Hi there biker people I have a 1981 honda 650 that I bought last summer. I paid $300.00 to get a so called tune up and rode it only a couple of months.
Trying to fire it up this year has proven impossible. It sat over the winter with gas in the tank( I know bad idea) when I dumped out the gas to fill it up with new gas, chunks of rust came out. Is there anything i can do to remove the rust in the tank, or do i have to buy a new tank. It acts like its not getting any gas and just wont start. Please help I'm dying to go riding.
Thanks

fredg

Hi, Stormy,
I haven't had any experience with a bike gas tank, but have with an outboard motor (70 hp) on my bass boat.
My gas tank, portable, had rust in it when I bought it. Talk about stopping a motor from running!!! I spent many, many hours on a lake, trying to find out why my motor would only run half speed, then just plain quit.....got pretty good at cleaning out the 3 carburators, then finally discovered rust in the tank, by pouring out the gas in a clean plastic container!!
I washed it good with gas, then put an in-line gas filter on the hose, between the tank and the motor.......worked great ever since.
Now with a bike, you might try adding another filter between the tank and the carb(s). If that doesn't work, then possibly a new or good used, tank.
Best of luck.

Stormy69

Thanks Fred.
I was hoping to hear about some cheap fix product that I could just dump in the tank LOL. do you think I will have to take the carbs apart and clean them?

PSI357

Actually there is a quick fix. They sell a product (name excapes me) that is like a clear epoxy. You clean the tank really good, dump this stuff in and roll the tank around in your hand to spread it around the inside and let it dry. I have used it once and it did the trick. Don't forget to remove the gas valve and filter screen first . You should be able to pick it up at an automotive store.

On another note, when storing the bike for the winter, you want to make sure you tank is FULL. This will prevent rust as it doesn't let oxygen come in contact with the steel inside. Just add some gas stabilizer and your good to go.

Stormy69

and she is running!!
after extensive cleaning and De-rusting of the tank...Turns out it was the little screens in the stem where you turn the gas on that was completely clogged with rust..got that cleared out and she is purring like a kitten.. now if this stupid SNOW would go away i could ride