Goldwing Restomod #3 - Fuel Tank & Sender Cleaning

[@richardreed2688]

Apple Cider Vinegar. Works great. The hard part is cleaning it up afterwards. My tank wasn't as bad as yours, no actual rust "blisters." Just some crumbs and what looked like fine sand lying on the bottom. The fuel level sender was rusty as was the filler neck, I suspect because these two areas spent most of their tie out of the gas. So, I elected to treat it in the frame, and not go through the hassle of removing the tank. I drained the fuel out and let it dry, and used a heat gun set to the coolest setting to circulate warm area and make sure it was dry. Then, I filled it with 5 gallons of vinegar, cheaper by the gallon at COSTCO or a restaurant supply store. Reinstalled the level sensor, gasket and ring, and felled it up to the filler neck and fastened the cap. Let sit for 5 days. Drained it all out and used a fuel transfer pump & hose to suck out the very bottom. As it was draining I used a small toilet brush to scrub as much as the interior I could. I had to change the filter on the suction pump twice as it clogged up with spooge. Let it dry. Dropped a gallon of lawn mower gas in, suctioned that out one last time, I filled tank with clean fuel plus a half bottle of Techron. Rest of bike is still under construction so I'll let you know how it came out.

[@paulrawstron3170]

Re the tank. Here in UK I restored a Honda XL250 K3 1976 with similar looking inside tank but more rust. I bought a kit which includes a cleaner and a sealer. Basically you clean out tank then add the sealer and keep revolving the tank. It puts a layer of about 1mm evenly all on the inside. Easy but time consuming. Its called POR15. Worked fine for me but your fuel pick up gauze could be a problem for you. I also have a 1986 gl1200 Aspencade which Ive done loads of work on. Your vids are great and useful even though yours is a 1100 I see many parts are similar. Have fun !!

[@stephendavidson1998]

Ok just make sure that you get as much of any and everything out of your tank ,let it dry completely then try to recoat it several times I have two 1100 gl and one 1500 but the issue is the medal tanks my 1800 have not given me any issue yet but I ride it often enough ,but that is another issue you have to ride those 1000,1100 ,1200 and 1500 to keep everything moving in them if not then keep them empty , I have used all types of additives and non of them work , I know there is only two guys in my area that is willing to work on those carburetors that know how to sink them properly good luck .

[@stephendavidson1998]

Yes , Honda did not coat there tanks as many others did not , But from your video that is rust and maybe fuel additive stable will also leave reddish color , and yes you have the tank off you may try small nuts and bolts with a cleaning solvent then you should coat the tank one or two coats and when you park the bike be sure to leave it empty or all the way full of fuel almost all Honda carburetors has a drain screw on the bottom should also be drained for winter or long time parking .

[@TomasMazukna]

Inside is coated with red-kote stuff, not the best job either. It probably looks like rust on camera, its also red and in my case was dirty :) Video 8 I did clean it with kerosene and chain.

[@pogoism9]

@@TomasMazukna Electrolysis is the way to go to clean these tanks. had one that was super rusty. 3 days of electrolysis had it shining like new

[@warrenjfr]

BB's and solvent, rinse...repeat?

[@famillebussieres-mainville4831]

Hi Thomas. I saw another video where the guy used a pressure washer to clean the inside of the tank but I'm not sure I would use a pressure washer in case it would damage the tubing and screens. What exactly does the fuel sender do? If it fails, could it be a cause of the motorcycle not starting?

[@TomasMazukna]

Fuel level sender just measures how much fuel is in the tank. Engine will start without it no problem.

[@jamespolucha6911]

I send my tanks to a radiator shop and they clean it spotless

[@lipsee100]

I,m not bragging(yes I am) but my GL tank is 200% better then yours,,my tank has only tiny rust spots,,,it looks new inside,,amazing for the year(1975) ,,,,my sender also is better but it does have some rust but nothing like yours...