riversbikes Posted November 4, 2020 Report Share Posted November 4, 2020 Have a 1098 plastic tank. Bought used, thought it was clean. Filled with gas to test run the bike -- success, it runs! However a peek in the tank shows that there is what appears to be paint residue from a previous job floating in the fuel. Didn't run the bike much as I didn't want to plug the filter and or gum up the throttle bodies. Thoughts on how to clean the tank out? Being plastic, it can't be too "hot" a chemical? I'm assuming the tank base needs to come off to properly do a job. Varsol? More fuel? Acetone? Good old water and soap? The bike is going into storage for the winter so I have time. Looking for best options... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srad34 Posted November 4, 2020 Report Share Posted November 4, 2020 If the particles are loose in the fuel, I would just repeat flush the tank with fuel to clear it. Sure there are more expensive flashy routes, but this has worked fine for me in the past 😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpinestarhero Posted November 4, 2020 Report Share Posted November 4, 2020 Steer clear of things like acetone, ethanol (what are termed "polar" solvents) - they wont be kind to the plastic, they may cause swelling or distortion. It's designed for petrol so use petrol. Can you get a boroscope / inspection camera in there to have a good look? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evilchicken0 Posted November 4, 2020 Report Share Posted November 4, 2020 Fire ? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Posted November 5, 2020 Report Share Posted November 5, 2020 Wouldn't it make sense to have a crack at flushing it out with water first on the basis that it's both the cheapest & least likely to affect the tank? If it doesn't work, what have you lost by trying? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpinestarhero Posted November 5, 2020 Report Share Posted November 5, 2020 (edited) 10 hours ago, Evilchicken0 said: Fire ? Bottles of fire are notoriously difficult to handle though I mean, you wouldnt even get it into the tank before it's all used up Edited November 5, 2020 by Alpinestarhero 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evilchicken0 Posted November 5, 2020 Report Share Posted November 5, 2020 (edited) When I de-rusted a tank I had to soak up some of the leftover water and wipe some of the rust dust in the bottom seams. I used some toilet paper folded up and gaffa taped to a length of metal rod. I'd say for this you can use a bit of petrol and a bit of washing up sponge. Not sure about gaffa taping it the petrol will melt the adhesive so maybe some wire or a clamp of some sort. Edited November 5, 2020 by Evilchicken0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coombehouse Posted November 10, 2020 Report Share Posted November 10, 2020 I'd be trying a non solvent degreaser. Won't damage plastic but should dislodge any crap. No nonsense degreaser from Screwfix would be a cheap option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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