...-8025067/VT-sch
http://motorcyclecity.com/Parts/tank-repair.htm
It's also available in many many cycle and ATV shops as well as many many places online those links are just to give examples.

Used nuts and washers, and can't believe how much rust that knocked out. Hydrochloric acid then worked great. In addition to the sealers you note, though, I've also found a product called Por 15 on the net, and wondering if anyone has used the respective products and which is best for this application. Having the sealer peal does not sound appealing.

I 2n d the JC WHITNEY kit I used it on an old Rupp minibike tank worked great.

Any thoughts on keeping the petcock threads from getting gunked up?

I can tell you for sure make absolutely certain the tank is spotless inside before using any coating like Kreem. If it isn't clean it will start to peel where it's still rusty.

Please do not laugh, but I heard crushed walnut shells will do the trick you soak them first then shake them around.

Something about the chemicals in the shells does a job on rust.

Coke, does a great job removing rust.

The walnut shell thing is true. I use them in a tumbler to clean brass to reload. Not sure about using them in a tank though. Left over dirt from them and would have to agitate them for quite awhile to have the desired effect.

yep.

Found some stuff called "Evaporust" here at work. Non-toxic, ups-able and works extremely well. Pour it in and let it soak for a few hours. About $70.00 for 5 gallons that will last you for a long time and prove invaluable during a restoration. Do a google search for product info. It's been on ebay as well.

If not a restoration I'd say do what I do - install an inline filter in an easiliy accesible place with quick releases and change often.

i used the por 15 product in my suzuki tank. A part never took and I am seeing peeling now.