How To Remove Rust In A Fuel Tank Using Gravel

How To Remove Rust In A Fuel Tank Using Gravel! This one is simple and easy with a basic method to remove rust if your motorcycle fuel tank. For this I am using a generic fish tank gravel found at a local pet store as an aggregate to mechanically remove rust in this CX500 fuel tank. Rust is definitely a common issue in vintage bikes so hopefully this process will be helpful.
An alternative method of rust removal call electrolysis:
• Removing Rust In a Fue...
Intro video for this bike:
• I bought two more CX50...
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[@glovester]

BJ you simple fool - everyone knows the _real_ way to do this is to piss in the tank, bake it at 375 for 90 minutes, then pour in a mixture of Jim Beam and Bermuda grass clippings (don't use tall fescue or it'll rust down the line), dump it out, let it air dry, then put in fish food*, followed by a bag of play sand (must be purchased below the Tropic of Cancer or it won't be sharp enough sand), then shake the tank counter clockwise and rinse, followed by a final bath of Sprite on the outside of the tank, then air dry, followed by a final optional but recommended sloshing of piss.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

You have won the internet for the day 🙏🙏

[@ronicard]

The Works toilet bowl cleaner actually works really well for removing rust from inside a tank as well. I've used it on several tanks. Also, you can jack up a truck or car and strap the tank to the rear wheel that's off the ground....then as the wheel goes round and round, it's doing the shaking work for you. :)

[@painsrides3616]

One point I'd like to add that might be helpful... When using "exactly 3,274 small rocks", they can be counted after each emptying. If all the small rocks are accounted for then that will alleviate having to look in the tank and greatly reduce any anxiety worrying if one or two are left inside....

[@tonydaniels3093]

ive used the gravel and added drano to it, works quite well

[@tiffinthyme5822]

Hello B.J. This is an interesting little video, showing the ups and downs of tank cleaning issues real-time as it were. I suppose there are very many ways people attack it, I look forward to seeing it finished. I hope you don’t mind my sharing a little tip I learned when I was an apprentice decades ago, you may find it useful? It’s difficult to control pouring a large container especially when it’s full, as you did filling the tank. If you turn the container so the open part is uppermost, slowly pour from the top it is far easier to control and won’t spill. Takes a little practice and feels strange at first but works well. You don’t get air bubbling up causing pressure change spills either! Thanks for the video, cheers Kevin.

[@gregstotts1638]

Thanks BJ. Your timing was perfect. Just starting a GS550 restoration and the tank needs work. Haven't found any cracks yet (knock on wood).

[@chewser117]

Wow, this is perfect timing for this video. Found out I can't just buy a CM400 tank and need to clean and patch the tank I already have. Thanks for the video!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad it is helpful!

[@todaywefly4370]

Prolly a hundred others jumped on this but turn a container pourer to the top when pouring fluids. Makes it much less messy.😎

[@henryhawk978]

Very good information 👌. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@stewkeene]

Where were you 15 years ago when I was restoring a Kawasaki fuel tank 😂 I was such a rookie. I did get it cleaned and coated though. Great share 👍🏻

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hey we all learn! Glad you enjoyed!

[@itllbeawrightyep5579]

I like using BBs

[@zaphodbeeblebrox4574]

Please make sure that you show us how to line the tank ... this stuff is very helpful to me as I must deal with the tank from my 1986 Yamaha 750 Maxim X ... which I have owned from new and is otherwise in mint condition.

[@morfarklarealtglistrup9294]

Det var en god og let måde at gøre det på. Det må jeg prøve da jeg har samme problem i min tank. 👍🇩🇰👍

[@brainfreeze9653]

I put the tank in my clothes dryer and run it on cold. Put it inside and old pillow case then cover it with pillows . Used painters tape to wrap the bundle up. Than wrapped a sheet around the whole bundle with more painters tape. Acts like a machine shop tumbler. Way better than doing it by hand. After you empty the tank look inside with a light and a small mirror to look for gravel caught in the seams you might have to remove by tapping gently with a rubber mallot on the underside of the tank or gently plicking out with screwdriver or something similar.

[@hawaiibikekahuna8204]

I used 300 Stainless steel lock washers, 1,000 brass BBs, and 3 gallons of vinegar. wrapped in two moving blankets after sealing the exits and put it in the clothes dryer on fluff. I considered using drywall screws too but figured I had enough aggregate to get the rust out. Worked really well. The dryer acted like a tumbler.

