Tank lining and petcock

Spring is upon us and it's time to heave open the garage door and take stock. This year, though, was a bit frustrating - looks like someone stole my gas tank.

Good news: I have a spare tank - 1981 Yamaha, XJ650.

Bad news: It's in horrible condition. There is rust inside so I'll need to clean it out and line it. It's missing a petcock, which is a bummer as they seem to be a bit pricey.

So, does anyone have some advice? I want to do it right, but cheap - which means putting in some time.
What should I use to clean and line the tank?
Should I paint the tank before or after lining?
Anyone have a used petcock they want to sell?
How 'bout a gas cap?

Please help. I'd like to get my bike up and running before the sun comes out.

 

Well that sure stinks about your tank.

Decent chance to ruin paint when cleaning and lining. I'd make paint last thing before installing cap and petcock.

I like the Caswell epoxy liner (google it). It's clear and you'll likely get some flash rust (which is ok) before you apply it so it's not as pretty as Kreem. It's pretty temperature sensitive. Get down to 70 degrees and it doesn't flow well. Too warm and it sets fast. I like to work with it at about 85 degrees.

I clean with Phosphoric acid (KleenStrip at Home Depot). Undiluted it works real fast. Phosphoric acid is the same cleaner packaged with Kreem. Last one I did, AFTER a couple fresh water rinses I rinsed with a little baking soda added, then another fresh water rinse and finally lacquer thinner. I got less flash rust that way. Phosphoric acid will destroy pot metal (petcock parts and the cap).

No help on cap and petcock.

 

Electrolysis thread

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... art=0.html

 

Guys,

Thanks for this.

MiCarl - Why do you like the Caswell epoxy liner more than Kreem?
Also, when you say you like to work with it at 85 degrees - do you just work on a hot day, or do you have a garage that is part oven?

 

How did someone get into your garage and steal a gas tank?

 

The chemicals used in Kreem will wash paint right off. Fumes are nasty. Too many horror stories when it fails.

Often it's a hot day, but the shop is heated. I had to do one this winter and I warmed the shop to 80 degrees. It pays to use the whole kit, which is enough to treat a 5 gallon tank. You end up throwing most of it out, but it's easier to get complete coverage that way.

The Caswell instructions say it works best if you leave light surface rust (remove anything loose). I still remove all the rust because I hate to charge someone for a tank lining and have it look like it's rusty.

 

check out the cycle tank repair kit by POR15. i used it myself with great results, just follow the instructions to the letter. you can get the kit a little cheaper from amazon . com. it costs a little over fourty bucks. if you decide to go that route, drop me a pm if you need any advice or tips. id be glad to help