Rust Inside 7 Year Old Tank

[Rayserb]

Dear triplers, i just bought a 2016 triple 675. I noticed that water was pooling in gutter under cap. The drain is blocked but dealer says its ok. I tried to clear using a combination of blowing and sucking using a syringe. Its still blocked. My main concern is that there is significant rust inside tank. Dealer says this is not excessive but i would expect no rust whatsoever after 7 years. Should i demand money back?

 

[Qship]

Some rust in the tank is not uncommon on a 7 year old bike. Did the previous owner(s) keep the tank full? Was it kept outside most of the time? How was it stored for the winter months?
Those questions will determine how much condensation forms in the tank, and thus how much rust will form.
Vinegar is a great way to get rid of most of it.

 

[Rayserb]

Some rust in the tank is not uncommon on a 7 year old bike. Did the previous owner(s) keep the tank full? Was it kept outside most of the time? How was it stored for the winter months?
Those questions will determine how much condensation forms in the tank, and thus how much rust will form.
Vinegar is a great way to get rid of most of it.

Thanks, there are spots of rust on raised area of tank. Dealer says due to fuelling nozzle damage. Larger areas if rust deeper inside tank at the bottom. Bought bike through dealership so don't know history. Surely you shouldn't get water in petrol tank...unless due to fault.

 

[solomon]

Condensation. That's why a tank is best left full when laid up. Full tank won't explode either, virtually empty one an unexploded bomb

Think ethonel sucks water out of air, too, another reason to leave tank full.

It's seven years old. Won't be perfect. You can alleviate your worries by fitting fuel filters if there aren't any.

 

[Rayserb]

Condensation. That's why a tank is best left full when laid up. Full tank won't explode either, virtually empty one an unexploded bomb

Think ethonel sucks water out of air, too, another reason to leave tank full.

It's seven years old. Won't be perfect. You can alleviate your worries by fitting fuel filters if there aren't any.

Thanks, what about rust bits getting into engine? Water getting into engine?

 

[solomon]

Thanks, what about rust bits getting into engine? Water getting into engine?

If there's bits of loose rust, could clog a bike's carbs (or I suppose, injection system). Doubt it'd make it into engine, don't think that's a concern.

Water, well once you've emptied and cleaned tank, to be sure there's no loose rust, there will be no water.

Water can stop carbs working. Don't know about fuel injection. Won't harm engine, in fact some people spray water into air intakes to clean engine, it can remove carbon build up.

 

[Rayserb]

If there's bits of loose rust, could clog a bike's carbs (or I suppose, injection system). Doubt it'd make it into engine, don't think that's a concern.

Water, well once you've emptied and cleaned tank, to be sure there's no loose rust, there will be no water.

Water can stop carbs working. Don't know about fuel injection. Won't harm engine, in fact some people spray water into air intakes to clean engine, it can remove carbon build up.

Great thanks for that advice

 

[Qship]

After cleaning, Use Seafoam to atomize water in tank and keep it running cleaner.

 

[Rayserb]

I'll check it out

 

[Nortony]

First order of bus. would be to remove the tank, clean with some type of solution that will eliminate the rust then seal the tank with some type of available sealer that won’t be effected by gas that has ethanol in it.Not sure what or if gas containing ethanol is an issue in Italy, but be advised that some sealers are not good with gas containing ethanol.

 

[triumph david]

Rayserb, I have been in the rad. business for over 25 yrs. and have cleaned, repaired, sealed, many gas tanks most all of them have been on M/C's. The trick is to get all of the rust, goo ect. out of the tank. There is many rust removers out there any one of them will work to different degrees, one of the best cheep ones out there is 30% vinegar. The best sealer is Bill Hirsch Alcohol / Ethanol Resistant Gas Tank Sealer (red label). The reason i use this sealer is it's the only one anyone uses in the Aviation Industry. I will leave it at that. FAX 973 642 6161. Toll Free 1-800-828 2061, Email-HIRSCHAAUTO@AOL.COM. try it, you will not be disappointed. DC's Radiator