Rusted tank. Any Ideas?

[vern401]

Here is a page to a home electroplating kit.

http://automotivemileposts.com/products/electroplating.html

Usualy electroplating that you want to last requires sand blasting or something. It would be nice to know if it is an option for our bikes though.

[vern401]

If you try coating the inside of a tank with Zinc let us know how it turns out. It would help allot in rust prevention as long as you get a good solid coat all over. I'll try looking around the internet to see if anyone has succeded is doing it.

[vern401]

If you try a zinc coating in a tank let us know how well it works and how you did it.

[LukeM]

I haven't had a chance to do anything with the bike besides ride it.  I've noticed it's just a little rough running, so I'm thinking the filter is keeping extra crud from getting inside the carbs.  I haven't had time to pull the carbs and clean them. I do know that the tank needs some attention, just not sure how much yet.  I hate to use anything radical to clean it. It's got the 10th anniv. logos on it, and factory paint.  I was thinking of going to a replacement tank, and keeping the original on a shelf somewhere, so I can turn it back into the anniv. model in the future. Replacement tanks can get pricey, and who knows what kind of shape they're in.

As soon as I get time to dig into the maintenance time, I'll update this list.  This is part of the field engineer lifestyle. :-)

Luke M

[woodsrider250]

I'm just going to start throwing some (small amount) 2T oil in my gas.  It will smell like a real motor while running then anyway ;)

[Boucher]

I recently used muriatic acid and a handful of washers to remove the rust by vigorously shaking the tank for about 20 minuets. Used baking soda to neutralize the used acid, rinsed out the tank, and then added 8 oz of naval jelly. Shook, let sit a few minuets, repeat for about 2 hours. Rinsed out, and dried inside with a hair dryer. Shines like a mirror!

[vern401]

On a temporary thing you can try this. It will not STOP the rust but will help keep it out of your carbs.

1. Use an inline filter. Tape magnets to the outside of the filter to help catch and hold rust.
2. Put a magnet in the tank itself. "Hint" If you attach a wire to the magnet it is easier to retrieve it for cleaning.

I have also used CLR to clean the rust out of a tank. it works best with an agitator material though. washers nuts bolts you get the idea.



Oh the CLR did not hurt the paint on that tank but I give no guarentee's.