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Technical Forums => General => Topic started by: bump on November 15, 2022, 12:11:17 PM

Title: Barn find...
Post by: bump on November 15, 2022, 12:11:17 PM
  A friend of mine referred me to a friend of his to work on his bike. Went and looked it over, 75 FXE appears to be all there and he said it was running but not real good when he parked 10 years ago. I have been checking it out and it needs a lot of little stuff, brakes, tires, carb rebuilt, and some electrical. The gas tank was sealed with something a lot of years ago and was peeling inside tank. I got most it out but still a lot left. What can I use to get rest of that stuff out of tank? I did the 1/4" nuts and shake tank.
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: lilchief on November 15, 2022, 04:35:00 PM
I worked on a co-workers 1974 Honda CL360 last winter. Inside the tank was pretty rusted. I used several gallons of vinegar to dissolve the rust and get it out of  there. The key was  having patience and letting it soak in the tank for several days at a time, while occasionally shaking it up. Flush & repeat. I Had to do it numerous times, but it worked.  I don't know if it will work in your case but it's worth a try.
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: SixShooter14 on November 15, 2022, 05:09:46 PM
I've used varsol in the past with good results.
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: Fugawee on November 15, 2022, 05:20:38 PM
A few years ago, I had to do the same thing to a 77' XLCH Tank that had been sealed with "Kreem".
I used Acetone.  Quite a bit of it.  I totally filled the Tank with it, and let it sit for 2-3 days.  Drained it all out, and it had loosened up the Sealer pretty good.  Cleaned out what I could.  Put more Acetone back in with small screws and nuts, and did the shake, shake, shake thing.  I had to do that routine a couple of times.  Blasted the Tank with some Air and repeated as necessary.  Needed to fish around inside the Tank with a Rag on the end of a piece of strong Wire to clean things out a time or two.  After that I washed out the Tank with Dawn and HOT Water.
The Tank survived and is fine.
Hope that this may help You out.
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: 02roadcling on November 16, 2022, 09:42:40 AM
Quote from: lilchief on November 15, 2022, 04:35:00 PMI worked on a co-workers 1974 Honda CL360 last winter. Inside the tank was pretty rusted. I used several gallons of vinegar to dissolve the rust and get it out of  there. The key was  having patience and letting it soak in the tank for several days at a time, while occasionally shaking it up. Flush & repeat. I Had to do it numerous times, but it worked.  I don't know if it will work in your case but it's worth a try.

TIP: Try using 30% vinegar from a hardware store. Regular vinegar is only 5%. Find it in the weed control section.

   cling
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: Leed on November 16, 2022, 09:54:08 AM
Quote from: 02roadcling on November 16, 2022, 09:42:40 AM
Quote from: lilchief on November 15, 2022, 04:35:00 PMI worked on a co-workers 1974 Honda CL360 last winter. Inside the tank was pretty rusted. I used several gallons of vinegar to dissolve the rust and get it out of  there. The key was  having patience and letting it soak in the tank for several days at a time, while occasionally shaking it up. Flush & repeat. I Had to do it numerous times, but it worked.  I don't know if it will work in your case but it's worth a try.

TIP: Try using 30% vinegar from a hardware store. Regular vinegar is only 5%. Find it in the weed control section.

   cling
At that concentration they may call it acetic acid. Wear safety glasses as it is really nasty if you get it in your eyes.
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: C-Cat on November 16, 2022, 03:15:41 PM
Quote from: bump on November 15, 2022, 12:11:17 PMA friend of mine referred me to a friend of his to work on his bike. Went and looked it over, 75 FXE appears to be all there and he said it was running but not real good when he parked 10 years ago. I have been checking it out and it needs a lot of little stuff, brakes, tires, carb rebuilt, and some electrical. The gas tank was sealed with something a lot of years ago and was peeling inside tank. I got most it out but still a lot left. What can I use to get rest of that stuff out of tank? I did the 1/4" nuts and shake tank.
just watched a show, and they used vinegar and marbles to clean a tank that had been sitting 47 years
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: Breeze on November 17, 2022, 01:35:54 AM
just watched a show, and they used vinegar and marbles to clean a tank that had been sitting 47 years
[/quote]


AND several gallons of CLR with the vinegar. :scratch:
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: bump on November 17, 2022, 02:17:58 AM
I am looking for something to take the KREEM stuff out of tank. I picked and scrapped most of it out but some is still in the seems and the far end of tank. White vinegar works on the rust but not the sealer. I got some acetone but not sure if it will affect the paint.
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: Fugawee on November 17, 2022, 07:43:58 AM
Acetone will have an effect on Your paint, if left on the Paint.  It is important to get that stuff off the paint/finish ASAP.  Wiping it off immediately using Warm Water worked for Me.  I had no problems.
Friends of Mine that are huge Street Rod Guys have used Acetone to remove Road Tar and Line Paint, and other stuff off of their "Big Dollar" Paint Jobs with no bad results as long as You removed it ASAP from the Finish.
I'm not trying to talk You into anything here.  I hope that You find something to solve Your problem.
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: bump on November 17, 2022, 08:37:13 AM
  This bike is in good enough shape to save. I don't want to mess up the paint.
It is a 75 FXE shovelhead and the owner has had it for years.

