Electrolysis Tank Cleaning

[Duccout]

After struggling with loose rust problems in my 250's tank - the petrol always turns rust coloured - I thought that I would have a go at electrolysis cleaning. Well, I can report, that it works like magic!

The process is simple and just requires an old battery charger and some washing soda. I left it plugged in all night and today most of the rust had been dislodged and was washed away. However, I still have the same problem that I had when I cleaned it with white vinegar, in that when the interior dries, small pieces of rust flake off and are trapped in the tank. No matter how many times I wash it out, when it dries the same problem occurs. I don't want to spend the next few weeks repeating the process, so I will have to trust that the in-line filter does its job. We'll see.

Cheers,

Colin

[ranton_rambler]

My tank was heavily rusted inside, so after a session of knocking as much of the loose rust off with a handful of nuts, I set it up for electrolysis and left it for a few weeks! Tipping the gunk out and replacing the sacrificial electrode every so often. Mind you, I wasn’t in a rush as I had the rest of the bike to build.

[Dave354]

I have just sealed my tank with POR15. I and the same problem. The kit has a degreaser then a metal treatment which neutralises the rust before the sealant is added. To be fair I’ve not put fuel in yet but it looks pretty good inside now!
Dave

[Duccout]

Yes, a sealant is another option, but I'd rather not do it, it is a hassle to do and there are question marks over its durability when full of ethanol.....

[George]

Hi Colin I had success with electrolysis and like Ranton Rambler allowed two weeks to complete, changing mix every two to three days and had to replace sacrificial anode. Important to dry with hot air dryer when finished. Worked for me.

First start up of 350 Road today, all good apart from my lack of strength kicking over. Lot more to do before it's on the road.

[Dave354]

Yes, a sealant is another option, but I'd rather not do it, it is a hassle to do and there are question marks over its durability when full of ethanol.....

One of the reasons I used the por15 was it’s ethanol resistant…..

[IanHood]

I’ve used Por 15 on my Darmah tank. It’s been in there for three years now and still looks as good as the day I did it. Good preparation according to their recommendations is key I believe but it’s very good stuff in my view.

Ian

[ranton_rambler]

I decided not to line my tank in the end - too many horror stories.

As George says, getting the tank dry quickly once the electrolysis is finished is important. I used iso-propyl alcohol to take up the excess water and then left it on top of the boiler to dry thoroughly.

[Duccout]

While the tank is off I am giving it another dose of electrolysis, so I will see what another night's activity leaves it like. The problem that I find is that the electrode needs de-scaling every couple of hours or the process seems to stop.


Colin

[George]

While the tank is off I am giving it another dose of electrolysis, so I will see what another night's activity leaves it like. The problem that I find is that the electrode needs de-scaling every couple of hours or the process seems to stop.


Colin

Patience is required Colin. Found photos of my tank from TS showing size of electrode and amount of rust removed on completion. Remember some of this rust comes from anode. The old Italian tanks were constructed of thick gauge steel. If you decide to line tank, rust will still have to be removed before lining.