how to restore a motorcycle gas tank
My Plastic Gas Tank Restoration Process:Remove the tank from the bikeRemove tank brackets and fuel petcockRemove any old tank graphicsWash and degrease the tankStarting sanding with 180 grit wet and dry to take out any scratchesWork up through finer grades until you reach a 2500 gritPolish the tank using a wool pad attachement on a drillInstall new graphicsMore items
How do you repair a motorcycle gas tank?
How to Repair a Leaky Motorcycle Fuel TankDrain the Fuel Tank. In order to repair a leaky motorcycle fuel tank it first has to be drained. …Remove the Fuel Tank. Look under the motorcycle fuel tank for a bolt located in the center of the tank. …Prepare the Tank for Repair. Remove the cap of the fuel tank and allow it to air out. …Seal the Tank. …
How to clean rust out of my motorcycle gas tank?
Inspect the gas tankEvaluate damageGet cleaning suppliesEmpty and remove the tankSeal holesAdd acid and abrasivesShakeEmpty,wash and dry the tank
How to siphon a motorcycle gas tank?
? To siphon gas from such a tank, you can either use the manual suction method or the siphon pump method. But for it to work, the metal flap has to be held open using a long object like a screwdriver or a chopstick. ? Using metallic objects like a screwdriver is not recommended, as it can create a spark which can be deadly.
How to fix a hole in a motorcycle gas tank?
Motorcycle gas tanks will degrade over years of use due to weather, water left to sit in the tank or poor maintenance. Pin holes made by rust can be temporarily repaired with an epoxy, but larger holes, from punctures or deep rust, should be repaired by a professional or replaced with a new tank.
How to fill a leaky fuel tank?
Mix the epoxy according to the directions on the package. Once the epoxy is mixed you can then pour it inside the fuel tank. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the fill hole along with a rubber band. Slosh the epoxy around and drain the tank. Allow the epoxy to cure for at least a day before replacing the tank and filling it. If there is still a leak do the procedure again.
How to remove rust from a fuel tank?
It should not take more than 15 minutes. Rust may have developed and should be removed. Pour up to two quarts of acetone into the tank along with the small nuts and bolts. Place plastic wrap around the fill hole and secure with a rubber band. Shake the tank and rotate it so you can ensure the nuts and bolts make contact with every area of the fuel tank. This will knock rust away from the tank as well as create scratches which will give the epoxy something to cling to. Drain the tank and dry it as you did previously.
How to take fuel tank off motorcycle?
The seat may have to be removed in order to get access. Remove this bolt with your socket wrench. Once the bolt is removed you can now take the fuel tank off of the motorcycle. As you lift the back of the fuel tank you need to also tip it forward.
Why is my motorcycle fuel tank leaking?
If your motorcycle fuel tank has a leak for any reason, it’s pertinent that you get it repaired immediately because it can catch fire and seriously injure you or someone else.
How to remove fuel line from a gas tank?
To remove the fuel you have to first remove the fuel line. Do this by squeezing the retaining clamp with a pair of pliers. Once the clamp is depressed you can pull the fuel line off of the fuel tank nipple. If any gas is spilled clean it up with a rag and cover the area with kitty litter in order to properly soak up the gas.
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How to remove rust from metal?
Now, if you’re not familiar with rust removal from metal, you may be confused by this. The easiest way to break apart those huge chunks of rust is with abrasives. The vinegar will take care of the rust particles.
How many holes does a bike tank have?
The basic tank design has a filling hole and a petcock hole. It depends on the model though, your bike may have up to 4 holes .
How to find rust spots on a tank?
If you can duct tape the mirror on a stick, that would help a lot. Those that want to be thorough, get a borescope. Open the tank, light it up , and look for rust. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll only see rust spots. In worse situations, you’ll see a whole layer of rust.
What is the best way to clean rust off metal?
Rust is quite annoying, and the usual cleaning solutions for metal won’t do it. You need an acidic solution. I highly recommend using household vinegar, made from alcohol, usually known as white vinegar. Don’t use apple or wine vinegar.
Why does my bike rust?
Rust usually forms due to negligence from the owner. When the bike is inactive or the tank is never filled up, rust forms on the surface exposed to oxygen. Keep the tank filled up and add a fuel stabilizer in the winter to prevent rust.
How to avoid complications with tank cleaning?
To avoid complications, I recommend getting a set of plugs, and vacuum caps. Get as many as possible in various sizes. You can find whole sets online, that should cover you for future tank cleanups.
