The gas tank of your motorcycle always demands timely cleaning as it carries fuel and slowly gets dirty with rust. Cleaning the gas tank will keep it in a good condition and also inform you about different problems with the gas tank. It should be done with a certain method. Now you may want to know about the process to clean a motorcycle gas tank.
You may ever think that it is easier to replace than to clean. This is a hassle-free move, although you will remain unaware of the condition of the inside of your gas tank.
So every time it comes to cleaning, will you replace it in the same way? It must be expensive. You just have to go through a few simple steps to clean a motorcycle gas tank. However, you are going to know about the ways in this article.
10 DIY Steps Of Cleaning A Motorcycle Gas Tank: The Easiest Way
Following the proper procedure for cleaning a motorcycle’s gas tank means that you are protecting your tank from being destroyed and giving it a lifetime. Below are some steps to clean a motorcycle gas tank:
Step- 1: Gathering Necessary Equipment
To clean the gas tank you need to have some necessary equipment in one place which will help you to pass each step easily. The tools are as follows:
- Screwdriver;
- Water;
- Soaker hose;
- Patrol or often;
- Vinegar;
- Baking Soda.
Step- 2: Removing The Gas Tank
It is impossible to clean a gas tank when it is stuck on a motorcycle as it will disrupt your work and you may be slightly injured. So before starting work, separate the gas tank from the motorcycle which will help you to clean it safely.
Some bolts and screws are attached to the gas tank to secure it. You must first open them using a screwdriver and then remove the tank. Also need to remove gas caps, hoses, and peacocks.
Step- 3: Blocking The Fuel Line
The fuel line has also been disconnected naturally during gas tank disconnection. But it needs to be shut down separately for added convenience. Now you may have a question about what will happen if the fuel line is not sealed? In this case, there is a possibility of a patrol coming out.
Also, carelessness during work can cause dirt and unwanted objects to enter the line and cause problems with the engine. Make sure the line is well sealed before moving on to the next step.
Step- 4: Emptying The Tank
The gas tank should be completely emptied for the convenience of work. If there is any fuel left in it, transfer it to a container that is safe for patrol. It will not be possible for you to clean the tank completely unless you remove the remaining fuel. You can take the help of a suction hose to get rid of excess fuel.
You can take a bucket if there is any other substance including fuel inside the tank. It will accumulate in the bucket and you will know which dirty gas entered the tank earlier due to negligence.
Step- 5: Reviewing The Tank
Now is the time to clean your tank thoroughly. At this stage, you need to see if the tank is still intact and if there are any other problems. This dirt with the carburetor can go into the engine and cause serious damage to the carburetor including the engine.
In addition, the life of the fuel tanker of the bike will be reduced as a result of not starting the engine, giving pick up falls, spark plug quickly dirty, carburetor overflow can be a variety of problems. If there is any such serious problem, take action for it.
Step- 6: Spraying Water With Pressure
The gas tank of a motorcycle does not come with very little space inside, so if you sprinkle water inside it in a normal way, it will not be of much use. You will need to apply water at high pressure to ensure that there is a steady flow of water inside each part of the tank.
This high-pressure water forces any dirt that may have accumulated in the bottom or corners of the inside of the tank to become loose. After applying some water, notice if there is any dirt stuck inside the wall of the tank which cannot be removed with water. If there is, push it a little with a thin and hard stick to remove it.
Step- 7: Draining The Water From The Tank
After applying water to the tank with pressure for some time, shake it and arrange to drain the water along with the dirt. However, if there is rust and any such dirt inside, it may not come out with just water. However, cleaning with water makes your next task easier.
Insert the required patrol or octane along with the ball bearing in the tank and close the mouth well and be careful not to spill petrol or octane in any way on the outside. Then the tank should be shaken well and the dirt should be tested. This process makes it possible to remove rust along with the dirt present in the tank
Step- 8: Using Vinegar
It can be difficult to remove dirt and rust from the gas tank with water alone if there is a heavy accumulation of dirt. Vinegar is a good solution in this case. If you want to avoid the use of chemicals, mix vinegar and baking soda with them and use it in the tank.
