fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

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toomanybikes
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#16

Post by toomanybikes »

flyin900 wrote: Thu Mar 11, 2021 9:58 am So what did you use to get it there? Given the screens are removed I would consider lining it with Caswells or Redcote after your finished, to bond the remaining material and seal the tank interior. Use compressed air to blow the lines to clear them of the liner material when lining the tank.
Screen(s) were damaged by usual advice of "put some nuts & bolts in there, then shake".

Not yet sure if I will coat, need another round of Simple Green then Evaporust to get rid of the rust spots caused (possibly uncovered) by the 30 Second Cleaner.
Greater Boston MA, USA
Stable as of 26Dec22: '81 GL1100, '10 Bonnie SE, '86 Yamaha Radian, '83 Suzuki GS650L, '14 Moto Guzzi California, '85 Honda V30 Magna
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#17

Post by Track T 2411 »

I had similar residue after cleaning my last 1100 tank. Tried most every chemical I had on hand, and nothing touched it. Found an old bottle of Zep oven cleaner, and gave that a try. Took the film off in a few minutes and slow agitation. YMMV.
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#18

Post by flyin900 »

For the cost of the POR15 tank liner (buy only in a pint size) and not any of the larger more expensive kits, it will be enough to do that tank. For a pint in the US of the POR15 I found it for $25. from Eastwood supply It will ensure that the remaining material that you don't get off that inner surface doesn't eventually dissolve, messing up your carbs.

Gas and ethanol will likely work away at any remaining material on the inside of that tank. I have relined a few tanks and it is a fairly straight forward process. A compressor with an air tool will help to blow out the internal gas lines from any tank sealer that gets into there.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#19

Post by toomanybikes »

Track T 2411 wrote: Thu Mar 11, 2021 7:54 pm I had similar residue after cleaning my last 1100 tank. Tried most every chemical I had on hand, and nothing touched it. Found an old bottle of Zep oven cleaner, and gave that a try. Took the film off in a few minutes and slow agitation. YMMV.
Was the Zep a liquid or spray foam? The foam seems to be most common but liquid would be better for this application.

Did you need to do any post Zep treatment, analogous to neutralizing acid using baking powder?
Greater Boston MA, USA
Stable as of 26Dec22: '81 GL1100, '10 Bonnie SE, '86 Yamaha Radian, '83 Suzuki GS650L, '14 Moto Guzzi California, '85 Honda V30 Magna
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#20

Post by gltriker »

flyin900 wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 1:05 am For the cost of the POR15 tank liner (buy only in a pint size) and not any of the larger more expensive kits, it will be enough to do that tank. For a pint in the US of the POR15 I found it for $25. from Eastwood supply It will ensure that the remaining material that you don't get off that inner surface doesn't eventually dissolve, messing up your carbs.

Gas and ethanol will likely work away at any remaining material on the inside of that tank. I have relined a few tanks and it is a fairly straight forward process. A compressor with an air tool will help to blow out the internal gas lines from any tank sealer that gets into there.
I heartily agree with flyin900. POR15 is great stuff. (Paint Over Rust) tumb2

Look at my photos and text in this thread. Post#62.
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996&start=60

I said it was " Quite an ordeal", because totally derusting my GL1000 fuel tank with about a quart of swimming pool strength muriatic acid was my first time utilizing the liquid. :shock:
Last edited by gltriker on Sat Mar 13, 2021 2:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Cliff (74yrs ;) )

Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday. tumb2

New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^ :oldies

RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi tumb2
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing ;)
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT tumb2 Me Too!!

Cliff

'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM :shock: https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome

previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#21

Post by toomanybikes »

gltriker wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 2:45 pm I heartily agree with flyin900. POR15 is great stuff. (Paint Over Rust) tumb2

Look at my photos and text in this thread. Post#62.
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996&start=60
Thanks. Those images look good.

I have some POR15 on order. If I don't use it for the GL I bet some other current or future project in the garage will need it.
Greater Boston MA, USA
Stable as of 26Dec22: '81 GL1100, '10 Bonnie SE, '86 Yamaha Radian, '83 Suzuki GS650L, '14 Moto Guzzi California, '85 Honda V30 Magna
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#22

Post by Track T 2411 »

Re: Zep cleaner, I used the liquid. IIRC, the zep is water based, so a water rinse and blow- dry followed by acetone, followed by RedCote sealer.
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
toomanybikes
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#23

Post by toomanybikes »

For the POR15 advocates (gltriker, flyin900, et al), will it cover the current imperfect surface in my tank, once I clean off the MMO&diesel? I'd rather not add muriatic acid to the mix if not necessary.

Pic below is the latest status.
PXL_20210313_112112608.jpg
PXL_20210313_112112608.jpg (195.28 KiB) Viewed 302 times
Greater Boston MA, USA
Stable as of 26Dec22: '81 GL1100, '10 Bonnie SE, '86 Yamaha Radian, '83 Suzuki GS650L, '14 Moto Guzzi California, '85 Honda V30 Magna
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#24

Post by gltriker »

Yes I believe it will.
It has been 9 years since I prepped and coated my GL1000 fuel tank with a POR15 kit.
If you haven't already seen the Motorcycle Tank Sealing Kit installation instructions, go to the POR15 website.
See the contents of the complete kit there.