Can vinegar be used to remove rust?
Strong acids, or stronger acids than vinegar can be used but are not recommended. The thing is, you want to remove the rust but not damage the metal surface. Vinegar is a mild acid, the chances that it will damage the tank are low. Stronger acids can damage the tank, especially thin ones.
How do I clean a vinyl tank?
Use hot soapy water to wash the tank from dirt and vinyl adhesive. Do not use anything that can scratch the tank because this will just make work don the line. I like to use a sponge elbow grease.
How to get sand out of a sandpaper tank?
You should be using a bucket or spray gun with soapy water to help sand. Either spray the tank of dip the sand paper into the water and dont be shy with it.
How many grits is a good grit?
Once you get to the higher grades it can be hard to notice any visible difference and at around 1000-1200 grit it will seem very smooth and maybe finished.
How many grits to use for finishing?
The other thing to note is the finishing grade. I use 2500 grit for this. The idea of moving up through the grades is that each finer grade removes the sctratches made from the one before, but you can’t just go from 180 grit to 2500 grit because it is to fine to be able to remove the scratch marks. That is why you move up through grades.
Why are graphics perforated?
This is also the reason that alot of modern graphics/vinyls are perforated. The many little holes are designed to allow the fumes escape that would otherwise build up underneath.
Can you replace the o-ring on a petcock?
The petcock had a scrub with the brushes and brake cleaner, then buffed by hand with the cloth. You can replace the o-ring that sits between the petcock and tank but I didn’t as it looked good and has been fine.
Can you give a tank a birthday?
This may not be a step you are taking but as you have the tank and fittings off you may as well give them a birthday in my opinion.
What is the best fuel tank cleaner to clean motorcycle gas tank?
The best fuel tank cleaner is the one that is the most compatible with your motorcycle which can keep your fuel tank clean of all types of dirt and grime. There can be many factors that influence which fuel tank cleaner is best, including the type of motorcycle, the fuel tank cleaning fluids of choice, or even the type of fuel in the tank. Some cleaners are alcohol-based and can be harmful to sensitive fuel tanks, while other cleaners are made with ingredients that are corrosive and may damage the metal in the tank.
How to clean A motorcycle gas tank: rust removal & repair?
If you own a motorcycle, then chances are you’ve had to clean your bike’s gas tank at some point. Additionally, there are many other areas of your bike that can rust, and those are more likely the problem of the day. Assessing the rust level is very important before beginning to work on the removal and repair process. It will help us to determine which abrasive material or tool we should use before starting the rust removal process. For mild rusting, we can just use a brush and water but for heavy rust deposits, we might need strong acids.
How do you clean your motorcycle gas tank with vinegar?
Most motorcycle gas tanks are made out of aluminum and can be easily cleaned with white vinegar. You can spray the vinegar directly in the tank and wipe it clean afterward. To prevent corrosion, you can fill the tank with a mixture of water and vinegar.
How do you clean out my gas tank without removing it?
You can clean out your gas tank without removing it. To do so, remove the fuel cap and fuel filter. You’ll need to take off the fuel and drain it. Next, use a siphon to draw the gas out. Using a large syringe, put in a tube and remove the gas from the tank. Then use a hose, a long brush, and liquid soap to thoroughly clean the inside of the tank. However, it is advised that you do not use a power washer or a strong or hot detergent to clean your gas tank.
How do you get rid of bad gasoline?
Running with bad gasoline can degrade your engine performance. But, how can we get rid of it? Should we just pump it out and throw it into the trash can? Absolutely not! Let’s get it done by a step-by-step process.
How to get dust off a tank after sanding?
When it dries, you can use Bondo or whatever body filler you decide on and start filling in the dent using the scraper.
How to repair a dent in a motorcycle tank?
It’s important to remember that no matter how you attempt to repair a dent in a tank, you will need to completely remove the tank from the motorcycle and empty the gas inside. Once you drain the gas, poor some rubbing alcohol inside the tank and keep the cap open to let the residual gas evaporate. Rubbing alcohol is soluble with gasoline so it will …
How to sand a fish tank?
After priming the entire tank and you have waited for it to dry, you’ll need to wet sand the entire tank using water and 400 grit sand paper. This ensures any rough particles are sanded off and make the tank extremely smooth which will give it an incredible shine when you’re done.
How much does it cost to fix a motorcycle gas tank?
