How to remove rust from a motorcycle gas tank and seal it for a new finish

Step by step how to remove rust from any metal gas tank for cheap! In this video we restored a 2003 Yamaha r1 gas tank and it came out great! I’m very happy with the POR15 fuel tank sealer. This was actually my first time ever removing rust from a tank and sealing one. It’s helpful videos like this that walked me through it to perform a good job. Links below to the products used
POR15 Fuel tank sealer-
www.amazon.com/POR-15-49216-U...
White vinegar-
www.walmart.com/ip/Great-Valu...
Baking Soda-
www.walmart.com/ip/Arm-Hammer...
Hair dryer-
www.walmart.com/ip/REMINGTON-...
Distilled water-
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[@whofarted9376]

The inside of tank footage is the best.

[@ctadrenaline]

Yea definitely! Thanks for viewing! Feel free to subscribe if you have not already

[@emmettturner9452]

Awesome video! Thanks. FYI: Distilled water is not just boiled water. It is evaporated into a condenser to leave the minerals and other impurities behind. Boiling doesn’t do that. Distilled water is cheap and available everywhere so there’s no need to DIY that part anyway. :)

[@ctadrenaline]

Thanks for viewing and the information. Yes it’s cheap enough to just buy it! The tank deserves it if your restoring it!

[@corail53]

Finally someone doing this for a sportbike tank. I have to do my 05 636 tank (stored it badly...) and great to see the procedure.

[@ctadrenaline]

Yea definitely glad it was helpful! The tank came out really good I was very happy with the results. If you have not already pleas subscribe I’d really appreciate it!

[@rdlsar15]

I guess it makes sense you don’t already own a hair dryer. But seriously, thank you for a great video.

[@ctadrenaline]

Glad the video was helpful! To be honest we had to get a new one but I see what you did there lol

[@pokingfun4008]

😂😂😂😂 this cracked me up

[@Hans-yb5jc]

Hello, I am aiming at restoring a 1976 Moto Guzzi 850 T3. Your video is very helpful, thank you ! Greetings from Berin, GER

[@ctadrenaline]

Thanks for viewing and I’m glad the video helped! Please subscribe and share with your friends! We appreciate it!

[@davesherman74]

Great video, it was very helpful. I'm resurrecting my dad's 1972 Honda CL-100 Suitcase Cycle, and the gas tank was pretty rusty. I wanted to save the tank as it has the Suitcase Cycle decals and it still looked good outside. The vinegar did the trick, and it cleaned up beautifully. Just coated it with the POR-15, and waiting for it to dry.

[@ctadrenaline]

Awesome thanks for viewing! It did a really good job on that r1 tank that I did. I’m sure the Honda tank should be mint and I’m happy to hear your resurrecting the CL. Get some videos of it I would love to see it

[@ctadrenaline]

@@susceptible2639 it’s mixed with the distilled water to neutralize the acid from the vinegar

[@patrickt1372]

Thankyou very much for your video. This was by far the simplest, and cheapest way to clean and reline my motorcycle tank. Worked like a charm.

[@ctadrenaline]

Nice glad it worked out! Definitely a good feeling

[@shujabhatti536]

@@ctadrenaline hey man, we dont have that fuel tank sealer here, what do i do now, can i use anything else???

[@ctadrenaline]

On eBay here’s a link www.ebay.com/itm/332496015274?epid=1523750644&hash=item4d6a4e8faa:g:wAEAAOSwhplaYOwI&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA8NnDp9lif9O%2Bv0%2BsjUG0we1kFnmzuaQxrrwcQAHFISJDf0jWnxOFRGEj7nEfmaB19CjXAu6KPWf0i3f82FuFirbMCDVmrg3ay1cmsaxOCmeFLZxh9um6xNyHDlw1LncNbAh4%2FcGP4QG0ykhyHyfRB2kd4h5SKIDx0pVAF9C57bBLA31wllnn1J6J9BqKfR0x8wlMx%2Fejh0MeJS3KoEvGC0mNytPvBX9L4gPMJAvhGR7uyi4gan0jUWpuOVEJ1Bhg8EEWTFZz6S6QmkLp1JK50QL8dZmMJb41sr93gqNSUH9KuK4YH%2BnhjVNmYpgbus%2Fsrw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR46Cie_fYA

