Topic: Gas tank restoration

[Jbosma]

I have a 1979 CB650 tank that I’m trying to bring back to life. The inside has some considerable amount of corrosion on it but appears to only be surface rust (hopefully). Any advice on what is the best way to clean out a tank? I’ve seen people use acid and that seems to work well but I don’t know the hazards of using it (I’ve heard mixing water into it is bad???) and would like some more information.
If anyone knows of a thread that’s already been posted would love to see that too!

Any help is appreciated!!

[lowriderbud]

There's a ton of information on this forum about cleaning rush out of motorcycle gas tanks.  The following link seems to be popular.  You might give it a go.  Good Luck!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=075mI7sKy6E

Later, Bud...

[Flyin900]

There are many solutions here. I use Evaporust or its counter part and see how it cleans up. The product is environmentally friendly and will not harm your outer paint finish. If decent afterwards with no need for a chemical liner then just keep it clean and full of gas in the off season.
This question is unfortunately like which oil is best, there will be many opinions.

[ckahleer]

The least expensive rust remover is white vinegar. For $10 you can get enough to completely fill the tank. Let set for a couple days. I used this once in the summer (90 degree days) and it worked great. Did another tank in the winter (40 degree days) and it did not work well.

[Jbosma]

I’ll take a look at that link lowriderbud. The biggest thing I’m worried about is doing damage to the metal. Not worried about the paint since I will be re painting it.

[CaptFatCat]

I did the white vinegar. It was amazing. Filled it up let it sit for 2 days. i was very impressed on how nice it came out.
Rinse well with water.
Blow it dry with compressed air or reverse shop vac.
Slosh some oil around inside.
Fill with fuel and ride!

[DesertKyorugi]

White vinegar works really well sitting under the sun. Pour baking soda in to neutralize the vinegar when you are done. For really bad rusted/gunked up tank, wash with a degreaser first and rinse well before filling with vinegar. I also drop some big nuts and bolts in there to shake around during baking soda/rinse when the vinegar soak is done.

Blow dry and immediately slosh some marvel mystery oil in it to prevent flash rust

[Greyhound]

++1 on using white vinegar, I’ve done it many times, and doing it now as we speak to a 550 tank.

I let the vinegar sit in the sun for a few days (or even a week of really bad), then throw a few handfuls of big bolts (smaller ones may get lodged in the corners of the tank). I’ve also used copper BB’s to agitate, but those don’t scrape as much as nuts and bolts.