Care of petrol tank

[Phil C]

I read the Slosh instructions and was a bit confused quite early on: it says you should thoroughly clean the tank with Rustbuster Tank-Kleen caustic detergent to remove grease, dirt and fuel deposits. It then says "(If there are signs of rust in the tank, use a suitable rust remover, please contact for details)" I was a bit surprised that Rustbuster Tank-Kleen didn't get rid of the rust. I mean it's called Rustbuster. So anyway I find myself in bit of a quandary. I'm not oozing confidence about doing it properly, but I checked the price for an expert to do it: ouch. I know, I need to decide.  Phil

[Beesy]

If you fancy some fun then have a go at removing by electrolysis. Search on  You Tube. I had amazing results.

All you need is a battery charger, some sodium carbonate  (not bi carbonate) some old bits of metal and some patience to get the set up right.

Inside of my tank was completely covered in rust. Bike has been standing 30 plus years. Two cycles of electrolysis of 3 days each and it was like new metal! I was absolutely stunned. I wish I had some pics it was brilliant.

Some thing to relieve lockdown boredom.

[Crazy Mike]

I read this topic with interest as, like Phil, I am in a similar situation with my B40 ('61).

The tank on my restored B40 has previously had expensive re-chroming and paint and looks great. However, inside it looks like there is a fair amount of rust build up which has prompted me to think about what to do to try and preserve it. I don't believe the tank has ever been previously sealed.

So many proprietary products for sale with varying claims! This is my first BSA (or older bike) and as such I have zero experience in de-rusting and sealing tanks so advice from those who have had success is very welcome. I haven't personally checked the price of having this done professionally but I think Phil's "ouch" answers that point !

Just for the present, is it best to completely drain the tank of petrol and leave with the cap on or off? Leave the tank on the bike or store elsewhere during this enforced period of inactivity ? My bike is stored in a dry garage.

Thanks
Colin

[Dean Southall]

I would second the reverse electrolysis method.
I had spent an absolute fortune getting the Super Rocket tank re chromed and professionally painted only to discover the inside covered in rust just inside a few years later. It was my fauly for leaving it half full of fuel for several months while it was not being used. I did not want to damage the immaculate paint and chrome so used reverse eletrolysis. It worked brilliantly and cost pence.

[Phil C]

I was going to phone the Slosh people to discuss what to do about the rust, as advised by the instructions. But I've just seen a video where someone had been contacted by lots of people saying don't use Slosh.  Sigh.  Phil

[Phil C]

I was going to phone the Slosh people to discuss what to do about the rust, as advised by the instructions. But I've just seen a video where someone had been contacted by lots of people saying don't use Slosh.  Sigh.  Phil

The video is entitled "Extras - don't use Slosh sealer!!!"
Clearly Bess has had good results with it, but naturally the video has made me pause and consider.   Phil

[Bess]

Hi Phil,
          The video relates to sloshing compounds in aircraft fuel tanks not 'Slosh':

http://www.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk/engineering/TADs/363/sb11-9-13.pdf

Best wishes...

[Phil C]

Very sorry. Stupid of me. Thanks Bess ( yet again!) Phil

[Bess]

Hi Phil,
          No problem, as they say, there's never a stupid question only a stupid answer.

Best wishes...

[Phil C]

I spoke with Rustbuster this morning about how to tackle rust if necessary after using the  Tank Kleen and before putting in the Slosh. They recommended using something called Ecocleaner, saying it is a gel that could be poured in, diluted about 5-10 per cent with water if you wish, and then manoeuvred into position to attack the rust, leave for 1-2 hours and rinse with water. Looking online later ( if I'm looking at the right stuff) it is described as being jelly- like, (and advises leaving for longer than that.) I wonder how feasible to it would be to get something of that consistency into the right position, towards the bottom side rear of the tank. Anybody used it?  They did also say that if the surface is sound, not flaky, then Slosh doesn't need a perfectly rust- free surface. Phil

[MickP]

Hi I've got a nice chromed and painted C15 tank but cant say the same for its internals
Been sat for 15 years empty and now quite rusty inside .

I am not sure which method works best having read positive results for Molasses , Vinegar and Electrolysis

Any views comments appreciated

thanks
Mick

[AdrianS]

I've cleaned a few tanks over the years:

I've shaken a couple of handfuls of nuts and bolts around to get rid of loose stuff.

Soaked the tank in cola - that does clean it up a bit but need to soak for many days and not harmful to paint outside the tank.

Best was to use Spirits of Salt ( I think it's hydrochloric acid). Very cheap, cleans very well, may perforate an iffy tank, may damage paintwork and chrome outside the tank.

You takes your choice. I am not over fussy as long as the tank is not full of loose rust. I always have an inline paper filter and stick a few drops of 2 stroke oil in to help lubricate the tank itself. My old bantam tank has no rust in it at all!

[Pete C]

you can use pretty much any acid to remove the rust but be careful as they will also slowly go for the metal as well.

I use a dilute phosphoric acid solution, same acid as in coke but I wouldn't drink it- or coke for that matter.

Phosphoric also binds to any remaining rust, neutralising it as a protective layer.

It is what is in most rust killer products, just bound in a gel and given a price hike.

[Phil C]

I really enjoy working on my bike, learning from this forum as I go. But I really don't fancy de-rusting and lining the petrol tank. So much so that I'm even considering taking it to a professional, despite the price. Anyone ever used Devon Bike Tank Repairs? (I believe they're at Holsworthy.).  Phil

[Bess]

Hi Phil,
           I haven't used Devon Tank Repairs but heard they are good.

Don't worry about trying yourself its not difficult. I think Rustbuster could be recommending a Naval Jelly product which is fantastic. Here's the loctite version, cheaper out there however they have one of the best reputations.

https://www.loctiteproducts.com/en/products/specialty-products/surface-treatments/loctite_naval_jellyrustdissolver.html


Best wishes...