Pinhole leak in my gas tank - how to fix?

[MrRiden]

Look into various mechanical / chemical rust removal methods. Flush the tank way too much with water and have it braised at a local welder. putty, primer & paint. Then POR 15.
rich

[Ed Miller]

Ed; when you say "old lining", do you mean the original lining when the bike was new, or something done by a previous owner?

Inside of my tank looks red(ish) in color.

I believe that the POR-15 people would prefer that you remove any factory lining, if there is one.  I mean, if it was still working, would you have a leak?

[montmil]

The "reddish color" is the original fuel tank "liner" material. Guessing it would require submersion in a chemical vat to cook out all the interior chemical coatings. Try a radiator shop.

You'd end up with a bare metal tank. Then add the POR-15 (also used in aircraft) to properly seal pin hole leaks. Might need to build a rotisserie fixture for sealer application. However, the vatting might expose extensive damage that may be beyond the POR treatment capabilities. Then there's the exterior primer and refinish work.

Just hinting here that you may want to be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. New tank, used tank, fix existing tank... as the sign sez, "Welcome to Las Vegas."

Good luck on whichever trail you take.   Monte

[MrRiden]

Bump
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1981-BMW-R65-R-65-R-65-Gas-Tank_W0QQitemZ290311696702QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item290311696702&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1171|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

[rob650]

Awesome possum.  Thanks MrRiden, I'll keep an eye on it.

I did get the pinhole patched up with some epoxy type stuff from the local auto parts store, so far its holding.