Gas tank needs a little care

[denverslim]

So, I got the starter back from the rebuilder, trouble is, I"ve torn the 830 down so far that I"m not needing it for a while. Lol.
Decided that since I was try to do a nice job painting in the shop, it would be just as easy to pull the four bolts that hold the gas tank down and paint it on the bench. Besides, by looking at the carb and all the rounded-off fittings and bolts, plus all the in-line filters on the fuel line, I was suspicious. The old previous owner was something else! And I"m a dummy for buying the "good condition" speel.
Here"s MOST of what was in the bottom of the tank, I"ll have to shake it and flush it good to get the rest of it.
You guys walked me off the top of the bridge on the steering and the brakes, any ideas on what to do with this tank?
Also, is there suppose to be something other than a magnet--looking thing in the sensor hole--like a float? The dirty old yardstick up by the seat probably shoulda been a clue, huh?...slim

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[C. Amick]

You could put some gravel in the tank and then roll it around to cut some of the rust out. Gas tank sealer afterward is always an option.
 

[outsidersag]

We use The Works toilet bowel cleaner to clean our tanks out. Squirt a bottle or two in the tank. Let it sit for about 5 min. in the bottom then turn to do each side. Be careful on the top cuz it will eat away the gasket in the cap. Drain cleaner out and rinse with water. We also use the silver tank sealer, but make sure there is not single drop of water in the tank when you put the sealer in. (it has a BAD reaction!!)
 

[Stephen Newell]

I would get a flashlight and look in the gas tank to see if it really is rusted. If it is I would put a couple pounds of nuts and bolts in the tank and carry the tank in the back of a pickup for a couple days. Then I would flush it out with muriatic acid, rinse it out and then treat the inside with oxalic acid or vinegar to neutralize the muriatic acid and rinse again. When dry I would coat the inside with Red Kote fuel tank liner to prevent it from rusting again. I would even recommend using a fuel tank liner for a new tank.
 

[j hikemper]

red kote from napa ///////////i put a smalllink log chain in my tanks , attach a wire to the chain and wrap it around a a 6 inch bolt outside the cap opening ,,. / you will understand why when you want to retrieve the chain/// strapped tank to the 730 rear wheel added water and simple green and put the tractor in low gear and rattle cleaned the tank .remove chain ,do not use bolts washers rocks or multiple items ,, // you will shake rattle and roll the tank forever getting it all out// . then i pressure washed it ,,after that iput a couple gallon of water in there and swisht it around good , then poured out contents in a clean bucket ,, when the flush water is clean i let the tank dry in the hot sun , for 24 hours , next day poured a can of redcote,in tank strapped tank to rear wheel again and drove in low gear for 5 minutes, then poured excess if any back in can for next project ,
 

[Mark Cowan]

Last year you all Told me to use " The Works". Bought a bunch at walmart cheap . Worked like a charm.
 

[1031D]

Nuts and bolts/gravel works good but throw some MEK in there to dissolve the gum and varnish. If I get a really bad one I will take it to an automotive refinishing shop that acid dips things to remove the rust.
 

[dc in illinois]

I have found that most radator shops will also cleac/acid wash fule tanks too.I have had good luck doing this. Bob
 

[rich10e]

There is a cycle shop nearby that uses 85 ethanol and sheet metal screws and rigged up an old clothes dryer to tumble tanks.I don't know how you would tumble something that big,but bike tanks clean up like new
 

[denverslim]

Thanks gents. Trying to route the wiring diagram while waiting for the mail to bring sealer kit. I shook the tank out a bit more and found a broken 46 year-old float and stem. Guess I'll keep the yardstick...slim