Topic: Rust in Gas tank/ Main Fuse 74 550

[jspeed]

I have Rust in my gas tank is there a way to fix it our do i need to replace it? also yesterday I was going for a ride  with head light on, Turn a corner and the bike went dead rolled to side of the road found bike had no power from battery. Checked fuses and found the 15amp main fuse to be open this has never happened before . Replaced the fuse (had a spare one in the top of the fuse cover) bike started fine ,lights work, road home . Is there anything specific I should look for ? Our do i just need to check every wire for bad insulation . any help would be appreciated.

[strangedaze39]

FYI your bike is probably supposed to be using a 30amp fuse, your going to get stuck on the side of the road a lot if thats the case.

No need for a new tank, a LOT of the older bike have rust in the tanks. They sell tank liner that is made for this ($30-$40 kits) I would search around here first thought before I buy a kit to find out which brand works and which doesn't. Also keep in mind to follow the instructions on these kits word for word including curing time, otherwise you will need a new tank for sure.

Hope that helps.

[333]

I would stay with the size fuse the bike calls for.  You could burn up the wiring harness.  Instead, I would check the fluid in the battery.  Lack of fluid will create resistance in the charging process.  Always carry a spare fuse.  And I believe that the headlight on during a sunny day is a waste.  I truly don't think it helps in being seen.

As for the rust in the tank issue, I feel that the liners are a bit of a waste also.  If you de-rust the tank(be careful, the chemicals used can harm paint), and keep fuel in it, it should not rust again.  Gasoline displaces water, which causes the rust.  So, if you ride it at least once a week, the gas will coat the walls enough to keep the rust from happening again.  And if you use the reserve regularly, any water that gets in, will be purged into the carb bowls.  And that's one of the reasons why there are drains on the carbs.  Every 3 or 4 weeks, I get the drain tubes over a cement surface(the best place to drain and not damage an asphalt surface) and open each carb drain for a few seconds.

[jspeed]

FYI your bike is probably supposed to be using a 30amp fuse, your going to get stuck on the side of the road a lot if thats the case.

No need for a new tank, a LOT of the older bike have rust in the tanks. They sell tank liner that is made for this ($30-$40 kits) I would search around here first thought before I buy a kit to find out which brand works and which doesn't. Also keep in mind to follow the instructions on these kits word for word including curing time, otherwise you will need a new tank for sure.

Hope that helps.

  I have the repair manual .the wire schematics indicated a 15 amp and on the fuse cover. if i were to put a higher amp fuse it could burn up the wires . thanks for the help on the gas tank.

[jspeed]

I would stay with the size fuse the bike calls for.  You could burn up the wiring harness.  Instead, I would check the fluid in the battery.  Lack of fluid will create resistance in the charging process.  Always carry a spare fuse.  And I believe that the headlight on during a sunny day is a waste.  I truly don't think it helps in being seen.

As for the rust in the tank issue, I feel that the liners are a bit of a waste also.  If you de-rust the tank(be careful, the chemicals used can harm paint), and keep fuel in it, it should not rust again.  Gasoline displaces water, which causes the rust.  So, if you ride it at least once a week, the gas will coat the walls enough to keep the rust from happening again.  And if you use the reserve regularly, any water that gets in, will be purged into the carb bowls.  And that's one of the reasons why there are drains on the carbs.  Every 3 or 4 weeks, I get the drain tubes over a cement surface(the best place to drain and not damage an asphalt surface) and open each carb drain for a few seconds.

Thanks for info. i will check battery water level it could be low.

[strangedaze39]

Stick with the 15amp then. If you have a tool tray thats a good spot to stick fuses or even tucked in the air filter box (not in the way of the filter intake of-coarse though.

[dustyc]

Oxidation on the connectors will increase resistance.  A good cleaning may be in order.