[@shujabhatti536]

@@ctadrenaline Dude i dont have EBay in pakistan 😭😭😭😭 do somethinggggggg for meeeeeee, can i use some sort of paint or primer or anything i can use here

[@ctadrenaline]

Try ordering directly from the site. If that doesn’t work let me know por15.com/products/fuel-tank-sealer?_pos=1&_psq=fuel%20tank%20se&_ss=e&_v=1.0

[@MotoJayy]

This is such a good video saved me a lot

[@ctadrenaline]

Awesome glad it was helpful and thanks for viewing!

[@bubbalo3388]

I use vinegar to clean a tank from a Yamaha FZ600. It works extremely well. With that said, it is not as easy to clean out tanks as it seems. Unlike the tank in this video where it has a vert large opening and a basic shape without a bunch of bends creating crevices unlike my tank which case has a small opening, a bunch of angles and almost like a partial tube down in the filler neck with makes it impossible to make sure I can get all the rusted debris out. I used vinegar on mine but had to end up getting another tank anyways. But I was curious of the results so I cleaned out my old to see how effective it was and was impressed. Like some others have done, I would suggest putting in some sort of non reactive nuts or something to help knock off the rust. I noticed on the inside of my tank there was still some rust stuck on the wall on some sports. I was able to scrape it off easily with a screwdriver though. If I was able to salvage my old tank, then there was no way in heck I would of been able to clean every nook and cranny in there let alone get all the debris out in order for the sealer to adhere properly. I figure I would of just had to rely on luck and use a lot of sealer and hopefully any leftover debris or rust doesn't compromise the sealant. As long as the sealant doesn't fail in those areas and the leftover rust underneath isn't too aggressive I figure you can get some new life to the tank still. So the vinegar works but results of success may vary based on the design of your tank.

[@ctadrenaline]

With tanks like that I would suggest a longer waiting period or even multiple sessions of vinegar. Instead of nuts and bolts maybe something like a chain that would be easier to get out instead of a bunch of single nuts and bolts but either should work. If your patient enough vinegar should ultimately get rid of all the rust. How long and how many times you would use more of the vinegar will vary. You could also use acid if time is a issue for faster results. With smaller openings, whatever end is bigger is the one I would use to empty the crap out. There is plenty of ways to do this of course. Some designs may take longer then. Others. Either way thanks for viewing and adding your experience

[@scorpio9578]

I've used por 15 sealer several times, it's the best. prep like this is vital, I used electrolysis to restore a very rusty tank I got for free, it had been left outside with no cap for months. Por 15 sealed several pinholes as well, plus it's ethanol proof, my gpz900 tank was rust free 5 years after treatment, when I sold the bike. Don't get it on paintwork though...it's impossible to remove once set!

[@ctadrenaline]

Absolutely I couldn’t agree more. Yeah it took me a while to get some off my skin lol. Por15 is amazing stuff for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@brucehamman4201]

Great video! 😁

[@ctadrenaline]

Thanks man! Glad we basically kinda did it together over messenger and got to learn some stuff. Also a new friendship. Who would of known lol

[@raffaelrivera2829]

Hello! Couple questions I just bought a 03 CBR600RR and I was wondering for using vinegar is it okay to use with the rubber seal on the fuel tank lid? I’m dubious of whether it could do damage as well as doing what we want.

[@ctadrenaline]

Take out the rubber seal part just incase. It’s been awhile since I did it but I’m almost positive I took it out. Rest the tank upside down with lock closed and in a 5 gallon bucket so if any drips out, it goes into the bucket and can be put back into the tank a few days later if needed. I think mine leaked a little bit at first then basically stopped leaking. Obviously the fuel pump needs to be removed

[@wadenvern]

How did it hold up 2 years later? Still look good? I have to do my tank, but i'm nervous it'll only last a season and go sideways....

