rusty tank

[hobs]

Any of you guys had experience with your fuel tank rusting out?
The Virago bike I use at present for work and general town runs, (the ST1100 is in overhaul mode) developed a distinct fuel smell when approached after sitting overnight. Couldn't see any leakage around the engine, so thought it was imagined. Did a full and proper search when home later and found a very slight leak from the lower section of the tank near the edge seam. Pulled the tank off and found that the tank had rusted at it lower level when in the parked position. obviously where water settles in the tank. Was surprised the amount of holes formed, covered an area along the seam for about 40mm. Fixed up ok with solder. Repainted and back on the bike.

What experience have you guys had? How do you ensure that you are not geting water build-up inside the tank to prevent this happening?

[Brock]

Unfortunately, you are at the mercy of the servos, as far as water in the fuel is concerned. A shotr of metho (100ml or so) should grab any water, and allow it to be burned. Also use a good fuel conditioner maybe, read the pack for info.

As for the rust in the tank, unless you kill the rust in the tank and seal the inside some how, the pin holes will keep reappearing.

Here is an idea http://www.realclassic.co.uk/techfiles/petrol_tank_rust_removal.html  do it at your own risk but.

Or this http://ridingoutloud.com/removing-rust-from-a-motorcycle-gas-tank/

and another  http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorbikes/70515-fuel-tank-rust-removal-electrolysis-rust-proofing.html

do a google for this phrase     remove rust from bike fuel tank     and see the results. I dont know how available sealing kits are.

[BigTed]

Nothing but bad experience here for me... my very first bike was a 2nd hand Yammy XS250. I was very naiive and didn't know what I was buying and didn't check it out thoroughly. 4 months after I got it petrol started "flowing" down the left hand side of the bike. Had the tank removed and checked out its underside. There was only a spot about the size of a 5c coin that WASN'T soldered. Absolutely no chance of repair, other than to get it back on the road - quickly traded it back in to the yard that sold it too me for a new GPX250.

However, small amounts seem to be OK. Along the seams/welds/joins in the tank are typically a problem though - very hard to remove rust and repair completely. You can make a fix, but you definitely need to keep an eye on it.
 

[Aj1300]

There is a 2 PAC. Sealer you put inside your tank,swirl it all around your tank and seals it up. A mate used it on his Harley and there was alot of rust and pin holes. Now fixed

[Abe]

I have had a mate that used "POR15", and it did a good job.  Just Google "POR15" and you see a variety of POR products.

Cheers

[Abe]

BIL has used these products on his XA GT (fuel tank, under carriage etc, looks great).

http://www.kbs-coatings.com.au

Cheers