So, I've rehabbing/restoring an '83 R65. It's been a joy. I'm almost done. But the tank has been sitting on the shelf.
So, after I got both wheels back on, I decided I need to work on the tank. I thought, "oh, no problem - a little rust, I'll use metal rescue and it will all be good". I've used metal rescue in the past and had great results. It's cleaned up a few rusty tanks.
But. I discovered the PO had used some sort of tank liner. And, it looked like the liner was either mis applied or had failed somewhat. There were LARGE chunks of plastic like material loose inside the tank. insert swear words. Loose as in your could hear them rattling around if you shook the tank. Like there were rocks inside.
So what to do. I rattled the tank around and grabbed a few with needle nose pliers. That gave me an idea of the size. Then I spend 2 days with a "flexible grabber" (the thing you use to grab nuts that have fallen on your truck's cross member). That worked pretty well. I could grab the 2-3" pieces and then break them in pieces with the needle nose. But that's super tedious. I barely have that much patience.
I finally got the pieces down to the size that a small plastic hose connected to the shop vac could suck them out. And then a wash or two with water flushed out the remaining bits.
But wow. what a pain. I will *never* use a tank sealant. Never.
I've had amazing results with electrolysis, and vinegar. Vinegar being my favorite. Between those two no corrosion can stand. Vinegar is amazing given 24-48 hours. And Electrolysis will remove the cruftiest rust. I'm a huge huge fan of POR-15, but I'll never put goo in a gas tank. Never. I'd rather grind out the pinch welds and re-weld it back together.
Ok. This is a rant. Sorry. I just needed to vent.
The good news is tomorrow it will be almost 70F. And I plan to ride one of my bikes. And install the front brake line on the R65, which means I *could* start it (since, with the brake line in, I could connect the throttle cable). The Bings are calling me. Carpe diem. Time to tune the idle circuit - since we' don't idle on the mains.