Thanks
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: Fugawee on November 17, 2022, 09:44:52 AM

bump...if You haven't seen this already, check it out.  This Guy's method may work for You.
He's not using Acetone.
The Forceps and other "Medical" Tools He's using work great.  At a local "Flea Market" I bought a few old Dr's, and Dentists Tools for 50 cents each.  Money well spent.  Long handled Straight and Duckbill Needle Nose Pliers worked for Me also.  But the Air seemed to be the Persuader.  I also used a Stripper Disc on a Goose Neck Extension on My Drill.
Good Luck!
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: JW113 on November 17, 2022, 10:05:12 AM
For tanks my standard practice is to take to a radiator shop to clean out inside, pressure test, and then apply Red-Kote.

-JW

Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: Hossamania on November 17, 2022, 10:13:43 AM
Quote from: JW113 on November 17, 2022, 10:05:12 AMFor tanks my standard practice is to take to a radiator shop to clean out inside, pressure test, and then apply Red-Kote.

-JW



Is the paint damaged with this method?
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: motorhogman on November 17, 2022, 12:13:38 PM
Quote from: JW113 on November 17, 2022, 10:05:12 AMFor tanks my standard practice is to take to a radiator shop to clean out inside, pressure test, and then apply Red-Kote.

-JW


I owned a radiator shop years ago. RED KOTE was all I used.  I wouldn't do any tanks with good paint.
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: david lee on November 17, 2022, 01:05:59 PM
Quote from: motorhogman on November 17, 2022, 12:13:38 PM
Quote from: JW113 on November 17, 2022, 10:05:12 AMFor tanks my standard practice is to take to a radiator shop to clean out inside, pressure test, and then apply Red-Kote.

-JW


I owned a radiator shop years ago. RED KOTE was all I used.  I wouldn't do any tanks with good paint.
im told that kreem is crap ?
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: JW113 on November 17, 2022, 05:41:10 PM
Quote from: Hossamania on November 17, 2022, 10:13:43 AMIs the paint damaged with this method?

For sure you want to do this every time BEFORE you paint the tanks, but the shop I use does it all the time to painted tanks that develop a leak and they say no issues with paint damage. I had the tank sealer (Caswell) come loose in my Indian and I had them cleaned and Red-Koted by the same radiator shop. No paint damage that I can see. I guess it's all a matter of who is doing the work?

-JW
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: FSG on November 18, 2022, 01:15:29 AM
QuoteI guess it's all a matter of who is doing the work?

ain't that the truth   :smiled:
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: motorplex88 on November 18, 2022, 05:28:25 AM
Quote from: JW113 on November 17, 2022, 10:05:12 AMFor tanks my standard practice is to take to a radiator shop to clean out inside, pressure test, and then apply Red-Kote.

-JW


Is RedKote the same as Glyptol ?
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: RTMike on November 18, 2022, 08:20:12 AM
No
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: mrmike on November 18, 2022, 10:11:53 PM
MEK- methyl ethyl ketone will for sure get the liner off but also any other paint it gets on as it's the main ingredient in many paint strippers.

You may be able to pick it up at a paint store I doubt any of the big box places would be carrying it.

If your in California they'll probably lock you up for even enquiring about the stuff.

Mike
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: bump on November 19, 2022, 01:29:08 PM
I put about 1qt of acetone and let it sit over night, got more out. Alot of Kreem at rear of tank. Filled it with about 2 handfulls of 1/4" nuts and about a pint of kerosene. Shook that puppy til arms gave out. I might have found an easier way. Ran it about 2 hrs. Dumped everything out of tank and rinsed it out. Looks like new inside.


IMG_0162 - frame at 0m2s.jpg
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: kd on November 19, 2022, 02:13:08 PM
  :hyst:   Laziness ... the mother of invention.    :up: 
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: Hossamania on November 19, 2022, 02:13:41 PM
Quote from: kd on November 19, 2022, 02:13:08 PM:hyst:   Laziness ... the mother of invention.    :up: 

I have invented a lot of stuff!
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: kd on November 19, 2022, 02:16:53 PM
Quote from: Hossamania on November 19, 2022, 02:13:41 PM
Quote from: kd on November 19, 2022, 02:13:08 PM:hyst:  Laziness ... the mother of invention.    :up: 

I have invented a lot of stuff!

 :up:  :hyst: to you also.  I live in the same world as you.
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: Hossamania on November 19, 2022, 02:27:53 PM
I like the solution that bump used, probably better than throwing it into the clothes dryer.
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: kd on November 19, 2022, 02:48:57 PM
Pretty hard to hide that performance from the wife eh!
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: Hossamania on November 19, 2022, 04:19:33 PM
Quote from: kd on November 19, 2022, 02:48:57 PMPretty hard to hide that performance from the wife eh!

