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Post by gringer78 on Feb 27, 2015 14:20:55 GMT
Working on a 1978 Small Frame 100 Sport that's had some gas sitting in the tank for a few years.
Whats the best / cheapest way to clean out an old gas tank. I drained all the old fuel out, and whats left is caked varnished. I couldn't even see the petcock nut because the old gas has dried up around it. I was able to spin the tap from the outside and it broke apart some of the varnish inside the tank. I haven't pulled petcock out yet as I may need to use it as a plug if I fill the tank with a cleaning agent.
Any advice on how to clean out the gas tank? It has old gas/ varnish and probably some rust.
Thanks
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Post by tzsteve on Feb 27, 2015 15:55:35 GMT
could it have had a tank sealent poured inside the tank. they are two part epoxy resin and are supposed to stick to the metal like a varnish to stop the tank rusting.
if it is just old oil that has oxidised and set to a varnish you could try caustic soda and water. but that will rapidly destroy any aluminium it comes into contact with so use carefully. it turns oils and fats into soap by the process of saponification (a nice word to use in the pub)
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Post by gringer78 on Feb 27, 2015 16:01:39 GMT
I don't think it was ever coated. Just old gas/oil mixture sitting a long time.
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Post by triffid on Feb 28, 2015 9:23:31 GMT
If you have a tumle dryer put some gravel in the tank, block up all holes, wrap in a couple of towels and put in the dryer for a couple of hours, should strip anything off the inside, including any rust, then clean and seal.
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Post by henri on Feb 28, 2015 16:20:20 GMT
i'd use old nuts/bolts/ball bearings over gravel, as if has been lined in past gravel can break up an shards stick in the old sealant , an if ya tumble dryer too small a concrete mixer can be used ,same method as above ,an some gaffer tape round towels ensures they dont unwrap an tank/tumble getting dented , H
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Post by nick121170 on Mar 1, 2015 7:56:29 GMT
I've used the 2 part coating.really good for rusty tanks and even seals Up pin holes. A good degreaser should remove the old fuel
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Post by unclechufty on Mar 1, 2015 9:14:05 GMT
Forr a tank sealer, try POR15 from frost restorations. Much better than the various resins, and apparently impervious to ethanol. Me and the lads 'ave used it on loads of bike and trike tanks, never had problem.
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Post by henri on Mar 1, 2015 17:00:31 GMT
have used tapox in past but recently have wondered if its ethanol proof , that an its pretty dodgy stuff to use , H
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Post by scooter on Mar 2, 2015 8:44:50 GMT
Mine was in a very bad state too. I used lots of nuts and bolts, some petrol in to start with, and lots of shaking around. keep replenishing until the baked stuff were out, then used washing up liquid and hot water to finish it off. Clean a new!! The method was recommended my a shop.
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Post by triffid on Mar 2, 2015 16:49:49 GMT
Should this not be in the techie/advice section rather than projects?
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Post by misguidedrider on May 30, 2023 21:08:26 GMT
anyone know the buddy seat comes off a 64 vespa 90
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