Removing Gas from a Tank

[nanoluxx]

I have my tank off my bike and am planning to sand the chipping paint and rust off it. I have removed most the gas but I still hear some shloshing around inside. I've tried tipping it all sorts of angles to get it to drain, but have had no luck.

I'm also assuming its bad to just grind at the surface of the tank with a little gas in it? You agree?

Any tips would be great.

Thanks,
jayson-

[KitKat]

have you removed the petcock and let the gas also drain out from there while tipping it in varous directions?


If not i would start there first

[nanoluxx]

Kk, I'll give that a shot. thanks.

[spyug]

Yup....not good to introduce spark or flame around gas or even fumes. You need to get all the gas out and let it air out for at least a few days. Sanding or even grinding the surface would be fine but if you are contemplating welding or brazing then other safety precautions need to be taken as even after sitting and airing there still could be sufficient fumes to go boom.

To get the gas out drain as best you can and removing the petcock works well. There still will be some residual and to get that sop it up with some paper towel wrapped and taped to a wire coat hanger introduced through the filler. An even better sponge for this is the famous "Sham-Wow!" as touted by our boy Vince ( the next Billy Mays????).

Once I get the gas out I usually duct tape over the petcock and filler holes to keep crud and sanding dust out.

Hope this helps.

Good luck with it.
Cheers,
Spyug

[Larry D]

Just take the cap and petcock off, flip it over and set it on an old towel or something.

While you have the tank off, make a good inspection of the interior of the tank. If it needs lined, now would be a good time to do it.....BEFORE you start painting. Some folks find a radiator shop and let them strip the tank. Keep in mind they will do inside and out. The inside will be ready to be lined (I used por-15) and the outside will ready for a little sanding, primer and paint.

[headsbikesmopars]

I would flush it out with water, then pour in a pint of denatured alcohol. That will fast dry and take with it any fuel residue. Should be safe after that. This is the time to coat inside with tank sealer. Yes..cover the openings while sanding and painting.

Terry

[1980GS1000E]

I love Vince.

[crapwacker]

I love Vince.

This bike loves me? It may be mutual...