Checking for rust in fuel tank? Pointy.

[BigV]

I want to check my tank for rust, so took a look at the manual. From what I see, all you need to do is prop up the fuel tank, and disconnect the fuel hose and let it drain into a container. I assume if there is any rust, once the tank is drained you will see debris in fuel in the container?

Is it as simple as that to drain the fuel tank?

[timwilky]

No.

what bike have you got.

[BigV]

Dang, luckily I decided to ask here and check...she be a K7 SV650S (twin spark)

[timwilky]

I think, someone will correct me, but you may be lucky as the later bikes have an external c0ck, so disconnecting pipes is a possibility. But the pump is internal.

[yorkie_chris]

Why are you checking for rust in first place?

[Phil 1]

I doubt a bike of this age will have a rusty tank. Are you having fuelling issues?

[Bibio]

rust in the fuel tank can develop very quickly as petrol is lighter than water so if there is water in there (that can come from petrol pumps) it will sit at the bottom and cause rust. always a good idea to drain the tank each year.

[BigV]

With the winter months coming to an end, the bike would go for up to 5-6 weeks not being ridden at a time. So I am concerned with her not being used that often and sitting in the garage, that there could have been moisture and rust forming. Will be getting out on the road more often now as the rain season draws to an end, and have serviced the bike etc and wanted to check other things too. Rust in the fuel tank was on the to do list.

Think I'm being paranoid? Should I just leave it? No issues with the engine, she runs great.

[Bibio]

i think there is a product called 'dry fuel' that disperses water in the tank.

quick googlefoo and i was right http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_19 3117_langId_-1_categoryId_255221

[Falconbobb]

rust is formed when the tank is exposed to air ... fill the tank full when storing and put in a fuel stabilizer.
here is a tank i just recoated with KREEM TANK CONDITIONER on a 71 honda cb450 http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/09/27/y4u9ygev.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/09/27/y9ynetep.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/09/27/abujeve4.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/09/27/ebu2ajub.jpg

[wideguy]

Open the filler and look in with a strong light when the fuel level is low. If it looks tusty, drain the tank and look in again.

[Spanner Man]

Good morning all.


We see a lot of rusty fuel tanks ever since flush fitting fuel caps became the norm, & get plenty of water in the fuel issues.
Only last week we had an immaculate curvy in. That had only done 7000 from new. The inside of the tank had more rust than the Titanic!

It's sound advice to inspect the inside of the tank regularly, & to drain it annually.


Cheers.

[BigV]

Thanks guys, your replies have helped a lot...its on the inspection list for this weekend ;)