It seemed like a good idea at the time ...
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: FXDBI on November 19, 2022, 06:15:37 PM
Quote from: kd on November 19, 2022, 02:16:53 PM
Quote from: Hossamania on November 19, 2022, 02:13:41 PM
Quote from: kd on November 19, 2022, 02:13:08 PM:hyst:  Laziness ... the mother of invention.    :up: 

I have invented a lot of stuff!

 :up:  :hyst: to you also.  I live in the same world as you.


I prefer to refer to it has working smart not hard.   :smiled:   Story of my life has a millwright/pressure welder.   Bob
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: hattitude on November 20, 2022, 07:25:40 AM
Quote from: bump on November 19, 2022, 01:29:08 PMI put about 1qt of acetone and let it sit over night, got more out. Alot of Kreem at rear of tank. Filled it with about 2 handfulls of 1/4" nuts and about a pint of kerosene. Shook that puppy til arms gave out. I might have found an easier way. Ran it about 2 hrs. Dumped everything out of tank and rinsed it out. Looks like new inside.


IMG_0162 - frame at 0m2s.jpg


Ingenious....  :hyst:


But I found a different way....

When I was "cleaning" the failed paint out of my 2001 fuel tank...

I put some #6 birdshot in the tank, and wrapped it in bubble wrap. Then wrapped that in a big comforter.... I then put it in the dryer on delicate spin....

I used no chemicals, so it didn't get it "like new" clean, but all the failed and failing paint was "scraped" away...  It's been fine now going on 4 years...
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: Fugawee on November 20, 2022, 08:04:01 AM
I gotta' give You Guys credit...those are some good ideas.  I wish that I had thought of something like that when I did the Sportster Tank I mentioned previously.  It took Me a long time shaking the Tank like I was making Martini's.

So, this got Me thinking...I'm wondering if one of those Paint Can Shakers that You see in a Paint Dept. when buying a gallon of paint would work?
I see that a large Discount Tool Store has them for about 150 bucks.  But how often will You need to use it to justify actually purchasing one?
It could be an idea for a Christmas Gift for the Person who is a "toolaholic".
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: kd on November 20, 2022, 08:22:48 AM
Quote from: Fugawee on November 20, 2022, 08:04:01 AMI gotta' give You Guys credit...those are some good ideas.  I wish that I had thought of something like that when I did the Sportster Tank I mentioned previously.  It took Me a long time shaking the Tank like I was making Martini's.

So, this got Me thinking...I'm wondering if one of those Paint Can Shakers that You see in a Paint Dept. when buying a gallon of paint would work?
I see that a large Discount Tool Store has them for about 150 bucks.  But how often will You need to use it to justify actually purchasing one?
It could be an idea for a Christmas Gift for the Person who is a "toolaholic".

I'd rather have the tractor.  :teeth:
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: Hossamania on November 20, 2022, 09:26:52 AM
A paint shaker seems a bit violent to me.
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: kd on November 20, 2022, 05:10:23 PM
Quote from: Hossamania on November 20, 2022, 09:26:52 AMA paint shaker seems a bit violent to me.

Yeah, I recon the paint on the outside of the tank would be popping off too.  :crook:
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: calif phil on November 21, 2022, 10:34:07 AM
Redneck Engineering at it's best. Bumps' garage has everything, INCLUDING the kitchen sink.
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: kd on November 21, 2022, 04:44:44 PM
Quote from: calif phil on November 21, 2022, 10:34:07 AMRedneck Engineering at it's best. Bumps' garage has everything, INCLUDING the kitchen sink.

Very observant of you.  :hyst:
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: bump on November 22, 2022, 06:39:50 AM
Quote from: kd on November 21, 2022, 04:44:44 PM
Quote from: calif phil on November 21, 2022, 10:34:07 AMRedneck Engineering at it's best. Bumps' garage has everything, INCLUDING the kitchen sink.

Very observant of you.  :hyst:

The sink is gone donated to Habitat For Humanity
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: Leed on November 22, 2022, 12:43:56 PM
Quote from: bump on November 22, 2022, 06:39:50 AM
Quote from: kd on November 21, 2022, 04:44:44 PM
Quote from: calif phil on November 21, 2022, 10:34:07 AMRedneck Engineering at it's best. Bumps' garage has everything, INCLUDING the kitchen sink.

Very observant of you.  :hyst:

The sink is gone donated to Habitat For Humanity

I do like the classic automatic parking warning system so you won't pull in to far. My folks had the same model.
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: calif phil on November 22, 2022, 12:56:18 PM
Quote from: bump on November 19, 2022, 01:29:08 PMI put about 1qt of acetone and let it sit over night, got more out. Alot of Kreem at rear of tank. Filled it with about 2 handfulls of 1/4" nuts and about a pint of kerosene. Shook that puppy til arms gave out. I might have found an easier way. Ran it about 2 hrs. Dumped everything out of tank and rinsed it out. Looks like new inside.


IMG_0162 - frame at 0m2s.jpg

Did you put the other half on the other side and spin them both at the same time to save fuel and time?
Title: Re: Barn find...
Post by: bump on November 23, 2022, 02:28:56 AM
No one wheel has to have traction for the other to turn.