Fuel Tank ⛽️

[rajrakhiria]

Haven’t been on here for some-time. However last time round helpful peeps as always!!

Long story short. My ZXR 400/L9 (2000), has been left standing in my garage for just over 2 years. Battery is dead as dodo. 🦤 I completely get that.

However from a quick view of tank by a reputable bike mechanic it seems like the old fuel has caused minor contamination in the fuel tank. So it’s got particles of rust however been told actual tank can be saved!!

Tank needs to be removed and cleaned and re-lined by a specialist whom knows what they are doing!! Any reccomendations, Ideally Midlands to avoid post damage/hassle, whom do this types of work?

I’m in Wednesbury/not to far from M6/junction 9

Thanks
Raj

[banner001]

before lining the tank i would deox-c, you mix it up and keep swirling it all around the tank. it converts rust back into bare steel...its damn good!

tank lining always fails eventually and then you have a much bigger issue...

even if you have a few pinholes its better to take the hit, get them cut and re-welded over tank lining....

[rajrakhiria]

That’s great.Originally was trying to find a new replacement tank, however that’s like looking for a chocolate fireguard. Thanks for your guidance. You’re one of many that has suggested not to go down the route of tank lining, as it comes with other potential consequences.

I can’t seem to find Deox C anywhere on retail on the shelf? (Other than Amazon).

Also wish to post images of tank on here but don’t know how to attach the photo?

[banner001]

ebay and opie oils sell it, i think i got mine from opie oils. i doubt you will find it on a shelf, but its really good stuff...dilute it down and you can use it a few times on the same tank, seems to work a bit better than just using it nearly neat.

as for pictures, you need to use something like flickR, and use the link that flickR gives you on here - old skool tech im afraid here....

[watsonm359]

I’ve de-rusted 2 tanks that were quite bad using the following method and have had no rust return.
1. Brimmed tank with cider vinegar and left for a good few days (length will depend on how much rust is present).
2. Once satisfied 99% of rust was removed, emptied tank and flushed out with tap water.
3. Using patio cleaner (strong acid) partially diluted, poured around a litre in the tank and proceeded to swirl around in the tank for a while. Make sure all holes are plugged first.
4. Checking inside the tank that any remaining rust has been removed, drain out acid and using an acid neutraliser flush out tank.
5. Using a hair dryer or heat gun, spend a good while drying out tank completely - must ensure tank is thoroughly dry or flash rust will return.
6. I did not use any sealer as I’ve heard of the short and long term issues, so after much research I fitted the one tank to my bike and brimmed with fuel. The other tank I sprayed ACF50 inside to prevent further rusting.

As it stands the tank fitted has had no rust returning and if it did - Remove and repeat without the need of trying to remove the sealer first.

A warning however, if your tank has really bad rust be mindful that if you leave the cider vinegar in too long it can create pin holes and make the matter worse.

[rajrakhiria]

Thanks for all your guidance. Fuel tank has been surgically been nearly cleaned. Just one more through clean with Deox X and done. Well that’s what I tried to endeavour and now the fuel cap has seized Well disappointed as wanted to ride my bike this weekend.

Have managed to somehow take the original outer surround and cap off and removed. However finding a replacement is testing. I’ve tried eBay etc. However to no success. Haven’t tried main dealer yet, however I reckon Kawasaki maybe pricey.

Is there any aftermarket alternatives that may fit? I want it too look fairly decent and fuel cap to be lockable is personally not necessity!!

Please Kindly Help (If you can)