'Gummy' petrol tank

[Nick G]

Hi Guys,
I've just started to work on a Triumph TR6 (1970) that hasn't been started since 1997. It's it pretty good condition but inevitably the petrol tank was pretty gummed up with petrol sludge/varnish. It had a half full tank. I bought a 'Motorcycle tank repair kit' consisting of 'Marine Clean', 'Metal Ready' and POR-15 sealer.
I followed the instruction for stage 1 'Marine Clean' which was supposed to clear the varnish etc. but still have a fair amount left. Not sure if I should buy more of the Marine Clean stuff or use a different method. Instructions suggest that I need to neutralise the tank with the 'metal ready' gear before sealing but I'm not convinced it actually needs to be sealed.
Anyone had experience of these kits or any other good methods of sorting out the problem?
The tank has a really nice paint job so I don't want to cock it up.

 

[PIGGLET]

Used the method below on my TY80 tank recently and it worked a treat.
Just beware, the acid and caustic will knacker plastic petrol caps and aluminium fuel taps so remove them first.

http://www.realclassic.co.uk/techfiles/petrol_tank_cleaning_and_rust_removal.html

 

[Nick G]

Used the method below on my TY80 tank recently and it worked a treat.
Just beware, the acid and caustic will knacker plastic petrol caps and aluminium fuel taps so remove them first.

http://www.realclassic.co.uk/techfiles/petrol_tank_cleaning_and_rust_removal.html

Did you do that to a painted tank? It reads a bit scarey but I'm up for it I just don't want to mess up the nice paint that on my tank.

 

[PIGGLET]

Yep did it to a painted tank, just be carefull and try not to get any on the outside of the tank. I had the hosepipe next to me to rinse any spillages off immediately but didn't need it. I did it outside on a workmate next to the drain. just take your time and go carefully, make sure everything you need or might need is to hand.
If you are removing the drain tap make sure whatever you are using to block the hole (piece of hose pipe with a plug in the end in my case) is up to the job and not going to fall off. When you shake the tank full of acid/caustic.
Not a good idea to do it in shorts either.................. Trust me

 

[Nick G]

Yep did it to a painted tank, just be carefull and try not to get any on the outside of the tank. I had the hosepipe next to me to rinse any spillages off immediately but didn't need it. I did it outside on a workmate next to the drain. just take your time and go carefully, make sure everything you need or might need is to hand.
If you are removing the drain tap make sure whatever you are using to block the hole (piece of hose pipe with a plug in the end in my case) is up to the job and not going to fall off. When you shake the tank full of acid/caustic.
Not a good idea to do it in shorts either.................. Trust me

I'll give it a go. I've got a couple of old petrol taps I can use to bloke the drain. Did you just use a petrol cap for the 'big hole at the top'