Every motorcycle tank I have repaired myself has been done for less than $100 for all the equipment.
How to sand down body filler?
Wait for the body filler to dry according to the directions. Sanding it too early could mean sanding off big clumps at a time. Use the sanding block (not your hands) to sand down the body filler until it’s smooth. Start with the 80 grit sand paper and work your way up to using 400 grit.
How to repair a dent in a car?
There are several methods out there that can help repair a dent that you’ve probably heard about. The first method is using some type of air bag to pop out the dent.
How thick should body filler be?
As I had mentioned earlier, body filler should not be used thicker than 1/4 of an inch deep. Anything more than that can cause waves and ultimately chip off altogether. You should never use body filler on deep dents. So what do you do about those deep dents?
How to remove rust from a rust tank?
Agitators are sometimes needed to help get persistent rust loosened. Add in whatever you have chosen as your agitators to the tank with the rust remover or vinegar. Vigorously shake and rotate the tank to get the agitators into all parts of the tank. Follow the same timeline as the step above. If using vinegar, this process could take days to get the desired result. Do not go too long with a stronger acid, though, as it can eat the metal of the tank and the agitators if exposed for too long. When done, safely drain the remover and agitators, being sure to get everything removed from the tank.
How to get rid of rust in a tank?
Simply add the vinegar to the tank and let it soak. Turn and shake the tank every half hour to an hour if you want to help it along. Depending on the level of rust, this step could last anywhere from over night to a couple of days. Persistent rust may require you to add your agitators.
What is the best way to clean a septic tank?
You will want be outside or at least in a well ventilated area for this step. The safest remover that you can use here is vinegar. It will work slower than the other chemical options, but is safe to use, easy to discard and is the gentlest on the tank. Simply add the vinegar to the tank and let it soak.
How to get gunk out of a tank?
Every once in a while, give the tank a shake to help agitate. If the tank is extremely gunked up, you may want to let the tank soak for a full day. When you drain and rinse the tank, ensure that all the gunk is removed.
How to prep a motorcycle tank?
The first step, if you haven’t done so already, is to remove the tank from the motorcycle. With the tank off, remove all floats, sending units and filters that may be in the tank. Next , you will want to plug all the holes minus the filler hole with your stoppers and bungs.
How to remove old liner from a tank?
You can try using something to scrape the pieces loose or use a long pliers or tweezers to pull the pieces out. Repeat the stripping process until all of the old liner is removed.
What to use to plug holes in a tank?
Plugs, bungs, wine corks, tape and whatever else you can find to safely plug all holes in tank
What is ethanol in a gas tank?
Ethanol is a mandated additive in modern fuel that readily absorbs moisture. The combination of ethanol and water is extremely damaging to all gas tanks; rusting steel, destroying fiberglass, swelling plastic, and corroding aluminum tanks. It even affects most tank sealers. Ethanol is slowly destroying your gas tank! And because it’s here to stay, permanent protection is needed.#N#Originally developed for the Navy, our epoxy is the ultimate gas tank liner. Its extremely dense molecular structure is unaffected by ethanol, water, or gas, thereby protecting your tank from modern fuel and the damage it causes. Its thick viscosity seals pinholes and repairs minor corrosion damage. The porcelain-like finish keeps your tank clean now and in the future. The best part is that you’ll never worry about your tank again.
What are the benefits of a GTL liner?
The benefits of a GTL liner are tremendous: You’ll ride more and worry less, your bike will run better and last longer, you’ll even enjoy increased resale value. And because we do it right the first time, you’ll save time, money, and ultimately your gas tank… that’s The GTL Advantage!
What is epoxy gas liner?
And because it’s here to stay, permanent protection is needed. Originally developed for the Navy, our epoxy is the ultimate gas tank liner. Its extremely dense molecular structure is unaffected by ethanol, water, or gas, thereby protecting your tank from modern fuel and the damage it causes.
Does GTL clean motorcycle gas tanks?
GTL has perfected the process of cleaning and lining motorcycle gas tanks. We remove rust and mystery contaminants, then install a permanent liner that protects your tank from modern fuel and the damage it causes. And because our process is completely internal, it’s done without affecting your paint.
Is a tank dipped in anything?
The entire process is internal. There’s no cutting or welding, and your tank is never dipped in anything. As long as your tank and its paint are in sound condition, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Additionally, after lining your tank, we clean and polish it so when you get it back, it’ll look its best.