[@karlvanboxel561]

Appreciate the excellent tip I need to do my FZ 750 one

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

👍

[@rickc2222]

I did this with gravel from the alley behind my house - just ran it through a seive to get the sand and dirt off. then i used either POR15 or Kreem, cant remember - it sealed pinholes along the bottom seam and coated everywhere...did a great job.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad it worked out

[@andymiller5611]

Nice video, dude! Educational and entertaining! Hope you're keeping well! 🍻🤘💜

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks Andy!

[@rolandestrada7007]

BJ (Ben) watched your video on your technique to clean a tank. I was surprised you found so much pin holes that seap thru to the outside of that beautiful tank. I've prep the outside of tanks with liquid mask, found at the hardware store. Keeps the cleaning chemicals from attacking the paint directly. After cleaning/lining the tank. Remove the liquid mask that dried clear with water. Tank work takes so much time and wish we all stored the bikes dry then fogg/pickel the tanks when we know it will be awhile it its a daily runner.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yeah I was surprised to find so many holes as well. Now that it's lined its been good to go. It's also just Bj. Ben was my doggo

[@jimclarke1108]

Interesting rust removing method from the tank

[@AndyH-13]

I watched your electrolysis video, both seem to work well and cheap. Also going to try the fish tank gravel in my vibrating tumbler.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Id be curious to see how it works in that application!

[@lucasgauthreaux5993]

Crazy how the line of pinholes came through the paint! I was going to use the gravel or screws method to get a failed liner out of my cb750 tank with some added acetone but saw someone recommend using chain, so I went to the hardware store and picked up some length of sash chain, which has sharper edges as opposed to the rounded bent rod chain to really scrape off the liner and bits off. I can't count up to 3,274 so I had to resort to counting just one section of the chain.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Acetone definitely does help with removing old liners. Its a slow process. Hopefully that chain works well!

[@billymaul8139]

good video im working on my 1982 xj1100 yamaha.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jltrack]

I’ve used metal rescue with excellent results. It also has anti rust inhibitors so the tank doesn’t rust again. 2 years later and my cb550 tank is nice and clean inside

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Right I normally do a chemical process called electrolysis which costs me about $1 per tanks and makes them look great. This tank having holes meant I couldn't do a normal liquid process

[@jltrack]

@@BrickHouseBuilds ahh i see. makes sense!

[@paulfellows2094]

great video cool work

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thanks Paul!

[@MrNiklas1967]

Good tip thanks

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Badenhawk]

Dude, my tank was SO bad. I ended up stripping all paint and having a welder friend fill the pinholes, and then I did the Caswell liner. Worked like a charm after a ton of prep work.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I am not going to go that far on this one but other bikes I could see that happening for sure.

[@Badenhawk]

@@BrickHouseBuilds not for a tear drop tank, but mines an 80 deluxe 4 gal tank, so it was worth saving indeed.

[@yoandant4507]

Nice video. Not sure if anyone has mentioned this - the "line" where the pinholes have all appeared would be the waterline or gas level when the bike was stored.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thank you. It's actually an internal weld seam for the two halves of the tank

[@stevenleek1254]

The soft Jazz is perfect. Screaming metal music blocks the instructor's voice

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yeah I rarely use any rock/metal so they compliment each other

[@ScrapSurvivalist]

Thank u for this

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hopefully you found it helpful

[@DavidS104]

Thanks for your continuing updates. I am at the same stage with my 1981 KZ250 tank. I soldered on a patch on a pinhole and it's now filled to the brim with vinegar. After a few days soak, I plan to rinse and then fill it with diluted naval jelly for a day or so. I think the phosphoric acid will react with the bare metal spots to form iron phosphate, and should prevent flash rust. Then I can line it at my leisure. Do you have a preferred custom cable maker? I will need a new front brake cable if the old one won't free up in 50:50 ATF:acetone, which doesn't seem promising so far.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I normally modify or make my own cables actually. Motion pro is about the only recommendation I have

[@nakoawarrior3186]

I watched a video where the guy used 1/4 20 nuts and carburetor cleaner to clean out his tank. On your's I'd use Evaporrust.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Check out my electrolysis video. Evaporust is $30 per gallon where my method is absolutely just as good but probably about $1 in materials. Also, with the holes I chose to avoid liquid

[@mopedmarathon]

