Cleaning the inside of Fuel Tank

I've had some luck using very small steel ball bearings. While not as thorough as chemicals it does a good enough job for the interior to accept paint. With no residue, to speak of, to get rid of.

Looks like I have gotten an old topic off to another fresh start! I can see that everyone has a different approach on what they consider a viable solution. I know for my situation I felt it best to have it done by the pros. I will make sure I post some photos of the after, sorry do not have before.

tkaser wrote:

Well I really appreciate the feedback thus far. I got up this morning and called a few radiator shops in the area (St.Pete Florida) Tommy's was the only one I could find that still boiled and coated, so I went down and dropped off my tank. They tell me they will boil it and then use red kote to protect the inside. I was quoted around 70 bucks. I figure for the money and time it will be worth it.tkaser

Well, it might be allot of money but I have to agree w/you. Besides when I asked around here it's a C-note.

I have heard of customers using vinegar, some BB's, and sticking the tank in a paint shaker.... do that on a mint condition tank off of a '74 Z1 and tell me what happens :ohmy:.
but seriously, i heard it works

I still like the "Naval-Jelly and old chain in the tank" method. Cheap and easy, but WILL wear out yer arms from shaking it all around for agitation. Just my .02 worth

indykaw77 wrote:

I still like the "Naval-Jelly and old chain in the tank" method. Cheap and easy, but WILL wear out yer arms from shaking it all around for agitation. Just my .02 worth

Ya just hafta do it the right way Indy...shake, brew, shake, brew, shake, brew. 2-3 brews later you and the tank are done.:woohoo:

i mixed a 50/50 mix of muriatic acid and water, let it sit in the tank for an hour and drained. followed up with a tank coating(red stuff, don't know the name) it has been aok ever since.

i have used vinegar to derust ALOT of crap. I dont know how long you should let it sit (too long may very well open us some pin hole's). But i would immagin it would work easily for a gas tank.

If i were to redo my tank i would try
1) fill with cheap vinegar
2) dump vinegar (maybe make a salad?)
3)Flush quickly with gas
4)dump gas into tractor (that old girl will burn anything!)
5) coat with por 15 paint or some kind of epoxy

hardr0ck68, that salad would probably turn out to be a GAStronomic delight. Flush the salad quickly with gas?

hardr0ck68 wrote:

i have used vinegar to derust ALOT of crap. I dont know how long you should let it sit (too long may very well open us some pin hole's). But i would immagin it would work easily for a gas tank.

If i were to redo my tank i would try
1) fill with cheap vinegar
2) dump vinegar (maybe make a salad?)
3)Flush quickly with gas
4)dump gas into tractor (that old girl will burn anything!)
5) coat with por 15 paint or some kind of epoxy

plain ole' vinegar will completely clean out a gas tank?
what about gas that has went dry and left that rusty looking varnish behind?

There's a three part process known as Kreem. It's an acid stripper, an alcohol prep, and a well, cream coating. It's available at better powersports shops. I've used it three times on three different bikes and had great luck. Works perfect and fairly cheap, maybe $35-$40. Check it out. Good luck!

Kreem and Pour15 are totally wasted 95% of the time they are used. The only tanks that need sealing are ones that leak.

KZCSI