Mercedes Mullins
Cleaning a vintage cat fuel tank screen is a necessary but potentially hazardous task. Fuel tanks are designed to keep fuel clean and secure, but debris, corrosion, and leaks can cause issues. Before cleaning, it is important to disconnect the fuel line and dispose of any remaining fuel. Inspection for damage is crucial, as a compromised tank can lead to leakage, fire, or fuel contamination. Replacement parts should be sourced from the original manufacturer to ensure compatibility and safety. Various methods for cleaning the tank include using gravel, water, and shaking; steel BB shots and a paint shaker; or products like Red-Kote, U.S. Tank, and Caswell Tank Sealer. Safety precautions, such as diluting acids and ensuring proper ventilation, are vital when working with chemicals.
How to Clean a Vintage Cat Fuel Tank Screen
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning supplies | Ordinary white vinegar, loose screws, chain, compressed air, Kreme or similar product, WD-40 or Marvel Mystery Oil, clean gas, muriatic acid, polyurethane, radiator shop cleaning |
| Cleaning process | Fill the tank with vinegar and screws or chain, shake for 5 minutes every few hours for 24 hours, rinse with WD-40 or Marvel Mystery Oil, rinse with clean gas, blow with compressed air, coat inside of the tank with Kreme or similar product |
| Notes | Do not coat or seal the tank unless necessary; if using muriatic acid, dilute it and add it to water in a well-ventilated area |
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What You'll Learn
Use white vinegar and loose screws to remove rust
Cleaning a vintage cat fuel tank screen can be done in several ways. One common method is to use white vinegar and loose screws to remove rust.
White vinegar is an effective and safe acid to use for rust removal. It is slower than some other acids, such as phosphoric or muriatic acid, but it is also less likely to cause immediate re-rusting. To use this method, start by draining and rinsing the fuel tank. Next, fill the tank with distilled white vinegar and let it sit overnight.
The next day, throw in a handful of loose screws, shake the tank, and then top it off with more vinegar. Let it sit for another night. The screws act as agitators, helping to dislodge rust particles that the vinegar loosens. After this second night of soaking, shake the tank again and then drain the vinegar.
After draining the vinegar, it is important to neutralize it by rinsing the tank with water and baking soda. This step will stop the vinegar from causing flash rust, which can occur when the tank is left empty for some time after cleaning.
Once the tank is neutralized, you can choose to either seal the tank with a tank sealer or fill it with fuel. Keeping the tank full of fuel will also help prevent flash rust.
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Rinse with WD-40 or Marvel Mystery Oil
Rinsing the fuel tank with WD-40 or Marvel Mystery Oil is a crucial step in preventing flash rust from forming. This step is essential, especially if the tank has been cleaned with vinegar. However, it is worth noting that some people do not recommend using WD-40 in the fuel tank. They argue that it does not possess any particular detergent properties and will not clean the injectors effectively.
WD-40 and Marvel Mystery Oil are not the only options for rinsing the fuel tank. Some people suggest using proprietary additives that have been specifically designed and tested for fuel systems. These products are considered safer for the fuel tank and its components, such as the tank lifter/pump, as they have been compatibility-tested with common fuel system materials.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using acetone, as it may cause long-term embrittlement issues with the bike's components, leading to unexpected expenses down the line.
For metal parts, a carb cleaner can be used, but caution is advised as it can strip paint. Xylene, for example, is an aggressive solvent that can effectively clean injectors but will also strip paint and dry out rubber and erode plastics.
While some people have suggested using WD-40 or Marvel Mystery Oil, it is always recommended to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines or seek advice from a professional mechanic or a vintage motorcycle specialist to ensure the safest and most effective cleaning methods for your specific fuel tank.
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Coat the tank with Kreme or similar products
To coat the tank with Kreme or similar products, you must first ensure that the tank is clean and dry. This can be done by washing the tank with hot soapy water and removing any loose flaky rust by adding stones or nuts and bolts and agitating the tank. For new tanks, it is important to remove the oily protective coating using an industrial-strength detergent or a commercial degreaser.
Once the tank is clean, you can coat the inside with Kreme or a similar product, such as Red-Kote or Caswell. These products are designed to coat the inside of fuel tanks and provide protection against rust and leaks. Follow the instructions on the product you choose, but generally, you will pour the product into the tank and rotate it in all directions to coat the entire inner surface. It is important to ensure that all surfaces are completely coated, and you may need to let the product set for a certain amount of time before draining off any excess.
