This may seem familiar to one or the other motorcyclist: spring is approaching, the first tour is imminent, the first refueling at the gas station is to be done with the bike, but right now an unpleasant discovery is made: the tank container or its opening are dirty and rust covered. This can happen quickly, especially over the winter, if the vehicle is set aside for many months and is less cared for. However, the rust on the tank container is not always discovered visually for the first time. This is often noticeable when the engine starts to stutter. The reason for this is that flaking rust particles from the tank get into the spray gun. If you now look into the filler neck with a flashlight, you can usually recognize this problem directly and thus protect the engine by only switching it on once the rust problem has been eliminated. We cannot completely eliminate the problem with corrosion, we can only delay it or act preventively. But as time goes on, the build-up of corrosion will catch up with us again and again. However, if you always make sure to anticipate the matter, the sheet metal of your motorcycle can remain rust-free for a long time and your vehicle can function smoothly. In the following we would like to explain to you how rust actually occurs in the tank, and we would also like to show you various ways of protecting your vehicle from it in the future. Finally, we will go into the various steps involved in removing rust from your tank.
Contents
How exactly does rust occur on your motorcycle's tank?
First you should know that tanks are usually not made from a single piece of sheet metal, but from different pieces welded together. Unfortunately, this is also a typical nest for rust. But how exactly does corrosion occur on the tank? The cause here is usually condensation water, which can penetrate through the tank ventilation. But rainwater that has accumulated can also become a problem here. Since water is heavier than gasoline at this point, it collects at the lowest point. Often these are the welds. One tip here is to only send a motorcycle into the winter break with a full tank over the winter. Nevertheless, regardless of this, you should completely empty the tank once a year and free it from rust. This is the only way to avoid consequential damage or even the purchase of a new tank.
How do I derust the tank in a way that lasts the longest?
Corrosion is a natural phenomenon and if we don't do anything to delay it, sooner or later it will form appear. But if you take good care of your vehicle and remove the first signs immediately, you can ensure that your motorcycle remains corrosion-free for a long time. In the following we want to explain the different steps to derust your motorcycle's tank.
First, you should flush the tank several times with a motorcycle cleaner until no more dirt comes out. You can also degrease the inside, which in turn is necessary to remove the corrosion. The motorcycle cleaner should now act for many hours, preferably a few days. The tank should then be completely emptied and dried well. Now the derusting solution should be poured in, making sure that no bubbles form. You should also consider that corrosion can only be combated in places that the derusting solution can reach. Now it should take effect for 48 hours. Only then should the tank be completely emptied again. The tank can also be derusted with hydrochloric acid if there is no grease inside. Splashes should, however, be removed immediately with water in order to save later additional work. You should always be aware that inhaling the acidic fumes will cause permanent damage to the respiratory tract. The acid can also burn your skin. Some even go blind. That is why we strongly recommend that you comply with the highest safety regulations. Always wear gloves and safety goggles. It would even be better to wear a full body protective suit. Also note: Working with acids must never be carried out in a closed room!
What to do if there are bumps in the tank?
Here you should never fall for the misconception that dents in the tank can be repaired with compressed air. Trying could cost you your life. Indeed, if the pressure needed for buckling were applied, it would result in the tank simply bursting. This can then end life-threatening for you too. That's why you should always contact a specialist in puntco dent removal. He knows exactly what is possible and what is not, so nobody's life is in danger. In general, many people hope to regain the original state when they remove dents. But this is not the case. If you are hoping for such results, you might want to consider buying a completely new component.
The conclusion and a tip from CarTipsandmore
In summary, it can be said that the development of corrosion on a motorcycle's tank is a natural phenomenon and can only be delayed or eliminated once it has occurred. However, it cannot be prevented entirely. This is precisely why detailed care of the individual components and assemblies is so important. Sooner or later, corrosion will appear on the sheet metal, especially due to condensation or rainwater that has accumulated. At the first sign, you should act immediately to avoid worse. A high-quality derusting solution, which is poured into the empty tank container, can have a great effect here. However, always think about the necessary exposure time of the solution. This is usually many hours or one or two days. Derusting with hydrochloric acid is also possible. However, CarTipsandmore strongly recommends at this point never to work without protective clothing. At least goggles and gloves should be worn and do not carry out the work in an enclosed space.
Be aware that inhaling the fumes can cause permanent respiratory damage. We therefore advise you to refrain from working with hydrochloric acid altogether or to seek professional help. Because your health should always come first.