TOPIC:

Need some experienced Kaw restoration help please.  Got another darn rusty kz tank question.  I have noticed some interior tank rust developing.  Appears to be surface rust at the bottom of the gas tank. Not flaky rust.  The rust is seen at the seams, left and right.  The tank had been coated with Kreem ( a white – tan color inside)  by the PO and not a great job obviously.  Ie,  No flow or coverage to the seams.This spring, I am considering a vinegar wash with screws to remove the surface rust at the seams. I do Not plan to strip the Kreem coating off.  It seems to be okay and not flaking or any residue.Anybody had a similar experience with good results to achieve some effective preventative maintenance to save the tank from further rust but not remove the tank liner with a complete chemical strip method?     Or thoughts or suggestions on moving forward with the cleaning of the interior surface rust at the bottom seams.  

To Summarize:   With your experienced opinion, would a vinegar tank wash with screws ( or similar item ) be a good and effective method to effectively clean the rusty tank seams ?

I've cleaned out a bunch of gas tanks and to be honest I would get a new tank from Z1 parts. We're lucky that new tanks are available for a reasonable price. Try to get a tank for a Interceptor 1000 or a 80 GS 1100E,
I've seen bad things happen when Kreem tank liners fail, it is just not worth it when you can get a new tank with cap and emblems for $400.

78kawltd wrote:

Need some experienced Kaw restoration help please.  Got another darn rusty kz tank question.  I have noticed some interior tank rust developing.  Appears to be surface rust at the bottom of the gas tank. Not flaky rust.  The rust is seen at the seams, left and right.  The tank had been coated with Kreem ( a white – tan color inside)  by the PO and not a great job obviously.  Ie,  No flow or coverage to the seams.This spring, I am considering a vinegar wash with screws to remove the surface rust at the seams. I do Not plan to strip the Kreem coating off.  It seems to be okay and not flaking or any residue.Anybody had a similar experience with good results to achieve some effective preventative maintenance to save the tank from further rust but not remove the tank liner with a complete chemical strip method?     Or thoughts or suggestions on moving forward with the cleaning of the interior surface rust at the bottom seams.  

To Summarize:   With your experienced opinion, would a vinegar tank wash with screws ( or similar item ) be a good and effective method to effectively clean the rusty tank seams ?

Forget about it.  Strip the Kreem using MEK, derust with phosphoric acid, then assess true condition of the tank.  

And BTW, a 1980 GS1100E tank is same as the 750E.  Not overly hard to find.  Now the GS1000E tank, with indent stripe, is a totally different matter...

MEK = Methylethylketon (Butanon)

Is MEK readily available In the USA at the retail level ?  I saw products listed as MEK Substitute.  Lowes, Amazon, etc.   Gimme the good stuff ?  

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The tank on my 78 ltd in profile picture had a failing tank lining. 
I used MEK soaking it for a total of 24 hours.   Rinsing well and then filling it with a bag of aquarium gravel I put it in the clothes dryer packed with cushions around it and tumbled it for an hour no heat..
it took 3 days and 4 rounds of this process before the lining was gone. 
I wasn't paying attention on the second soak and in the heat the MEK bubbled up and ruined the paint around my fuel inlet. . Luckily the fuel cap when closed hid the bad paint. .  I never coated the inside again just kept fuel full. 

I was able to remove failed tank liner (brand unkown) with Acetone. 

Mikaw wrote:

I was able to remove failed tank liner (brand unkown) with Acetone. 
 

Thankfully it's available in gallon cans at Lowes. I picked some up to turn expanded polystyrene into plain polystyrene.

Spring is nearby.  Hope to tackle the task with some warmth. The plan is to drain the gas,  wash rinse, repeat.  Assess the rusty seams. Clean and Assess the Reuseable KN fuel filters.  Evaluate the Top of the tank where the Current liner seems to be ok.   then Begin the process to either remove the rust at the seams or strip everything - including the liner.
I feel there might be some  hope for the tank with a wash, rinse and rust removal at the seams.  Once again,  appears to be early surface rust - only at the seams.  No flaking.
 Definitely don't intend to cut corners.  It'll be a progressive approach.  As needed.


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