Apply it and wait until the bubbles rise. After seeing the rusty mixed bubbles, lie down with water. Now you can probably get the desired results.
Step- 9: Reconnecting The Gas Tank
After successfully completing the steps to clean the motorcycle gas tank, it must be properly placed. This is almost the last step but important enough because you have to do it with the utmost attention. Do you remember how many bolts and screws you opened?
Apply and tighten the screws in place otherwise, it may come off suddenly while riding the motorcycle and you may fall into a random situation. There may also be some unintended accidents.
Step- 10: Adding Fuel To The Tank Again
After going through all the steps, if you are sure that your tank is intact and just cleaning it is enough, it is time to add fuel to it again. Before adding fuel, free the sealed fuel lines. Add a certain amount of fuel.
You should start and test the motorcycle and notice its sound to see if it sounds flawless. If all goes well, you have passed the last step and this is exactly how the fuel tanker process will be completed.
4 Things Can Happen If You Don’t Clean Motorcycle’s Gas Tank Regularly:
If the motorcycle’s gas tank is not cleaned in time, something can happen which destroys it in a short time. Below are the responses that encourage you to take care of it:
1. Decrease The Bike Value
Gas tanks are an important part of a motorcycle without which your bike cannot run. A gas tank that has been rusted or dirty for a long time can slowly destroy itself as well as reduce the value of your bike.
If you are thinking of selling your motorcycle in the future then you will probably have to claim a lower price because with the tank its capacity also decreases.
2. Obstruction Of Fuel Flow
When your gas tank is carrying enough rust, it is not confined to one place only. It also has a fuel flow path that prevents the fuel from flowing well and the rust increases day by day until it is being cleaned.
Fuel is the only food on your motorcycle that needs to flow properly. If its flow is obstructed, you will not be able to ride the motorcycle comfortably, and it will affect the engine.
3. Creates Pressure On The Fuel Line
When dirt and rust are constantly accumulating in the gas tank, it will also accumulate in the path of all the holes in the tank. Do you think It doesn’t matter? Obstruction of fuel flow will create pressure on the gas tank which can have dire consequences.
If there is constant pressure on the tank, it will overheat and if it gets exposed to the environment, it can explode while the motorcycle is moving, which is very dangerous for you.
4. There May Be Additional Costs
Indulging in rust can get to the point where the tank is no longer worth your cleaning. What is the best solution to replace a gas tank? Not in many cases, because it is expensive enough. It is better to clean it regularly to avoid a big cost.
Also, if your bike is an old model, you may not be able to find the right tank to replace it in the market. Plus, you’ll be getting rid of clutter you don’t need.
7 Tips To Follow When Cleaning Your Motorcycle Gas Tank:
Even though you are used to your motorcycle, you can start cleaning the gas tank without any safety measures, right? But when cleaning the gas tank you need to take some safety measures which are mentioned below:
Tips- 1:
Sprinkle fuel or rust can get into your eyes due to carelessness while cleaning the tank. Cover your eyes as much as possible.
Tips- 2:
Work in a place where there is sufficient ventilation as a kind of condensed smoke is formed during tank cleaning, which is harmful to inhale
Tips- 3:
You have to mix a few things at once, and put them inside the tank which cleans the rust. Do not mix without a prescription, as harmful chemical reactions may happen
Tips- 4:
You may need to use some combustible material but make sure that things that catch fire easily are kept away from it
Tips- 5:
When working with tanks and fuel systems, save fuel properly which will be useful later
Tips- 6:
When using chemicals, they should not fall off densely. Sprinkle with a hose so that it reaches all places
Tips- 7:
After spraying the chemical into the gas tank, it may spill out during shaking, so close all the holes in the tank beforehand.
Related Questions About Cleaning A Motorcycle Gas Tank:
Will Vinegar Clean A Motorcycle Gas Tank?
Vinegar is undoubtedly an effective and safe ingredient used by many to clean a motorcycle gas tank. It works great in preventing rust. To do this, first, mix up the vinegar and baking soda together well.