I utilized muriatic acid, before the POR15 kit's liquids, because I had little confidence my investment in the cost of the kit would give me a good return on the end results, without first stripping the fuel tank internals to bare metal.

Removing loose rust and all traces of petroleum contamination AND the metal including the inside diameter of both pickup tubes, must be entirely bone dry before the POR15 tank coating liquid is poured into the tank are the main details that I recall.

The most notable witness of the POR15 coating's endurance is that the inside of my tank's filler neck isn't scarred by hundreds of insertion and removal of gas pump handle spouts over 32,000 miles since I coated the trike's tank. tumb2 thup
Last edited by gltriker on Wed Mar 17, 2021 11:46 am, edited 6 times in total.
Cliff (74yrs ;) )

Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday. tumb2

New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^ :oldies

RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi tumb2
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing ;)
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT tumb2 Me Too!!

Cliff

'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM :shock: https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome

previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#25

Post by Sidecar Bob »

When my GL500's tank rusted through in '03 I could have bought a kit and done it myself but for about the same price I took it to a local rad shop and they soldered up the holes and epoxy lined it. They did all the prep and dealt with all of the nasty chemicals and fumes and all I had to do was touch up where the tape they sealed one of the openings pulled off some paint, which wasn't a big deal because I had to repaint the area where the holes were anyway.
That same tank has been on my current winter machine since '06 (over 120,000 KM between the 2 bikes) and still holding up nicely.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#26

Post by gltriker »

toomanybikes wrote: Thu Mar 11, 2021 10:40 am
flyin900 wrote: Thu Mar 11, 2021 9:58 am So what did you use to get it there? Given the screens are removed I would consider lining it with Caswells or Redcote after your finished, to bond the remaining material and seal the tank interior. Use compressed air to blow the lines to clear them of the liner material when lining the tank.
Screen(s) were damaged by usual advice of "put some nuts & bolts in there, then shake".

Not yet sure if I will coat, need another round of Simple Green then Evaporust to get rid of the rust spots caused (possibly uncovered) by the 30 Second Cleaner.
Question. I see one fuel delivery tube. What machine is this tank mounted on?
Cliff (74yrs ;) )

Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday. tumb2

New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^ :oldies

RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi tumb2
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing ;)
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT tumb2 Me Too!!

Cliff

'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM :shock: https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome

previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#27

Post by toomanybikes »

gltriker wrote: Mon Mar 15, 2021 7:58 pm Question. I see one fuel delivery tube. What machine is this tank mounted on?
It's an '81 GL1100. It has two delivery tubes but you only see the reserve tube because pic is from the fuel gauge opening.
Greater Boston MA, USA
Stable as of 26Dec22: '81 GL1100, '10 Bonnie SE, '86 Yamaha Radian, '83 Suzuki GS650L, '14 Moto Guzzi California, '85 Honda V30 Magna
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#28

Post by flyin900 »

Your ready now with that surface and what a difference from your initial results. KUDO'S to avoiding the Muriatic acid treatment and still getting a good result.
So a quality sealing kit will have that tank ready for service again.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#29

Post by toomanybikes »

flyin900 wrote: Tue Mar 16, 2021 10:37 pm Your ready now with that surface and what a difference from your initial results. KUDO'S to avoiding the Muriatic acid treatment and still getting a good result.
So a quality sealing kit will have that tank ready for service again.
I just bought the POR15 sealer, not the full kit. I plan on using the variety of chemicals already in the garage (acetone, OMS, alcohol, simple green, CLR, etc.) to get the insides perfectly clean and dry.

Is there anything magic to the POR15 prep chemicals that I'm missing?
Greater Boston MA, USA
Stable as of 26Dec22: '81 GL1100, '10 Bonnie SE, '86 Yamaha Radian, '83 Suzuki GS650L, '14 Moto Guzzi California, '85 Honda V30 Magna
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Re: fuel tank cleaning - good enough?

#30

Post by gltriker »

toomanybikes wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 8:08 am
flyin900 wrote: Tue Mar 16, 2021 10:37 pm Your ready now with that surface and what a difference from your initial results. KUDO'S to avoiding the Muriatic acid treatment and still getting a good result.
So a quality sealing kit will have that tank ready for service again.
I just bought the POR15 sealer, not the full kit. I plan on using the variety of chemicals already in the garage (acetone, OMS, alcohol, simple green, CLR, etc.) to get the insides perfectly clean and dry.

Is there anything magic to the POR15 prep chemicals that I'm missing?
https://www.por15.com/por-15-metal-prep

A bottle of This metal prep liquid was included in the POR15 Motorcycle Tank Sealing Kit I installed in my GL 1000 tank.

Scroll down that page to the product description.
That's all I can offer to answer your question.

Edit:
Amazon has it.
https://www.amazon.com/POR-15-40204-Met ... 147&sr=8-3

+
Last edited by gltriker on Thu Mar 18, 2021 8:46 am, edited 1 time in total.
Cliff (74yrs ;) )

Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday. tumb2

New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^ :oldies

RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi tumb2
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing ;)
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT tumb2 Me Too!!

Cliff

'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM :shock: https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome

previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
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