Oxalic acid is good too. Just pour in some warm water then add a handful of the oxalic acid powder. Cleans light rust off in 10 minutes. Then rinse it out with diesel to absorb the last of the water then go to petrol to rinse out the diesel.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I didn't do a liquid rust removal process on this due to the holes

[@davidmahanna94]

Enjoyed your video. I have a 2000 vt1100c2 and the tank has what I would call baffles in the front of the tank. I'm assuming its for stability of the tank in a crash. I've used chains but I like the idea of using fish gravel. I'm having a heck of a time getting the rust in the front of the tank, behind the baffles removed. Have you restored a tank with baffles and any tricks for this area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I would use electrolysis as thats a lot easier for things with multiple compartments. I actually have a video on that too

[@Storm.13]

I did the gravel method on my 89 Gsx750f (Katana to you US guys) ..... absolute pain to get all the rocks out. And I was unhappy with the results so I did it again with a Metre of chain and about 10 litres of straight Double Strength Vinegar. Was a lot better.....then I seen your Electrolysis vid and did that ......that achieved the best result IMO. I rinsed with straight water...blew the tank out with compressed air after draining and then tipped Methylated Spirits into the tank to absorb any trapped areas of water, drained and let evaporate. Just a sidenote ....don't tip vinegar onto lawn areas unless you are intentionally trying to kill it🤦

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Electrolysis is my go to preferred method. I just couldn't do that here with all the holes. Its strange that on my electrolysis video I had hundreds of comments suggesting gravel and now that I make this video nobody is suggesting it anymore lol.

[@Storm.13]

@@BrickHouseBuilds well I'll just say from "Downunder" thanks bro for your content. Between Classic Octane and yourself ...I've grown in confidence to tackle jobs id never consider doing before. I've actually bought a project bike to practice on ....90 Zzr250....which I'm rebuilding/modifying. Hoping to get my hands on a 70's Cb250 and a load of early 80's Xs Yam stuff as well soon that's in the family.

[@TBone-yc6zg]

You could jack up the back of your lawn tractor, strap the tank to a drive wheel and select your preferred gear. Very little labor. Set it and forget it.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I dont have a riding mower

[@Fordgt409]

I have used drywall screws. Count them going in, count them going out. I also add kerosene to the mix.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yeah always a straggler. Those side areas love to trap things.

[@pipersall6761]

Would kerosene maybe be not so aggressive with the paint when there are pin holes? Just wondering. The gravel did a great job! Thanks for the tips about the fogging oil etc. to preserve the metal over long periods when its not being used.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I havent tried kerosene but maybe it would be less harmful

[@moba2k]

I look forward learning stuff from your videos while not being screamed at with fake enthusiasm.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hahaha I feel that. I definitely get excited but it's legit when I do. Otherwise I'm a grumpy dude in his garage like everyone

[@losebjughashvili8465]

I use short lengths of smaller chain. Like six or seven. Wrap it in about 5 old towels….one way then the next. Then tape it with packing tape to keep the towels on. Put it in a cement mixer, with 10 rolls of un wrapped paper towel…or more towels….or whatever you have, old blankets, comforters. Turn on your mixer…run it for an hour. Then turn the tank around….you get the idea. Easy to remove the chains, instead of all that gravel.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Well I don't have a cement mixer

[@losebjughashvili8465]

@@BrickHouseBuilds I don’t have an apature flywheel grammas with a vacuum gasket. However, because I don’t have an apature flywheel grammas with a vaccume gasket. Does Not mean that they don’t exist. I’m simply pointing out another way to clean a tank.

[@Michael-st1hl]

I have done so many rusty tanks… bottom line, their are more pin holes in that tank you haven’t found yet due to the process you used not finding all of them. It’s a structurally weak fuel tank with a nice paint job. No Amount of sealer will make this tank safe to use. Solution is to remove all the paint “sorry”reveling all the weak areas and welding them all. But first get more aggressive with 5O/50 mix of muriatic acid to really expose the weaknesses. Weld all the areas and do a paint job. And no sealer! That stuff is a nightmare! Especially for long term usage. Other that that just use it as a paint scheme reference and make it a wall hanger. Fuel is nothing to play around with on a motorcycle… boy I know!

