Cleaning without ruining tank liner

[chuck hahn]

Tank has a red liner in it and had about 1 gallon of old gas in it..obviously it wasnt leaking. BUT what I want to do is use something to kinda soak the tank and get any scummy residue that may be clinging inside out.

What would be some chemical soaks that would clean without dissolving the liner thats in there?? One thing i was considering is some greas and way remover from the paint shop but dont know if thats gonna adversely effect it.

[Fjbj40]

I use a product from Sherwin Williams called wash prime. It is for final wipe down prior to applying paint. It will not attack primer, paint or any cured agent I have used it on. I often use it to remove grease, oil and tape residue with no bad effects. Not sure if it would work but I use that s h I t everywhere!

another option could be TSP?

[tkent02]

No experience at it, but would kerosene work?

[akckhim]

Gasoline with fuel injector cleaner

[sealpup]

Chuck,

I've used methylated spirits (known as white spirit in the U.S?). That seemed to be effective is dissolving the gummy residue from fuel in the tank.

[chuck hahn]

I have some TSP and there actually is a little bit onn the bottom side of the tank around the sending unit hole. Guess a little mixed and placed just there would at least " proof " a few different solutions.

[Nessism]

Por-15 sells a Cleaner & Degreaser product. You might want to check out the MSDS to see what's inside or just purchase some.

[chuck hahn]

Yes..but is that strictly for cleaning the metal surfaces of a tank that is TO BE lined or can it be used on an existing liner to freshen up the insides before reuse..thats the million dollar question.

[Nessism]

Yes..but is that strictly for cleaning the metal surfaces of a tank that is TO BE lined or can it be used on an existing liner to freshen up the insides before reuse..thats the million dollar question.

Instructions are on the Por-15 website. Seems safe.

[OldVet66]

Chuck you might want to look at this thread on another forum: http://www.motorcycleforum.com/showthread.php?t=123078

[salty_monk]

High grade gas would do it (more detergent) gas with seafoam in it... Easy, cheap!

[JEEPRUSTY]

WHy not some laundry detergent? Its fairly powerful stuff and will not likely ruin the liner.
DO take care not to use very hot water. I rinsed a tank one with hot water before chasing it with alcohol once and my clearcoat on the outside of the tank let go in places. Very bad day.

[chuck hahn]

I used phosphate free TSP and hot tap water Mixed up about 1 1/2 cups in a pan and dissolved that..dumped it in the tank Then about another gallon or so of hot water. Stood and skook it side to side for maybe 20 minutes being sure it was sloshing past the filler neck opening and really getting to every surface.

It ran out the petcock hole looking like a weak honey color. then lots of plain water rinsing. Pretty sure its good inside. Just wanted to clean it an tad due to the fact old gas was in it and we all know the scumm that can make in a tank.

Paint was of no concern as the owner is gonna repaint the entire bike.