How To Remove Rust From Motorcycle Gas Tank With Vinegar

rusty motorcycle tank

If you want to use your motorcycle for a long time, you need to clean the accumulated rust and moisture from its gas tank at regular intervals. Otherwise, these contaminants will seriously damage the tank of your bike and you will be left with no option other than to replace it with a new one.

When it comes to cleaning the tank of a motorcycle, many riders ask this common question how can they do the task with vinegar?

If this is the same question that is bugging you for a long time, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will provide you with all the details including a step-by-step guide on how to remove rust from motorcycle gas tank with vinegar effectively.

What is Motorcycle Fuel Tank Rust Abatement?

Evapo Rust Motorcycle Tank Cleaning

Motorcycle tanks are often made of aluminium or steel. This is a critical part of the motorcycle as it contains fuel for the engine. Rust and corrosion can form on the surface of the tank and if left untreated, will cause pitting and holes in the metal.

Mild acid like muriatic acid can effectively clean rust from the gas tank interiors of the motorcycle. You can also rinse the fuel chamber with phosphoric acid to clean rust from the surface and interior of the fuel chamber. Also, you can use baking soda to clean the gas cap and fuel box before you fill the tank with fresh fuel for optimal performance. Use a fuel soluble sealer to protect the fuel filters after the cleaning process. The flash rust or surface rust can be easily cleaned using baking soda or muriatic acid.

Rust abatement is the process of removing rust from a surface. This can be done with a number of different methods, but vinegar is one of the most popular and affordable methods.

How to Get a Rust-Free Motorcycle Gas Tank with Vinegar?

Now that you know what motorcycle rust abatement is, let’s take a look at how to get rid of rust with vinegar.

The first step is to gather all the materials that you will need to make the process smooth. These are as follows –

Materials Needed for Removing Rust with Vinegar

Distilled White Vinegar Paint Scraper, steel wool, spare piece of cloth or towel wire, and stripper sandpaper/sanding sponge.

STEP 1: Prepare the Tank for Cleaning

Before you start removing any rust, prepare the tank of the motorcycle by removing the side covers so that you have better access to all sides of the tank. This will help in removing all dirt and debris without much hassle.

Remove both side covers using a wire stripper before moving on to the next steps.  It is advisable not to remove anything else except what is merely required during the tank cleaning job. You might end up damaging other parts if not careful.

STEP 2: Soak the Tank in Vinegar

Now that your tank is prepped, it’s time to soak it in vinegar. Pour distilled white vinegar into the tank until it is full and then seal it with a spare piece of cloth or towel.

Make sure that the vinegar covers all areas of the tank, especially where rust is present. Let the tank sit for at least 12 hours so that the vinegar can work its magic.

STEP 3: Rust Removal for the Tank with Steel Wool for Interior Protection

Strong Acid Wash

After 12 hours have passed, remove the tank from the vinegar and start scrubbing away at the rust with steel wool.

The steel wool will scrape off any loose rust and corrosion from the surface of the tank. Be sure to use gentle pressure when scrubbing so that you don’t damage the metal.

STEP 4: Soak Again in Vinegar for Added Shine

Once you have removed all the rust with steel wool, it’s time to give the tank another soak in vinegar. Pour distilled white vinegar into the tank until it is full and then seal it with a spare piece of cloth or towel.

Let the tank sit for at least 6 hours so that the vinegar can work its magic.

STEP 5: Rust Cleaning with Paint Scraper for Ultimate Gloss

After 6 hours have passed, remove the tank from the vinegar and start scraping away at the rust with a paint scraper. The paint scraper will scrape any remaining rust and corrosion from the surface of the tank.

Don’t forget to dispose of all rust and dirt particles in a place where they can’t cause any harm or damage.

STEP 6: Clean & Dry the Tank Before Refill

Distilled Water Bike Cleaning

Now, that you have removed all the rust from the tank, it’s time to clean and dry it thoroughly. Pour distilled white vinegar into the tank until it is full and then seal it with a spare piece of cloth or towel.

Let the tank sit for at least 2 hours so that all traces of vinegar are removed from inside the tank. After 2 hours, remove and discard everything in your gas tank and pour new gasoline in before resealing it using side covers and other materials which were removed during the preparation process.

What Kind of Vinegar to Use in Cleaning Motorcycle Fuel Chamber?

Distilled white vinegar is the best option to use to clean a motorcycle fuel chamber because it doesn’t contain any impurities whatsoever.

Apple cider vinegar and malt vinegar are also good choices but if you can get your hands on distilled white vinegar, then that’s even better.

How to Keep Rust Out of Gas Tank After Cleaning?

Now that you have removed all the rust from the fuel chamber of your motorcycle, it’s important to keep it out in the future. The best way to do this is by applying a coating of protective paint or clear gloss over the entire surface of the tank.

This will protect the metal underneath and prevent corrosion from re-occurring. Another great option is to apply wax, which offers similar protective properties as paint but doesn’t require any painting process whatsoever.

Conclusion

Motorcycle gas tank rust removal doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow these simple steps.

Using distilled white vinegar for removing rust from inside the fuel compartment might seem like an odd choice at first but when you think about it, it makes perfect sense as white vinegar contains acetic acid, which is a powerful rust remover.

Make sure to prepare the tank before cleaning by removing all side covers and other materials that might be.

Iron oxide reaction causes rusting of the motorcycle if they are not kept in a ventilated area. A metal rescue is possible by rubbing alcohol on the parts or dipping the entire chamber in a solution for a few hours. You can get accurate equipment and different products at the hardware store to clean your motorcycle.

Follow this guide to get a rust-free fuel cage for your motorcycle using distilled white vinegar. Also, remember that rust can form on the surface of the tank and if left untreated, will cause pitting and holes in the metal. So, if you want your motorcycle to have a long life, remember to clean your gas tank at regular intervals with the most affordable option of distilled white vinegar.

Happy Cleaning!

About The Author

daniel and sarah on motorcycle

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