fuel tank sealer/rust cleaner
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 338
Likes: 41
From: MA
fuel tank sealer/rust cleaner
Im just looking for some experienced advise on cleaning inside of tanks. My dad brought his 51 down so I can help get it back together. tanks he got used to replace the beat ones , These have some rust now that I got to see them. what do you guys suggest , that have had use/works the best? I see the POR and the eastwood kits. And which would bring enough to do both tanks? Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
white vinegar works well - apple cider vinegar - also works well - then to seal them we only use the RED COAT - anything else will peal off in a year in sheets and debris all over the fuel system - your choice who to believe - i am not selling anything
after the vinegar soap and water then rubbing alcohol to remove any water - couple of times - then we coat the tank with marvel mistry oil just to keep it from scaling over - you do not have to drain it off as an ounce in the gas will do what lead did before the $hit gas we now have when filling it up
after the vinegar soap and water then rubbing alcohol to remove any water - couple of times - then we coat the tank with marvel mistry oil just to keep it from scaling over - you do not have to drain it off as an ounce in the gas will do what lead did before the $hit gas we now have when filling it up
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 338
Likes: 41
From: MA
first thanks for the response. this is what I need real life experience. Can I ask to explain a little more . vinegar with soap/water? how much? put the red coat over the marvels? 1 side is actually not bad at all, the other has some rust but they look like nice tanks . Ive seen the redcoat. just wanna get the stuff that will survive. Thank you
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8,055
Likes: 8,080
From: Canada
I use a product called Chef. Its a grill cleaner and it works beautifully at removing rust fast. I honestly cant see vinegar doing what this stuff does. I add some to a tank with hot water and swish it around over the laundry sink then flush it with straight hot water. The hot water heats the tank up and the water evaporates in minutes then hit it with a lubricant as mentioned above. My process is just another option.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,533
Likes: 7,867
From: Long Island, New York
John is talking about White Vinegar, get it at your local supermarket. Super cheap, get enough to fill both tanks. Depending on the amount of rust, I would let them sit about 24 hours, giving them a slosh every once in a while. Check them, if they need more, slosh and let them sit. But keep checking, vinegar is an acid so you don't want to forget and leave it in there for a month!?!?!?
I like to then drain, flush two or three times with water to get rid of the vinegar then a final rinse with gas to remove the water.
When I did this for my Flathead, I had the tanks on the bike full of fluids the same week, did not mess around with any liners. Up to you, lots of people for and against liners. My experience tells me it is like paint, all about the prep. Done correctly a good thing, done poorly probably a nightmare.
If you do not want to mess around with it, next step up is finding a radiator shop in your neighborhood. I had Shovel tanks steam cleaned, pressure tested and than sealed by them. Zero issues and they look like new inside. I guess what does the budget allow?
Good luck.
I like to then drain, flush two or three times with water to get rid of the vinegar then a final rinse with gas to remove the water.
When I did this for my Flathead, I had the tanks on the bike full of fluids the same week, did not mess around with any liners. Up to you, lots of people for and against liners. My experience tells me it is like paint, all about the prep. Done correctly a good thing, done poorly probably a nightmare.
If you do not want to mess around with it, next step up is finding a radiator shop in your neighborhood. I had Shovel tanks steam cleaned, pressure tested and than sealed by them. Zero issues and they look like new inside. I guess what does the budget allow?
Good luck.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8,055
Likes: 8,080
From: Canada
Im going to try a coating in my 48 tanks and see what happens being fully aware of the risks. The rad shop I use insists the product will not come off the inside of the tanks and they've been in business for 25 years. I agree its all in the prep.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 338
Likes: 41
From: MA
maybe Ill try the vinegar first with a chain. Ive read that helps. Seems like an easy try . I deff dont want something that will come off. maybe if I can get em cleaned up, ill decide on the sealer then. Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 24,998
Likes: 19,426
From: New York
The safest method of chemical rust removal involves mixing vinegar and baking soda to fill (or nearly fill) the tank. Let the mixture sit until it bubbles up and begins to change color with the rust particles. Then rinse thoroughly to ensure it's completely empty. KBS Coatings Auto Fuel Tank Sealer.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
billatstarbrite
General Harley Davidson Chat
10
Feb 27, 2014 01:59 PM