Tank rust removal electrolysis method.

[Re-run]

http://www.altelco.net/~jacil/clay/motorcycle/KElecSetup.html
The electrolysis method!


 

[TOOLS1]

I have cleaned out several tanks using a 50/50 mix of muratic acid and water. Just be very careful and do it in a well ventilated area. Most importantly do not inhale any vapors! This will leave your tank shinny and new looking inside.

[cam]

where do you get muratic acid?

[dysfoundation]

im in the process of restoring an old tank, so which works better acid or electrolysis?

[TOOLS1]

They both work pretty good. If you were going to do several tanks the electrolysis method would be the way to go. But for just one tank. i would use the acid. You can get it at any hardware store Ace, Lowe's, Home Depot, and True Value.
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[cb shwank]

i have done the electrolysis method. you can also pick up a big ass jug of sodium carbinate at walmart in the pool cleaning supplies.  i have a question about the battery charger though. i think an older unit that does not haave automatic shut off may be better. it seamed to me that the charger thought its job was done and would shut off, untill i cranked it up to 100 amp jump start! but i dont know if thats safe, so, to each his own...

[wes]

i just rinsed my tank out with some fresh gas and poored in yellow jackets nest. maybe i should have tried a more thourgho method.

[TOOLS1]

A match afterwards is pretty cool, and effective
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[shinyribs]

i am new to bikes but have been fooling with junkyard chevys for years    electrolysis works and wont damage anything   ever!!          Alot of people say that using regular baking soda is not effective but i have had great success with it        pros and cons?           electrolysis: when done throw water in the yard and watch the grass grow...the by product is actually good for your yard             muriatic acid:when your done you got some hardcore nasty junk to dispose of and you dont wanna flush it down your kitchen drain....something to consider    plus with battery charger method you can set it and forget it           go to work and come home to a clean tank!!!  no mess no fuss         Just be sure you connect pos and neg correctly or your tank will dissappear   literally            got in a rush one morning...lost a very desirable valve cover that day :(        

[TOOLS1]

I was just telling a friend about this, and now the page is gone. Anyone have a new link to this process that they can post?
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[zer213]

http://www.instructables.com/id/Electrolytic-Rust-Removal-From-A-Motorcycle-Gas-Ta/

Pretty decent write up on the process. I would use steel wool as my sacrificial steel. Cheap, plentiful and TONS of surface area.

[catcolkat]

Hi everybody

Happy Holidays

Now here's the story on the rust removal using the acid FIRST REMOVE THE CAST ALUMINUM
PETCOCK the acid will eat it completley.

Milk Stone Remover ( available at your local dairy farm ) works without the harmfull vapors just as well as the acid.

Milk Stone Remover nor the murdic acid is harmful to painted parts.

Good luck

Webster

[cblover]

Tried the acid method, but I think it will eat out some layers of your tank if not properly done. I will try this electrolysis method and will post its result.

[seaofsin22]

After you drain the 50/50 mixture do you flush it out or just let it dry and add fuel.  Can the same be used to clean other parts of the bike like shocks (metal)?
Thanks!

[TOOLS1]

I rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water, then let it dry. It can be used to clean other parts, but I don't think it would be friendly with chrome. I do know that it is rough on rubber, and aluminum. Will not bother paint, or plastic though.
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[seaofsin22]

Thanks Tools, I read somewhere that baking soda and distilled water is good to neutralize it.  For the acid would that even matter?  I plan on stripping the tank this weekend and get it ready for paint..

[TOOLS1]

I just flush with clean water, never had to neutralize anything.
TOOLS