![]() Vinegar is a mild acid, the chances that it will damage the tank are low. The thing is, you want to remove the rust but not damage the metal surface. Strong acids, or stronger acids than vinegar can be used but are not recommended. I highly recommend using household vinegar, made from alcohol, usually known as white vinegar. Rust is quite annoying, and the usual cleaning solutions for metal won’t do it. Seal every hole in the tank except for the filler hole, the hole where you pour fresh fuel. You can find whole sets online, that should cover you for future tank cleanups. Get as many as possible in various sizes. To avoid complications, I recommend getting a set of plugs, and vacuum caps. It depends on the model though, your bike may have up to 4 holes. The basic tank design has a filling hole and a petcock hole. Since you’re going to fill the tank with vinegar, you’ll have to seal the holes in the tank. It’s a simple step to do, just unscrew the bolts and screws, and remove the fuel lines. ![]() You can wear a mask while doing this to avoid inhaling the gasoline. There will be a strong scent of gasoline which may be unpleasant. To start the flow, suck on the other end until fuel starts flowing. Place a jerrycan under the other end of the tube. Not to mention, you’ll have to replace the filters quite regularly.Įmpty the tank by using a flexible hollow tube. The fuel filter will collect as much as possible but that tiny piece will get through and enter the engine. First of all, it’s dangerous to ride with a rusty tank. Do not empty the tank by riding until it’s empty. I recommend emptying it first, to avoid any spillage. You can’t work while the tank is installed in the bike, you need to remove it. Vinegar or acids dedicated for fuel tanks Plugs, vacuum caps, threaded fittings, stoppers.Otherwise, you’re the one who decides if the cleaning effort is worth it. To sum up, a motorcycle tank should be replaced if there’s rust on the exterior of the tank. Keep in mind, looking for a replacement part can take a while too. ![]() Some bikes rarely have parts available, so cleaning is the only option. It depends on your situation, if you’re lucky both ways are easy. In the end, you decide between cleaning and looking for a replacement part. So, consider that option.Ĭheck mechanics, online ads, dealers, and used bike venues for a replacement tank. With widely used bikes, there are a lot of used replacement parts available. If it’s been preserved and is considerably better than your current one, don’t think twice. A less expensive option is a used tank.ĭon’t be wary of used tanks. Popular models that are widely used, have brand-new replacements available for order. Here’s the thing, there are plenty of options for a replacement fuel tank. In some cases, it’s better to replace it even if the paint is spotless. But as I said before, you assess the situation. The rule of thumb is if rust broke through to the outside paint, you should replace the tank immediately. All I’m saying is that you need to decide for yourself, is this worth it? Should I Replace My Motorcycle Gas Tank While someone will clean the tank fairly easily, you are going to be cleaning the rust for a long time. It’s a lot of effort, let’s just say that. Keep in mind, many people opt for a replacement even if the tank can be cleaned.Įven if you can clean the tank, if it’s badly rusted, it’s going to take you a while. So, how does it look? Assess the situation? Do you think it would be worth it to clean it up? In my opinion, as long as rust has not gotten through to the exterior of the tank, it can be cleaned. In worse situations, you’ll see a whole layer of rust. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll only see rust spots. Open the tank, light it up, and look for rust. Those that want to be thorough, get a borescope. If you can duct tape the mirror on a stick, that would help a lot. Either way, we can’t tell until we take a look. To the point that even the outside paint has rust spots. But some of you may have ignored the situations for quite a while. I guess some of you noticed a small amount of rust and got worried. Now, let’s be real, this depends on the condition of your tank.
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