New guy with a 74 Z1

Hey guys Ive been visiting the site for about the past month looking for info and tips on my newest project.

I picked up my dads 74 Z1 900 that has 15,000 original KMs on it and its been parked since 89.

The bike is absolutely mint only problem is it was parked with a full tank of gas witch has now turned to varnish. I read a bunch of post here about cleaning it and although I have about 90% of it cleaned its the real bad sludge in the bottom thats giving me trouble. I got a price from the tank doctors in Barrie Ont. to clean it but they said that the pant couldnt be saved. It got some custom air brushing done to it and i dont want to ruing it. Im got a lead on a KZ 900 that I can get for free Im wondering if the Z1 and ZR tanks are the same. As for as Z1 enterprises goes they claim it will, Can someone on here verify this for me.

Thanks a million and Im looking forward to learning everything you guy have to teach.


Here are a few pics. Dont mind the junk i the back ground its still in the basement until the snow clears and my sled and boat are out fo the garage.

Hi ZedOneRyder,
Welcome to KZR, Keep searching the site and ask lots of questions, you'll get the info you need.

Normally I'd say seal it up with a pack of BB's in it and stuff it in a dryer packed in with blankets so it can't move. Put the dryer through a few cycles (no heat). Shift it's position and repeat. But ya wont get down into the creases. I'm afraid only acetone will get that but be aware spill a drop on your paint and it's adios! Maybe a good soak of kerosene and some weak muratic acid to rinse? It looks like a nice paintjob. I have heard white vinegar does a good job too. Good luck!

Wow. Nice bike. I would try to save the paint too...
If you got 90% of it and the rest is in the bottom could you do the BBs and either acetone or mineral spirits. Just enough to coat the bottom and put it on top of a washing machine (or a tractor, or a car with a cam, etc). Just enough to get a good vibration going. Just a thought... I never had to deal with this myself.
Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

You might check out Marine Clean from the folks at www.por-15.com It is the cleaner that comes with their tank sealer kit and does a good job cleaning out the varnish and crud.

I have some photos and description of sealing my SR tank a few years ago . Some of that info may be useful.