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Sorry for the hijack... I picked up a 72 Honda CB450 twin cam not too long ago. I've already rebuilt the carbs and took care of a few other things. The main problem is the tank. The previous owner let gas sit in it for 10, yes 10, years. It didn't rust through, and I was able to clear to balancing tubes in the rear. I just need some good recommendations on getting the rust out. I was going to use the Kreem kit, but it's a PIA to get everything coated well enough. I didn't know POR15 made something for gas tanks.
Anyone have some ideas for me?
got to tell you, there are quite a few sites about electrolysis and the like.
what i started with on my tank is dropping about 2400, (that was the quantity in the container), of daisy stell bb's into the tank and shaking it. i then washed it out with water and simple green. i did this several times.
this worked, but not that well as i did not repeat it more than three times.
i then filled the tank with white vinegar and let it sit for 24 hours. this ate a lot of what was left. it cleaned out very well.
unfortunately, there is really no way that you can completely fill a tank to the rim, so you have to rotate the tank, which i did. problem is with the "flash rust" that appears when the clean metal is drying.
i then tried the electrolysis and believe me, it works. i only let it sit for about 6 hours and then cleaned again.
the problem is, one you get rust in a tank, it is very difficult to fight it back if you don't line it.
i did buy the kreem kit, but i found a new old stock tank for a great price that i will be getting, so no use in lining the current tank. the other issue with kreem and even por15 is that you have to follow the instructions to the "t". if you don't, you will later have problems even more difficult to deal with.
now, while i am awaiting that tank to show up, i am using the old tank. i am using a new filter and have filled it up.
personally, if you can get that tank rust out of there, and then dry it out fast enough, you should be good to go if you get it back on the bike and filled with gas immediately. the gas will then provide some coating to now protect the once bare metal.
i also know that you can take your tank to a radiator shop and have it hot tanked, but i believe that strips paint and everything, but have no experience with this, so i am not sure this is the best route either.
hope this helps.