Dealing With Rust In The Gas Tank
My 2001 Indian has rust issues in the gas tanks (split). I am in the middle of using a product called Rusteco about which I have read great things.
This summer I had to drain and flush the tanks about every 3 tanks of fuel, and I was running an extra long fuel line with 2 filters.
Before adding the rusteco I put a few dozen 3/8" nuts in the tanks and shook them like crazy. A lot of very fine red powder came out (rust).
Next step was to blow it all out and fill the tanks to the top with the rusteco, which is totally non toxic and safe < made from citrus> . It doesnt harm paint, rubber, or anything else.
It's been 48 hrs and I will drain the rusteco from the tank today and flush with water, then treat again for 24 hrs. I'll post results as soon as I am done. Check out the website, interesting reading.
Results from the first "soak":
Before the rusteco went in the whole inside of the tank was brown with surface rust. The cap retainer was also brown with rust. 48 Hrs later there is not a bit or brown, and no rust apparent anywhere. The inside of the tank is shinny like stainless steel.
I wouldn't believe it unless I saw it myself. The directions call for a water cleaning now, than another 24 hrs with the rusteco in the tank. I wish I could take a picture of the inside of the tank, because it really is incredible.
The other good news is that this stuff is reusable. You just pour it back in the container (filter it if it has "chunks" in it) and use it over and over on other projects.
I'd rate it a ten out of ten so far. Easy clean up as its water soluble and non toxic. Doesnt smell and you dont even have to wear gloves.
After the final water rinse the directions say dry the tank with a hair dryer slowly and fill with fuel.
RickMeans