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floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 12:38 pm
by Dr_Craw
Does anyone have any experience with dio/ruckus style floorboard style gas tanks?
I've got one in an early model Canadian dio that's pretty rusted.
I'm wondering if i can just chemically clean it (as long as there are no soft internal parts ....) or do i need to source a new one?
Thanks

Re: floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 1:12 pm
by Downsouthdio
My buddy has an sk50 dio from canada..floorboard gas tank..his was somewhat dirty he just tryed his best to get it all out by dumping it upside down and just swishing it around for a few times

Re: floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 1:18 pm
by Dr_Craw
did it work well? i just am unsure if there are soft and corrode (able) parts on the inside i need to be worried about

Re: floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 12:48 am
by martynkim
graphite9 wrote:Ok, take a crapload of epsom salt, pour it in the tank. then fill with water. Then take a battery charger 10-20a, clip the neg to a clean bare metal spot on the tank, take the positive and kook it to a steel rod, or a copper wire. Don't let the leads come in contact with eachother. I did this and knocked 75% of the rust from a tank in about a day.

Proven method... Muratic acid used for cleaning hot tubs works faster and cleans it completely. Just dont breathe the vapor.

Re: floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 9:13 am
by Wheelman-111
Greetings:

Search Forum for bubble toil and trouble. A few inexpensive supplies make for a truly rust-free outcome.

Re: floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 9:19 am
by swimmingfree
qustion ???? why dont we have this in the Wiki part of the form??? both ways the Muratic acid as will as the ( bubble toil and trouble ) ???
swimmingfree

Re: floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 10:39 am
by cruzingratiot
it takes a little longer
To remove rust from without using caustic chemicals, soak them in a mixture of molasses and water for several days
look up
molasses rust removal

you tube search
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... g+Molasses

Re: floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 11:27 am
by Dr_Craw
cool thanks guys, so the fuel level sensor wont get damaged?

Re: floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 3:35 pm
by paulpauly7
you need to remove the fuel sender unit befor you do a chemical cleaning

Re: floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 6:12 pm
by martynkim
Dr_Craw wrote:cool thanks guys, so the fuel level sensor wont get damaged?

Just really be careful with the acid. It will burn the skin and the vapor is very harmful. Wear a mask, hold your breath while you do it. Dont leave the acid in longer than a minute you can burn right thru the tank and flush with water.

Re: floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 6:47 pm
by Dr_Craw
mkay thanks

Re: floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 11:53 pm
by otto-man
Lots of good ideas here! I'm working on a Honda Ruckus tank with varnished gas and a little rust. Another method I've heard about is to use vinegar, then flush good with water (easy to dispose of). A question I have about using acids or other nasty chemicals is what do you do with all that liquid when you're finished??

Re: floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2014 11:27 am
by Wheelman-111
Greetings:

The tank cleaning chemistry is HCl, hydrochloric sometimes called muriatic. It is strong, but breaks down through dilution into harmless stuff. I pour mine out at night into mean neighbors' hot tub. Sometimes Koi pond.

Sinceriously, varnish needs different solvents - hydrocarbons like mineral spirits, acetone or methyl ethyl ether. These are a whole lot more toxic and environmentally nasty. If you live near an oil change shop, you can recycle along with used motor oil. They re-refine and reuse the contents. But the rust-busters used after varnish removal can be hosed out at the carwash.

Re: floorboard gas tank q's

Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2014 9:41 pm
by otto-man
Wheelman-111 wrote:Greetings:

The tank cleaning chemistry is HCl, hydrochloric sometimes called muriatic. It is strong, but breaks down through dilution into harmless stuff. I pour mine out at night into mean neighbors' hot tub. Sometimes Koi pond.

Sinceriously, varnish needs different solvents - hydrocarbons like mineral spirits, acetone or methyl ethyl ether. These are a whole lot more toxic and environmentally nasty. If you live near an oil change shop, you can recycle along with used motor oil. They re-refine and reuse the contents. But the rust-busters used after varnish removal can be hosed out at the carwash.
Thanks for the info! ( I'm glad you're not my neighbor) :smile: