Topic: Doing The Vinegar

[new2bikes-again]

I had to have pull pins welded ALL OVER my tank due to a PO with a helmet temper! My local body guy asked that I make sure it was clear of fumes. I filled it with water daily and shook it with pea gravel. By the time I could hold a flame safely over the filler, it was pretty rusty.

 White vinegar from a local grocery store and a Family Dollar (each store only stocked 2 gallons). It was 5%. 4 gallons at 2.50 =$10.00. I filled the tank to the top on Tues. afternoon then took a picture every morning before work. I emptied the tank this morning (Sat.)(4 days), and shook it before the last picture. I didn't catch any large chunks while draining, just fine, sandy rust. After I had all the vinegar out, I poured a quart of rubbing alcohol in and shook it around. I had gas and seafoam ready, and had it in the tank within 5 minutes of draining the rubbing alcohol. The tank does look a lot better inside than it did when I bought the bike.

BTW, I used a rubber plug from Ace Hardware to plug my petcock hole. I have a 74 550, so mine is a threaded nipple off the bottom of the tank. I removed the petcock and draw tube before I started with the water and gravel.

[new2bikes-again]

Too many Pics?

[new2bikes-again]

And more.

[750K]

You should really pour some baking soda and warm water inside after you drain the vinegar, it neutralizes the acid in the vinegar. It might continue to corrode or rust the tank again.

[new2bikes-again]

I've got it topped off with 92 octane and a half bottle of seafoam. It's looked good all day.

[VTCBike750]

Very cool. Ive Considered trying it, seems a little less aggressive than the works. Dont worry, we like pics.

[750K]

Keep an eye on it, you really want to neutralize the acid of the vinegar if you have the option. It works great though, Ive had great luck on two tanks so far. One was rusted something fierce.

[72 yellow]

Did the same on my 66 305 Superhawk tank, worked great.  Even found a pinhole that would have leaked after the tank was painted. 

[Tews19]

I made a posting on my experiment recently with vinegar. My tank was a lot worse then yours and came out great too... I drained with a hose, let air dry and left it as is. No flash rusting... Gave the tank away a week later.

[Rookster]

I just did this to a tank I had laying around.  After 2 days with vinegar in it, I got a leak by the badge mounting clip on the right side.  Strange place for a leak.  I think the tank is junk at this point.  Has anyone had any luck fixing holes in a tank?

Scott

[Tews19]

I just did this to a tank I had laying around.  After 2 days with vinegar in it, I got a leak by the badge mounting clip on the right side.  Strange place for a leak.  I think the tank is junk at this point.  Has anyone had any luck fixing holes in a tank?

Scott

Yep, I had a leak that turned into 3 tiny pin noles.....I drilled out the holes a little bit bigger... Cleaned the area off and used JB weld. Worked great..

[VTCBike750]

I just did this to a tank I had laying around.  After 2 days with vinegar in it, I got a leak by the badge mounting clip on the right side.  Strange place for a leak.  I think the tank is junk at this point.  Has anyone had any luck fixing holes in a tank?

Scott

Scott,

I got a tank a few months ago with no leaks, I ran it through electrolysis and then decided to clean it up with the works. The works is significantly stronger than Vinegar and I ended up getting two pin hole leaks, one by the badge mount. Thought about Brazing the tank or just using JB weld.  Had a few reservations using just JB weld and didnt want to line the tank unless absolutely necessary. So I did this:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=109479.0

Its not the best looking solder repair (not bad for a first try), but very functional and it wont be seen. So far its still in the garage and not a drop of gas. Let me know if you've got any questions. Its really easy.