gas tank

what is an easy way to get rid of surface rust inside my gas tank with out putting a liner in it, and how important is the gas cap seal? If i turn my tank on its side with gas in it the gas just runs out of the tank around the cap.

 

I would say you should do a search for the electrolosis method of tank cleaning -- basically you fill the tank with electrolyte, insert metal rod, and apply DC voltage -- rust is elimanated and replaced with the zinc coating from the rod.

As for the seal, it's always a good idea to have a working one to protect the paint on the tank, and as a safety measure to prevent accidental fires.

 

Note that the cap is vented. A good seal is needed but it will always leak form the vent.

 

take the tank off, empty except for small amount of gas, drop about 50
#8 nutts into the tank and shake it around for about 10 mins... then empty
and clean with gas...

THAT, ITS THE YAHAMA RECCOMENDED METHOD.

 

But it does nothing to prevent future rusting. The electrolysis will somewhat (but be careful can eat a hole too). Lining would be the only way to resolve it.

 

well, as long was you keep the tank full if it sits for awhile... can gas engines sustain some diesel fuel? and does diesel mix with gas or stay separate? Because on our nitrogen tanks at our farm we put about 50 gallons of diesel in the tank and then fill it with the nitrogen... the diesel stays on the top, its red so its a good indicater of the level of teh tank, and as the level of the nitrogen goes down the diesel coats it and pevents rust... nitrogen rusts like a mother, it can even rust plastic tanks if the water used to dilute it has iron, it will leave rust on the plastic fast.... ok well that was kind of a thread hi-jack, sorry,
but if u removed the rust with the nuts... i would reccoment putting the 50 nuts... all attached with fishing string so u can fish them out(ha ha) and either put some diesel in with the nuts, or rinse the tank out with diesel BUT!!!!!!!!! I'm not sure if the engines can withstand some diesel... idk maybe add some octane booster so it is more flamable- but please wait until someone smarter than me answers my question

 

We had a big discussion about this recently, and a number of viable solutions were offered. It depends on the degree of rusting and the amount of effort you want to expend to get rid of it and prevent future problems. Personally I used the 'phosphoric acid flush' method and it worked well, FOR ME. Give it a read, there are some really good suggestions and ideas here: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=1 ... table.html

 

ive done the electrolosis method on other gas tanks, have had it work real good, just do it in a well vented place and dispose of the liquid properley

 

I used a product called "Rusteco" you can look it up online. Its expensive for sure but the part I like about it is that it safe to use. Eco Friendly and it will not eat your metal away like some methods.

The company has a service where you can send them your tank and they will clean it for you if you want.

 

I use a product called milk stone remover. Dairy farmers use it for cleaning their milking equipment. It leaves a nice finish and you don`t have to rince it with anything. I buy it at Tractor Supply Company.

 

electrolysis video. linked from the virago site.

http://viragotech.com/rustremoval.mpg