For example, Kreem's Fuel Tank Liner product recommends slowly rotating the tank in all directions to coat the entire inner surface. A generous excess of the product should remain after coating all surfaces. Then, let the tank stand for 8-10 minutes with the spout open, and then close the spout and slowly rotate the tank again, allowing the excess to re-coat all surfaces. Repeat this process until the tank has the desired coating, being careful not to let the coating drain to one area and dry. Finally, drain off any excess coating and allow the tank to air dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours.
It is important to note that some people have had negative experiences with Kreme and similar coatings, as they can fail over time, especially if not applied correctly. Some people prefer to use epoxy liners, like Caswell, which create a new "tank within a tank" and are more resistant to modern ethanol fuel additives.
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Use a chain to scour the tank
Cleaning a vintage fuel tank can be a tricky task, but using a chain is one method to scour and clean the inside of the tank. This method is especially useful for tanks with a small manhole opening, making it difficult to reach inside and scrub.
The process involves attaching a chain to a wire, with the wire kept outside the tank for easy removal. The chain is then inserted into the fuel tank, ensuring it is secure and will not detach inside the tank. Once the chain is inside, the tank is filled with a cleaning solution, which can vary depending on the level of rust and debris. Some common solutions include kerosene, diesel fuel, or white vinegar, which is non-toxic and effective at removing rust.
After filling the tank with the chosen solution, the tank is shaken vigorously, allowing the chain to scour the inside and remove any built-up debris or rust. This process may need to be repeated several times, depending on the severity of the buildup. It is important to wear protective gear during this process, including gloves and eye protection, to avoid any injury from the cleaning chemicals.
Once the tank is deemed clean, it is crucial to thoroughly rinse the tank with water to remove any remaining chemicals. This process may also involve using compressed air to ensure the tank is entirely free of debris and moisture. Finally, the tank should be dried completely before applying any coating or sealer to protect the inside of the fuel tank.
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Apply diluted muriatic acid
When using muriatic acid to clean a fuel tank, it is important to take safety precautions. Muriatic acid is a corrosive substance that can cause skin and eye irritation and should not be inhaled. It is important to wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection when handling this chemical.
To apply diluted muriatic acid to clean a fuel tank, follow these steps:
- Dilute the muriatic acid: Muriatic acid should always be diluted with water before use. The recommended dilution ratio is 7 parts water to 1 part muriatic acid. Always add the acid to the water, as mixing acid and water can cause an exothermic reaction, leading to a rapid increase in temperature.
- Prepare the fuel tank: Remove the fuel tank from your vintage CAT vehicle, ensuring it is completely empty. Place the tank in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, as the fumes from the acid can be strong and hazardous.
- Apply the diluted acid: Pour the diluted muriatic acid into the fuel tank. The amount of acid needed will depend on the size of your tank. For a small tank, a quart of diluted acid may be sufficient, while larger tanks may require 2-3 gallons.
- Agitate the tank: To ensure the acid reaches all parts of the tank, agitate it by shaking, sloshing, or hanging the tank from a chain and moving it in different directions. This step helps loosen and remove any built-up residue or contaminants. You can also add a handful of nuts, bolts, or even daisy BBs to the tank before agitation for a more thorough cleaning.
- Soaking period: Allow the diluted acid to soak in the tank for a few hours or even overnight. This duration will depend on the level of contamination and your assessment of the tank's condition.
- Rinse and neutralize: After the soaking period, thoroughly rinse the tank with water to remove the acid. To neutralize any remaining acid residue, use a baking soda solution. You can add the baking soda solution to the tank and shake it again to ensure all acid residue is neutralized.
- Drying: Once the tank is thoroughly rinsed and neutralized, dry it completely. Some people use a wood stove or campfire to dry the tank, ensuring the metal gets hot but not red-hot. Alternatively, you can let the tank air-dry in a well-ventilated area.
It is important to note that muriatic acid can cause rust on unpainted metal surfaces. Always use it in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, and be cautious of its vapors, which can escape from sealed containers. Additionally, always neutralize the acid with baking soda and properly dispose of the acidic solution after use.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some methods to clean a vintage cat fuel tank screen:
- Use ordinary white vinegar with some loose screws or a chain to loosen up the rust. Fill it to the top, and shake for 5 minutes every few hours over 24 hours.
- Use lengths of chain and TSP to remove fuel tank buildup.
- Take your tank to a radiator shop to get it cleaned.
- Use diluted muriatic acid to clean the tank. Remember to add the acid to the water, and use it in a well-ventilated area.
After cleaning your fuel tank, rinse it immediately with WD-40 or Marvel Mystery Oil to prevent flash rust. Then, rinse it a second time with clean gas.
You can use products like Kreme or Caswell Tank Sealer to coat the inside of your fuel tank.
If your fuel tank is leaking, do not attempt to repair it. Instead, take it to a professional to get it cleaned and repaired.
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