[@ctadrenaline]

I sold that bike but my buddy did his months before mine. His came out exactly the same and it’s still holding up great like the day he did it. Good stuff for sure. It’s been 2 years since that video so it goes to show that’s the stuff to use

[@mr.fantastic5818]

I’ve got a quick question. When you neutralized with the distilled water with a cup of baking soda (combined together) , how many gallons did you use? I’m doing a Valkyrie tank( 6 gallons) and was wondering if you just sloshed around a gallon of water/baking soda poured out twice? Thanks

[@ctadrenaline]

The tank I did was a 5 gallon tank. I bought 2 gallons of distilled water. Mixed up one gallon ( had to poor out a little water to fit the 1 full cup of baking soda) mixed it well in the gallon container, then I poured it into the tank and sloshed around for a bit. Emptied it out then did it with the next gallon of water. After that I went to the bathroom used the tub and washed out with warm water and Ajax dish soap. It took a long time to wash out and get all the suds out. Once completely clean with just water coming out when emptying then I did the drying process ect

[@mr.fantastic5818]

Thanks a bunch!

[@1terryandthepirates]

I have a honda vtx 1800 with the fuel pump inside the tank, will I be able to do all of that to clean my gas tank ?

[@ctadrenaline]

Can you take the fuel pump out? If so take it out,follow the procedure, I let it sit for at least a few days ( can’t remember exactly how long it sat for after I finished, follow instructions) then reinstall. That’s how I did that tank

[@Ok-ud7kh]

How do you keep the screw holes and other holes inside from hardening from compound?

[@ctadrenaline]

It depends on the tank. In that particular one, the holes on the top of the tank that held on the fuel cap did not go into where the fuel is. You can also use a tap and die set ( using the tap of course )to redo the threads. But most bolts if you take them out fuel won’t go through where they are. Fuel will come out the part where the gasket is for the fuel pump or the pet cock

[@Ok-ud7kh]

Does this seal leaks/cracks and how do you keep the compound from getting to the screw holes for the fuel pump and lid key/cover? Thanks

[@ctadrenaline]

It will seal pin holes but cracks may need welding. Really depends on the severity of it. The holes for the lid key cover I don’t believe actually go into the part where the fuel is. You could always put something in the holes for fuel pump. I didn’t do that and the holes were fine for the fuel pump. If for some reason they do use a tap/die set and re-thread them. Remember when the por15 is in the tank you want to constantly keep the liquid moving around . It shouldn’t be stationary. Eventually it will get to a point where the liquid is barely moving at all ( the left over and you can use something like paper towel or something to get most of the excess out but only when your sure it has covered the whole inside of the tank

[@Ok-ud7kh]

Thank you for the detailed reply. I’ve taken my tank off a week ago, placed it upside down in my shed. I believe it has a leak somewhere, had half a gallon of fuel on the under side exterior of the tank pooling. I saw your video and was excited that there may be a solution to my problem. Since I’m replacing my fuel pump (bike won’t prime) with a new Quantum one anyway, I’m gonna take the time to clean up possible rust inside of it, you’ve done a really well and informative detailed video of the “how to”. Thank you very much for your help, it is sincerely appreciated. I’ll send u a pic of what mine looks like before and after when I’m finished with mine. Keeping my fingers crossed the bike will start. I have a Yamaha yzf r6 03’ (same fuel tank) .

[@ctadrenaline]

@@Ok-ud7kh awesome glad the video was helpful. Please share the channel with friends and subscribe if you have not already

[@tbrayboy05]

Did you use a pint or half of pint for the por 15, I'm doing my 2003 suzuki gsxr 1000 my tank is 4.8 gal

[@ctadrenaline]

Prep is the most important thing. The tank needs to be very clean. I used a half pint for a 5 gallon tank. It will be just enough. When you’re checking out where the sealer has gone after a few minutes of rotating the tank, whatever spots you missed let the por15 drip to that side till it covers all areas. It’s a long process but you save the fuel tank

[@tbrayboy05]

Thank you

[@TheJdog513]

What’d you use as a stopper for the top of the tank while filled with vinegar? Or did you just use the filler cap?

