Care of petrol tank

[Phil C]

I drained my petrol tank (1965 B40F) for the winter. It's sitting on the garage floor. Is there anything else I should do? I'm thinking of corrosion resistance. There are one or two  small patches of rust inside but it appears to me to be in "so-so" nick (my knowledge level re fuel tanks: low) Thanks in advance as usual.   Phil

[chaz]

try to get rid of the rust then a layer of thin oil. thin will allow petrol to be swilled around to remove. the expensive option would be to use a tank liner.

[Phil C]

How would I get rid of the small patches of what looks like surface rust inside the tank?

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi Phil,

I would put the tank back on the bike or up on a shelf away from a potentially damp floor and a greater risk of condensation in the empty tank.  If you can reach the rust patches with a paint brush try treating it with a rust cure product once the inside is dry. 

Dave.

[Phil C]

Something like jenolite paste?  Phil

[Bess]

Hi Phil,
           I use this:

Details   https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233687859460

Cheaper here   https://www.draganfly.co.uk/shop/81384/tank-sealer-425ml-slosh/#A3-90

Best wishes...

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

Treating the whole inside of the tank is the best option but the Hammerite product I use cures the rust only and does not affect good metal.  Cheaper but not as complete.

Dave.

[Phil C]

Hmmm... just put the tank on the bench instead of the floor (it was on a mat rather than bare concrete, by the way) and had another look inside: there is some  I hadn't seen before, at the LH bottom rear of the tank, some going out of sight towards the centre back.  I think reaching it with a brush is unrealistic, esp where it disappears from view. I wonder whether I should just leave it for now, or would a stitch in time be better? How good is the stuff that Bess posted about? And how effective is the stuff you put on first? Would you just be covering up rust?  Phil

[Phil C]

And what about the stuff Dave uses? What are the pros and cons of the different methods and products? Or should I be taking the tank to an expert?  Phil

[Phil C]

Actually I guess the stuff Dave is talking about wouldn't reach it all, esp if it has to be applied by brush.

[Pete A10]

Have look at this site Phil https://cwylde.co.uk/flowliner-tank-coatings/    I used the BioRust when I was renovating my B40. Mix it with water and fill the tank up and leave it for 24 hours. I did line the tank with the Flowliner afterwards which was a bit belt and braces. Not cheap, but I thought when I bought it that they had some smaller containers of it. I certainly didn't pay £57!!!!

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi Phil,

As you have found more than one or two small patches and what could be well established rust it is probably best that you do a proper job with a tank sealing kit.  My suggestion was for the small visible amount of surface rust initially mentioned.
I have used the POR kit and it seems to work well but there is enough to do two tanks and it cannot be kept.  So if you have another one treat that as well.
There was a previous thread on tank sealers so if you search for this you will see the different products discussed.  Once done properly you should have no issues with rust in your tank.

Dave.

[AdrianS]

I don't think a few rust "stains" are a problem. Flakey rust is different. I tend to store dry or empty tanks by swishing a bit of 2 stroke mix around and draining the tank. In fact I add a few splashes of 2 stroke oil to all my tanks throughout the year to keep a tiny bit of oil in the petrol which helps protect the tank. Also, always run the bikes with an inline paper fuel filter ( clear type so you can see any shit from the tank).

[Phil C]

Another option, I guess, is taking it to an expert, ie a professional. Is it worth it? Are they expensive?  Phil

[Bess]

Hi Phil,
          They are expensive and its real easy to seal yourself, both mine are sealed with Slosh. I leave fuel in all winter starting the bikes periodically and warm through, never have any major issues.

Did you read the instructions at the bottom of the page and research this product? has anybody on this forum had a bad experience with it?:

https://www.rust.co.uk/product/slosh-fuel-tank-sealer-7

Draganfly have a complete kit at the moment with a £20 gift voucher to use in their shop making it £39.95:

https://www.draganfly.co.uk/shop/103927/petrol-tank-pack/#PACK-INTER-007

Best wishes...