QuestionI purchased a 1974 Honda CB 360 and the first problem I face is a fuel tank that is rusty on the inside. When I drained the fuel in the tank it was almost black and I know I will need to replace fuel lines and probably rebuild the carbs. I need to know the best way to get the rust and sludge out of the tank before starting anything else however. The bike is in pretty good condition with only minor surface rust on the chrome and was running in 1991 when it was put into storage. Tires look good but I don't trust them. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.
AnswerThe usual fuel tank cleaning solutions are:
POR-15, KREEM, Yamaha fuel tank cleaner, something called Milkstone Remover (farm equipment product) or even Coca-Cola. RUSTECO in Los Angeles can dip the whole tank in their solution and it is not supposed to hurt the paint.
You have to get the heavy solids out of the bottom of the tank, though. Some people use carb cleaner (Berryman's in a can, not the spray can) to loosen up the petroleum portions, then use anti-rust solutions to dissolve the rust and etch the metal for a liner coating. Sometimes with heavy rust you have to put in a handful of old bolts and nuts, BBs and other metallic items, in order to beat up the rust layers in side. Takes a bit of time to shake the tank around with the hardware inside, but it often does a pretty good job of knocking off the bit stuff.
I would replace the chain, fork seals, battery, air filters, and both tire, plus go through the brake system before I took it out for any kind of a trip.
You need to fully service the motor... valve adjust, oil change, camchain service, carb clean, new plugs, clean the points and set ignition timing and check the mechanical spark advancer behind the point plate for proper operation.
Bill Silver
Bill Silver