[@ctadrenaline]

I just filled it to the very top with vinegar and let it breath. While the vinegar is in there you do not have to cover off the top

[@TheJdog513]

Well, I mean what you use to keep the vinegar in the tank lol. You had filled it from the bottom, so what kept the vinegar from pouring straight out the top?

[@ctadrenaline]

@@TheJdog513 oh yes that’s right and I understand now. Yea I used the normal cap for the top of the tank

[@willyf6172]

Did you have any varnish in the tank ?

[@ctadrenaline]

I’m not 100% sure but if there was any it’s gone now. it was pretty rusty in there before I cleaned it. After the process was done and before I put the sealer on it looked like brand new metal

[@miggyairlines1144]

How much of the por15 sealer did you use on the tank

[@ctadrenaline]

I used the 8 fl oz for the whole tank. Some may require more if they have hard to reach places. However look up the product it will tell you how much the container size will cover

[@scorpio9578]

I did two XS650 tanks with one tin of por 15, just coated one then drained the liquid straight into the second, and still drained out a little. I tipped it back into the tin but it cured inside, set rock hard!

[@SukiInDubai]

Awesome 👏🏻

[@GTPressure]

How do I clean the fuel pump that was sitting with the tank it’s just filled with mushy rust

[@ctadrenaline]

Try your best to clean with gas first for the fuel pump. You will have to disassemble it probably. It’s possible you might need a new one. But I would try to restore it first

[@GTPressure]

@@ctadrenaline I used a bunch of break cleaner and a medal brush hopefully that was enough enless you think there could be more messed up

[@ctadrenaline]

@@GTPressure definitely worth a try. Maybe rinse off with some fuel that’s not dirty then try it if the tank is fixed

[@AngelCruz-lt7fb]

Or just fill it to the top with gas don’t need to seal it at all if it’s gonna be used daily and putting gas all the time

[@ctadrenaline]

I just got another r1 recently thats gonna be on the channel. The tank does have a little bit of rust towards the top. Im gonna try to use a toothbrush and something to clean it up a bit. You can definitely try keeping it full of fuel and it will probably be alright like you mentioned especially if daily ridden. Great idea if someone doesn't wanna seal it

[@beizhang7799]

how is the sealer holding up

[@ctadrenaline]

Just checked it right now. Holding up perfectly fine just like the day it cured using the sealer 👍🏻

[@beizhang7799]

@@ctadrenaline excellento

[@mellamodiego8458]

why not poor the baking soda directly into the tank with the vinegar inside when the vinegar is done and neutralize it that way?

[@ctadrenaline]

Thanks for viewing. I’m sure there is plenty of ways to get this done but I wanted to make sure to fully rinse out everything as there was rust floating around in the vinegar. If you think about it, if you poor baking soda into the vinegar the baking soda is only going to neutralize so much. With the way I do it, I make sure any left over acid from the vinegar hanging around in the tank gets hit with the baking soda and distilled water. Results will vary depending on how to choose to do your tank. I do know that how I did it in video has made great results

[@JAllen-db2kv]

If you add baking soda to the vinegar water it will cause a rather energetic reaction. Soon you will be knee deep in white foam!

[@jamiejam3490]

One year later .. hows the tank ?

[@ctadrenaline]

Funny you post this comment! I’m always looking for bikes on the internet. I did sell the bike a few weeks later after the bike was done. A few days ago I saw the bike was in a accident and for sale. I messaged the guy and asked him about that tank since I was curious myself and he said it looked exactly how it did when he got the bike! Guess I did a good job! But it’s sucks to see such a great bike get into a wreck. Thanks for the follow through!

[@2wheelsarefun73]

Still holding up?

