Got a set of old Knucklehead gas tanks about 6 months ago. They had tank sealer in them but they didn't leak so I've been using them and all has been good. Few days ago when my gas filter ran dry knowing I had plenty of gas I give a good look into the tanks and find out using an old piece of wooden moulding that this tank sealer had softened to the consistency of cold honey (and looked like it too). It's about 1/4 in. thick on the bottom of the tanks. Of course this gooey mess has slithered more...
Got a set of old Knucklehead gas tanks about 6 months ago. They had tank sealer in them but they didn't leak so I've been using them and all has been good. Few days ago when my gas filter ran dry knowing I had plenty of gas I give a good look into the tanks and find out using an old piece of wooden moulding that this tank sealer had softened to the consistency of cold honey (and looked like it too). It's about 1/4 in. thick on the bottom of the tanks. Of course this gooey mess has slithered into all the gas lines and valves and clogged them tightly.
Any body ever see this before and any ideas as to how to clean this stuff out of my tanks?
Thanks less...
Thanks everyone for your help. I read all you wrote and found a company (Por-15)that markets a complete kit for rusted tanks with old sealer in them just like mine ( I knew I couldn't have been the only one with that problem) and they swear their sealer is impervious to todays fuel additives. It comes with a tank cleaner which removes rust, gum and varnish, the stripper to remove the old sealer, metal prep and finally the sealer.It's alot of steps involved and alot of soaking time but it's a l more...
Thanks everyone for your help. I read all you wrote and found a company (Por-15)that markets a complete kit for rusted tanks with old sealer in them just like mine ( I knew I couldn't have been the only one with that problem) and they swear their sealer is impervious to todays fuel additives. It comes with a tank cleaner which removes rust, gum and varnish, the stripper to remove the old sealer, metal prep and finally the sealer.It's alot of steps involved and alot of soaking time but it's a last resort before I cut them apart and break out the brazing torch. The price was right,their service staff was useful, now, I hope their product works! less...
I am a mechanic here is the problem your going to find with any sealer .. since they have encorperated ethenal in our gas with is basically alcahol your best bet is after you get the gunk out(cream) leak test it and if it leaks witch i assume it will take it to your local welding shop and have the leaks fixed. yea its expensive ie paint ect. but your bike will love you for it
To clean out your tanks try a paint stripper containing Methylene Chloride also for more info on this try the antique motor cycle association of America and search tank sealers, lots of questions and answerers in their forum.
It is a problem with the additives that they add to gas now that sealers where not designed for. Also look up Caswell tank sealers lots of good info there. Never used their product but still a lot of good info
try to find/search companys that make the stuff to seal tanks. i had read something about the same problem and a company told them what to use to clean the sealer out of the tank.
Hey still.. jus a novice here.. but try cleaning them with "Muriatic acid"..can pick it up at any pool cleaning supply..1/2 acid..1/2 water let it sit for a couple hrs than rinse... well..if, you don't get the answer you need here.. try Biketalk forum works well for me ;)