[@michaelmisich9423]

Looking for a first welder for some frame work. Trying to restore CB750 back to stock and need to weld seat frame behind battery compartment to allow attachment of genders,etc. looking at Hobart 140 and older 120. Better suggestions?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

That Hobart would be a great unit. I wouldn't hesitate for a second

[@cainbeeping8480]

That works

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yes it does

[@28eveskcige]

I think a tank coating video would be a great addition to your “how-tos”

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Agreed. I've done one before but could be better

[@whalley6044]

As snorkymedia said - I was wondering why you didn't use evaporust & gravel? Also Diesel Creek attached a fuel tank to a tractor wheel & drove around.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Evaporust works on a slower chemical reaction. Rocks are a fast physical process. Both different. I also have holes in the tank so liquid is not a good idea. I used a small amount of acetone before the other holes developed. I also do not use evaporust in tanks because it is $28 per gallon so thats why I do electrolysis which is probably $1 per tank job. I dont have a tractor.

[@michaelsmith-rh4yt]

Would you say that the electrolysis method is better if the tank isn't full of holes ? PS you do some nice work !

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I prefer electrolysis for its simplicity and the fact I don't need to shake it. I can walk away and let it work.

[@tomdeville5292]

Hi, i always mount the tank (even from cars) on a cement mixer, its runs in nearly every angle.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Right, I don't have one as mentioned. I wish I did

[@georgeszilva1223]

Vinegar is a good alternative for rust removal

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I've tried that but still prefer electrolysis over everything. Here is my video on that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3S6YWR-e8eUrsU

[@marcofrancioso6348]

Hi, have you ever tried 2 meters of thin metal chain? It's reusable and it's easier to extract from the tank

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I have used chain in the past but just don't have any right now. 10,000 ways to skin a cat

[@kevinwager9284]

I'm thinking 50/50 solder might be an option to consider.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I would have loved to do that but again I wanted to preserve the paint. I go over my solution in the next video where I do a liner

[@morgard6604]

When I did this many years ago, I attached the tank to the concrete mixer and ran it for the day. Not even an ounce of rust left inside.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

If only I had one...

[@hawaiibikekahuna8204]

A clothes dryer works really well or $54 to rent a cement mixer does well. And the 'ole lady doesn't freak out. @@BrickHouseBuilds

[@GeezRvonFart]

funny coincidence, i just polished up a tank just like that 4 hours ago...! difference is i dont have stickers on the sides, but plates with the honda markings. Just a question, how do you swap fork oil without removing the dampers from the bike?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

There is a small drain screw on the lower end of the fork leg on the side. Then refill via the top cap

[@GeezRvonFart]

@@BrickHouseBuilds thanks!

[@rickbargar3145]

Love the 3,274 rocks 😂

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Gotta be exact

[@no1herebutuschickens]

I still find the best method for rust once the heavy rust is knocked off. 1/2 water, 1/2 white vinegar. Or you can do 70% water and 30% vinegar with more time added. Let it set for a few days and up to a week. Then acetone wash a few times And dry it out with a hair dryer once the vapors are gone. Then seal with your favorite tank sealer. The ones I've done are nearly perfect and shiny new inside. Tanks for letting me comment :) (see what i did there)

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Holes in a tank make a liquid rust removal process almost impossible

[@no1herebutuschickens]

@@BrickHouseBuilds they certainly don't help, but when DO holes in a tank help?. Depending on their location.. I've taped them, or turned over the tank.

[@sixfive0cycle]

So 3275 small rocks will ruin the tank?

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Correct 😉

[@acvn-hg9gy]

I found it very hard te remove all the moisture out of my cx's tank before flyrust started to appear. Made it hard to time for addibg the liner

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

A very light surface rust is normally ok for a liner. Almost impossible to avoid. Alcohol does help to slosh around and absorb water.

[@acvn-hg9gy]

@@BrickHouseBuilds yeah alcohol is what i settledwith aswell. My rust remover lifted off my paint from the inside through the metal, but those bubbles luckly pulled back almost seamless. Guess its just an old pourous steel thingy.

