Topic: Using MEK to remove epoxy/kreme lining inside gas tank (cb400f)

[mkngt]

I decided to use MEK to remove the cracked lining in the inside of a spare tank I picked up (I'm repainting [shoddy job] it anyways, so protecting the paint is a non-issue). I've researched for awhile and found threads of contrasting information on best ways to use MEK. Was hoping someone who has been in a similar situation has some insight on these questions:

1) Is it better to let MEK sit (over the course of day(s), with the occasional tilt to cover all sides) or to shake it up with bolts?
2) What plugs can I use for the petcock /fuel cap and how long will they sustain?
3) What container (home depot bucket?) can I use to temporarily store the sludge after?
4) What should I do after I clear out all the MEK/epoxy from the tank. rinse --> acid bath --> WD40?

I picked up some gloves and a respiratory mask just to be safe.
any insight/tips/suggestions would be helpful too.

[Don R]

 I plug the petcock with a golf tee with a short fuel hose over it and two bolts with Teflon tape. A block off plate would be handy if you do this more than once.

[mkngt]

Good to know, thanks for the tips. despite MEK being slightly weaker now, is it reasonable to say I can get the task done in one day (letting it sit combined with the occasional shake)? I rather not let this thing sit around for a long time.

[pjlogue]

You might test it on a small part inside of the tank and see if it starts to wrinkle within a reasonable amount of time.  You don't want to get it on you or anything else as it will ruin finishes immediately.  It will go right through nitrile gloves and into your skin.  It's nasty stuff but it works.  Use it in a well ventilated area.

For disposal you can use an old rag and let it evaporate from an open paint bucket.  Again, watch the fumes!  Even the vapor will ruin a finished surface.  It is very flammable.

-P.

[jakec]

So in short, do this process a safe distance from my bikes 

[Medyo Bastos]

What’s the old rag for?


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[mkngt]

For disposal you can use an old rag and let it evaporate from an open paint bucket.  Again, watch the fumes!  Even the vapor will ruin a finished surface.  It is very flammable.

-P.

Interesting. I was going to take it to a nearby chemical/waste center but this seems pretty simple! The rag probably increases the surface area for which the liquid can evaporate from

[mkngt]

Okay I'm going to get some MEK and test it out on a few broken pieces of lining to see if and how long it dissolves.

[pjlogue]

Yes, the rag will greatly increase the surface area and speed up evaporation.  Once it's all evaporated you can just wrap up the dried liner and throw it in the trash. 

-P.

[jakec]

If you're disposing of the hazardous chemical at a disposal place, can't you just give them the MEK with the goop from the liner? I assume it would be hard to separate anyways

[HondaMan]

Just filter the goop from the MEK (pour it thru a CB750 oil filter) and add it to your car's gas tank about a pint at a time  (per tank of gas)until it's gone. It will clean the intake valves and injectors. Then run some top oil (like BG 44K) thru the next tank. We used to do this all the time before paranoia set in across the whole country. Many industrial engines get this treatment routinely.