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Electrolysis rust removal - motorbike fuel tank

Electrolysis rust removal - motorbike fuel tank
So have you just found a layer of nasty rust on the inside of your fuel tank? well we may be able to help!!
Electrolysis rust removal is easy but takes a some time.
you need;
-one 12v battery charger
-soda crystals
-strip of mild steel
-water
 
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Step 1Preparing the tank

preparing the tank
Firstly clean out the tank of fuel, remembering to dispose of waste fuel safely!!
Don,t worry about washing it out just shake out any loose bits if you can.
we will doing the tank in two parts, with the tank in its normal position and then upside down. both are done exactly the same way.
This instructable will show the upside down part, but right side up is the same method.
Do this in a well ventilated area, prefably outside as the process of electrolysis will produce hydrogen gas!!
Make sure the tank is stable and block any pipes coming out to prevent leaking.

Make sure the cap seals properly, if in dought use some plastic to help it

Remove the fuel level sender
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12 comments
Nov 6, 2011. 12:23 PMNightHawkInLight says:
Interesting. I've used electrolysis to create rust, but never to remove it. Good to know.
Nov 4, 2011. 11:07 AMdimtick says:
Great instructable!
do you need to do anything to the tank to keep the rust from coming back? it seems like it would be a good idea to use some gas tank sealant or do you think it's not necessary?
Nov 5, 2011. 3:13 PMdimtick says:
I thought if you left gas in for a long time it'll go bad. Then if you run the engine with bad gas you can have a lot worse problems than rust. I'm still leaning toward using a gas tank treatment
Nov 6, 2011. 8:02 AMrainger says:
There are several fuel stabilizers that prolong the life of the fuel, great for winter storage and such...
I use Stabil, and keep the tank full to avoid condensation in the tank. I can let it sit for 9 months and still use the fuel. ( I think the bottle of Stabil says good for one year.)
Nov 4, 2011. 4:30 PMSeamusDubh says:
You could use an epoxy based sealer.
There many companies out there that make this, Por-15 is one type.
You can find them at any auto part or marine parts store.
Nov 6, 2011. 5:16 AMkricketone says:
What is soda crystals?
Nov 4, 2011. 7:00 AMmikeasaurus says:
great writeup, thanks for sharing the info!
Nov 4, 2011. 1:02 PMmikeasaurus says:
You should enter this into the Chemical Reactions Challenge!

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Author:professor sparky