Any need to clean this fuel tank?

[DaveP]

1981 GS650L fuel tank:

Was considering trying out the electrolysis method of fuel tank cleaning with Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda, but the tank does not show much signs of rust. Fuel cock strainer also looks clean. The thing next to the fuel cock appears to be a bit of paper towel or something that has been in the tank for who knows how long. Bike has not run for a few years and was dry at recent purchase.

I am concerned that if I try to remove the small amount of rust visible that I might cause issues rather than improve anything.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[tom203]

My tank looks similar, no problem,so leave yours alone. But get a new petcock as present for your bike! Z1 or georgefix has them

http://www.georgefixs.com/servlet/the-541/BRAND-NEW-SUZUKI-GS300/Detail

The link shows a petcock with more reserve- there is another version with less reserve.

Edit. There are sealing washers under petcock mounting bolts- about 35 cents each at decent hardware store. The 1/4 inch size works on the 6mm bolts just fine.

 

[DaveP]

I think you were reading my mind about the new petcock and gaskets:
http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=224840

 

[tkent02]

That one looks a lot cleaner than most. Even if there is a tiny bit of rust down near the bottom seam, it won't hurt anything unless there's enough to come loose and clog things up.

If your petcock screen and carbs are staying clean that's good enough. If they are getting rusty sediment in the float bowls then you should clean the tank.

 

[Devon bloke]

1981 GS650L fuel tank:

Was considering trying out the electrolysis method of fuel tank cleaning with Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda, but the tank does not show much signs of rust. Fuel cock strainer also looks clean. The thing next to the fuel cock appears to be a bit of paper towel or something that has been in the tank for who knows how long. Bike has not run for a few years and was dry at recent purchase.

I am concerned that if I try to remove the small amount of rust visible that I might cause issues rather than improve anything.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Dave

You think thats bad? Check mine out

 

[bwringer]

There are lots of much newer bikes running around with much worse corrosion.

Ride it!

 

[DaveP]

Devon, You Win . Tank will be going back on this weekend.