[@tedstriker754]

That's one thing about old bikes that kind of scares me off, If they have a rusted tank. That tank I'd throw in the dumpster. The task of lining it would only be worth it if there were no replacement tanks available in better condition. When these bikes were made, I'm sure the various companies that made them never even thought about tank corrosion after 30 or more years.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Most of them are worth saving. Its not worth spending a ton of money for another tank and they are not plentiful in the colors I need

[@DillGreg]

9 percent vinegar, is all you need and two 24 hour soakings gets the tank brand new in the inside! no rocks, no shaking, no baking, no problems!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I do not like acid based methods. I prefer electrolysis which I also have a video on

[@zachsiebers5742]

Did you get a Caswells kit? I have an extra i could send if needed.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I did get a few ordered. Just haven't had time to do it yet

[@gdhall5311]

I need to find a plug for my CB750 tank. Where did you find the plug for your tank? Also, you did a very nice job.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I bought it on Amazon

[@gdhall5311]

@@BrickHouseBuilds I looked but I couldn't find it. What is it called?

[@pb7379-j2k]

I did find that 3,273 small rocks did work better for me

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

😂😂😂 I was really hoping someone would pick up on that one

[@pb7379-j2k]

@@BrickHouseBuilds We're paying attention out here man, thanks for the videos!

[@drewstotts7087]

I have a friend that did this and thought it'd be alright to round it up to 3,280 rocks. Had to junk the whole bike.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Thats what happens. The number is derived from many failed attempts

[@justinwnichols03]

How do you people make sure the tank is empty of sediment? Mine feels like it's got 3lbs of rust in it

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Lots of flushes with water.

[@SNORKYMEDIA]

wouldnt rust killer liquid and rocks work better???

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Potentially but the liquid works based off a slower chemical reaction and not a mechanical action like this. Would probably not be the most effective.

[@robertcobb6404]

You used to much gravel, the proper amount is exactly 2238 for that size tank. You should also be using used gravel that fish have shit and pissed on. Hope this helps.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

You're right, I actually did base my original number on a 3.2 gallon tank and not this 2.9. I hope its salvageable 😬

[@nakoawarrior3186]

So the Acetone finds the pinholes,.... wrinkles up the paint,... then you can find them ,...who knew.

[@RUS_US]

Why did you use painted gravel!? I waste an hour trying to remove the blue paint chips after the gravel removal! And still there are some gravel blue paint chips! The method works perfect except this issue.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

What paint? There was no blue paint residue here

[@garybrady9531]

Would something like EvapoRust have cleared the rust and not popped the pin holes like that

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Evaporust is pretty tame so it may not have but being that the tank already had a hole I couldn't do a liquid method. Its good that the other spots were highlighted as that would have been a problem down the road

[@garybrady9531]

@@BrickHouseBuilds gotcha in my times around bikes and automobiles I've never seen steel fail in that particular way,good luck I look forward to more about this problem

[@Couch_PotatoMoJo]

Modify and old paint can shaker...

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

That would be really aggressive

[@78Outlaw]

3274 is the magic number, not one gravel more or less 😂

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Exactly lol

[@tomlawrence8614]

Saw someone wrap the tank in cardboard and put it in the tumble dryer once,

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Yeah definitely heard of people doing that

[@preez77]

When you don't have a cement mixer - wrap tank well in blankets, tape it up and put it in a clothes dryer. Tumble only, no heat

[@jamesharrison2041]

i put 1 can of harbor freight penetrating oil and 4 to 6 of chatt gravel in the tank'''''''''then Bunji cord it to a motor stand '''''''then spin it around and around until satisfied''''''it will work nice'''''''but there's no telling how many days youll have too spin the motor stand''''''''be nice if you could spin it with a motor & gear box'''''''''''thanks guys''''''''''''old ''jimmie''''''''oklahoma''''73's kd5utu.

[@p.c.windhamparanormalroman4339]

You can always piss off the significant other by putting the gravel in the tank and shove the tank in the clothes dryer and shove a bunch of towels around it to keep it from flopping around. Then just run the dryer on no heat for about an hour. That way you won't wear out your arms with shaking.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

That would definitely make her mad

[@kevinlewis9151]

I just use a pressure washer and blast the crust and rust out of the tank. Then let it dry over night.

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

I've done that but it will never be able to reach everything since you only get a limited section to aim at with direct pressure.

[@grahamhider3754]

❤🏍🛠👍

[@williamadler3003]

DONT USE ACETONE, IT REMOVES PAINT! ANY LITTLE DROPS ON THE OUTSIDE AND YOU CAN KISS YOUR PAINTWORK GOOD BYE!

[@BrickHouseBuilds]

Hence the explanation of me not using it when I discovered holes in the tank

[@williamadler3003]

@@BrickHouseBuilds The comment was meant to viewers that know they don’t have holes in their tanks but feel it’s safe to proceed with acetone.