Fill the tank, add the mixture and wait until it bubbles. Notice if the mixture is changing color with rust particles. If so, rinse the tank with water.
Can You Clean A Motorcycle Gas Tank Just With Water?
The motorcycle gas tank can be cleaned with just water, but you can never be sure that it has been cleaned properly. Water can only pull out the simple dirt inside the tank. It is not its job to clean rust or solid dirt.
Moreover, after cleaning with water, it should be dried well as if water accumulates, it may rust in the tank. It is best if the rust is removed after washing with water and then dried by applying some other ingredient.
What Kind Of Vinegar Do You Use To Clean A Motorcycle Gas Tank?
White vinegar is preferred for cleaning gas tanks of motorcycles. The mixture of white vinegar and baking soda is considered to be very effective and a way to remove the dirt from the gas tank. Carelessness and negligence lead to rust and dirt reaching the assessment of the tank opening which white vinegar can easily clean.
How Do You Clean A Corroded Motorcycle Gas Tank?
Cleaning a corroded gas tank of a motorcycle is quite challenging but not impossible. The corrosion that you can see directly in it, clean it a bit at the beginning. In this case, you can wash it first with water so that the dirt on the surface is removed.
Apply a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to it and make sure it reaches all the corroded areas evenly. Wait until the color of the mixture changes and some bubbles form. Once this is done wipe the whole area and notice all the corrosion is gone.
How Do You Clean Rust Out Of A Motorcycle Gas Tank?
There are several ways to remove rust from a motorcycle’s gas tank, you can use any of them. With the use of chemical ingredients, manual ingredients, and a mixture of both, you can do the job in three ways. Like a chemical, you can use mild acid which eats and removes rust.
Also if you use a manual method, it is a lot like rubbing rust where gravel and nuts-bolts are used. The best method is a mixture of both. The rust can be completely removed as a result of the mixture inside the tank, but caution is required as it is harmful.
How Long Does It Take To Clean Your Motorcycle Gas Tank Correctly?
It usually takes about 6 hours for a motorcycle’s gas tank to be completely clean. This can be done very easily without the use of any expensive chemicals or products. You get a little more vinegar. Open the tank, insert some bolts with 1/3 vinegar in it and keep shaking the tank.
After 6 hours, open the assessment and pour the vinegar into a bucket. In the same way, after washing the inside with the rest of the vinegar, notice that it is very clean.
How Often Should You Clean Your Motorcycle Gas Tank?
It is recommended to clean a motorcycle gas tank every 4 to 6 months, which means twice or thrice in a year. But you need to make sure that the tank is already clean. Maybe it got dirty too soon which needs to be cleaned early. Once you clean the gas tank and then inadvertently a dirty gas line gets inside, knock you to clean it before the specified time.
How Do You Clean A Motorcycle Gas Tank Without Removing It?
Despite being complicated, you can clean the gas tank without removing it. Look for a guide manual that will help to do the job smoothly without disconnecting the tank. Disconnect the fuel lines as per the instructions and drain the tank.
Apply water under pressure and wash and dry it. Then leave the tank for some time with the cleaning ingredients. If the ingredient looks pale with pepper, wash it off with water and let it dry again.
What Happens If Dirt In A Motorcycle Gas Tank Is Not Cleaned?
If you do not clean the dirty gas tank of your motorcycle, it will cause problems in some special cases. A certain amount of fuel needs to flow to start a motorcycle. A dirty gas tank interrupts it.
Due to the accumulation of dirt and rust in the gas tank, the fuel line does not push the fuel properly into the engine, resulting in a lack of fuel in your engine. Your motorcycle cannot start normally.
To Sum Up
You probably got all the answers on how to clean a motorcycle gas tank. Since you do not have to clean it every day, you need to have enough patience and time.
No matter if you can’t do it alone, clean the fuel tank every 6 months or every 1 year with a service center or an experienced mechanic.
So, If a fuel tank can be well maintained for a small fee, why to buy another new gas tank with a hefty sum of money?
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