[@ctadrenaline]

My buddy used it on his tank months before I did this video and to date his is still mint. Not sure to be honest on the one I did. I Sold the bike but I did tell the guy what I did with the tank and that I wanted to know if it ever had a problem to let me know for information sake. Never received a call so I’m assuming it’s still good

[@officialyungzoe6466]

What causes motorcycle gas tanks to rust, is it because they’re left out in the rain?

[@ctadrenaline]

If the tank is not kept full, condensation occurs. When moisture gets trapped inside, the metal interior begins to rust. Ethanol gas, more corrosive than pure gasoline, also affects the metal in your tank after a certain point and is not recommended for long-term storage

[@officialyungzoe6466]

@@ctadrenaline my first bike was a katana a can of tuna …. It had carb issues I’m assuming it was sucking rust from the gas tank . I returned it took a loss on taxes … now I’ve had two R1s never will ride anything different

[@ctadrenaline]

@@officialyungzoe6466 nice what years are the r1’s you have?

[@officialyungzoe6466]

@@ctadrenaline 04, lol I want buy nothing pass 08 guess ima lol old school

[@ctadrenaline]

@@officialyungzoe6466 excellent choice. I had a 05 and it was a great bike. I wish I did that negative front sprocket to it. I still have the sprocket in the garage somewhere

[@mellamodiego8458]

why do you need to dry the tank before putting in the vinegar…just add the vinegar after your done washing the tank

[@ctadrenaline]

You can put vinegar in the tank after washing out if you want. That’s just how I did it. I didn’t wanna chance possibly diluting the vinegar some. I understand vinegar does have water in it but either way it will work. Thanks for viewing

[@JAllen-db2kv]

@@ctadrenaline The vinegar you bought at Wallyworld is already 95% water. A little bit more wouldn't hurt.

[@ctadrenaline]

@@JAllen-db2kv true. I was happy with the end result of the tank. Thanks for viewing!

[@napper1496]

Oh no! Did you leave tank to dry 100% for couple of days? Can’t stress how much the tank must be bone dry! First attempt on a tank I did there was just the smallest amount of moisture and that was enough for the sealer to react after a couple of weeks!

[@ctadrenaline]

I made sure it was dry with a hair dryer and a drying rag. If you wait a couple of days it will flash rust. Also did you use por15 or a different sealer?

[@chrisaquarium]

You realize that vinegar is 95% or more water? There’s no reason to dry the tank after power washing and before vinegar.

[@ctadrenaline]

Yes that’s true. But it did give me a good idea of how fast you need to move after drying to prevent flash rust

[@primozdobravec5156]

Necessary step-drying the tank before adding vinegar🤭

[@ctadrenaline]

Can’t delute that vinegar 😂😂 but hey if you used acid or something of that sort where you don’t want to delute it, then that would be a good idea 😁

[@singhjaswinder1517]

Why don't you use coca cola

[@ctadrenaline]

I’m sure there is plenty of other things you can use like Coca Cola. However i tried it with vinegar. If using Coca Cola, it takes about two -2 liters to make a gallon. So I would of needed about 10- jugs of Coca Cola. Roughly around 22 dollars. The 5- 1 gallon containers was cheaper by about half. Let us know if you use Coca Cola and how it comes out

[@singhjaswinder1517]

@@ctadrenaline yesterday I used toothpaste but the result was not good. Next time I'll use coke and will inform you

[@marcush4741]

Cola would require a TON of extra cleaning... as any sugar ending up in a carb, fuel injector, or engine will end up gunking and causing serious long term damage. Distilled vinegar is cheaper, more acidic, and doesnt have sugars.

[@willyf6172]

It doesn’t work . There are comparisons on KZbin of the various methods come came last place . It barely did a thing . IMO the best cheap method is electrolysis.

[@hrvojesimundic4281]

Bad video

[@ctadrenaline]

Why’s that? It worked great for me and the results speak for themselves. Don’t knock it till you try it

[@email4664]

DO NOT USE POR 15 It is absolute garbage and only a fool would put that in a tank

[@ctadrenaline]

Oh really? What would you use to seal a tank? 😂 I’m definitely looking forward to hearing this one