How to properly maintain your motorcycle fuel tank

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Long story short: Keep your motorcycle fuel tank in top condition with these maintenance tips. Learn how to prevent rust, leaks, and maintain motorcycle tank.

The motorcycle tank is the most indispensable part of a motorcycle, and everyone knows the importance of the same, right? But in the long run, a fuel tank can raise several issues for the owner, like fuel leakage, rust, etc. So, as motorcycle owners, what we need is to reduce problems as much as possible. Here, we will discuss in-depth things like how to take care and maintain motorcycle tank, rust prevention tips and rust removal tips from a tank. Also, we will cover some tips related to motorcycle fuel and fuel pumps.

What are the common issues faced by motorcycle fuel tank?

The main issues faced in motorcycle fuel tanks are

1. Rust in the motorcycle tank
2. Water in the motorcycle tank
3. motorcycle tank leakage

The above issues, number one and three, are the common issues motorcycle owners face. For long-term users, rust and motorcycle tank leakage are the main problems that create a headache for the owner. Now let’s discuss each issue in-depth and also suggest solutions for the same.

Issue no 1 – Rust in the motorcycle gas tank

Causes of rust in the motorcycle tank

The leading cause of rust in the motorcycle tank is the typical metal fuel tank using galvanized steel construction. While galvanization helps resist rust, all steel present eventually succumbs to corrosion due to condensation. When the moisture gets trapped inside, the metal interior begins to rust. Since steel contains iron, the material rusts as the metal reacts with oxygen in moisture.

How to prevent rust in the motorcycle gas tank?

To prevent rust in the motorcycle tank,

1. Try to have full tank fuel while refuelling, which helps reduce corrosion as most of the tank material is covered in fuel.
2. Also, try to refuel from suitable quality pumps as poor petrol might contain other contaminants which affect the motorcycle tank, the carburettor, and the fuel injector.
3. If you live in an area where it rains or is humid, use water-resistant covers for your motorcycle while keeping it outside.

How to clean rust inside a motorcycle gas tank?

First things first. Cleaning the motorcycle fuel tank is not a DIY task and requires expertise to disconnect the motorcycle tank from other devices.

1. Inspect the tank using a flashlight and determine whether it can be cleaned. Replacement is the best option if the tank is highly rusty or damaged.
2. Remove the tank by draining the fuel and unhooking all the gas lines and sensors. It would help if you did not do all of this.
3. Remove rust using an acid, like vinegar or a commercial gas tank cleaner, and an agitator, like nuts and bolts. Shake this around in the tank throughout the day or longer, depending on the amount of rust.
4. Next, pour out the solution after enough agitation, rinse the tank with a garden hose, and pour about five gallons of hot water with dish soap. Shake the water around and empty it. Dry out the tank using a hairdryer or heat gun on low heat. Lastly, add a sealer, like kerosene or a commercial sealer, to coat the inside and prevent flash rust. It would help if you also considered replacing the fuel gasket. Finally, your tank is set to reinstall.

Issue no 2 – Water in the motorcycle gas tank

Causes of water present in the motorcycle tank

The presence of water in the motorcycle tank can occur due to condensation or leaks at your fuel pump, which results in small amounts of water in your gas tank. While very tiny amounts will generally make it through your fuel system without damage or consequence, it only takes a little water to start to cause problems.

How to prevent water presence in the motorcycle tank?

1. Check the motorcycle tank cap and make sure the fuel tank cap is properly sealed and tightened to prevent water from getting into the tank.
2. Adding a fuel stabilizer can help prevent water from entering the fuel system. One thing to note is that it should be used if you have not used the motorcycle for more than 30 days. Fuel stabilizers work by absorbing any water that may be present in the fuel. A fuel stabilizer also helps eliminate the need to drain your motorcycle tank.
3. Use covers and store the motorcycle under a safe shelter if not using.

How to clean water inside a motorcycle tank?

1. Drain & refill is the ideal solution to drain the tank, clean it, and refuel it with good-quality fuel.
2. Replacing the old fuel filter is another good option. A fuel filter is a barrier to the water entering the vehicle’s engine from the fuel tank.
3. Rubbing alcohol can remove water from the fuel tank, a chemical that can settle at the tank’s bottom and absorb the water.
4. Adding fuel additives to the fuel tank will help dilute the fuel and water.

Issue no 3 – Motorcycle tank leakage

Causes of motorcycle tank leakage

A hole in the motorcycle’s tank can form due to rust or wear and tear, resulting in fuel leakage. While other reasons might cause fuel leakage, they are not due to the fuel tank.

How to prevent motorcycle tank leakage?

Tips are the same as the tips to prevent rust in the motorcycle fuel tank. Please refer to the same by scrolling the page upward.

How to seal a motorcycle tank leak?

We advise replacing the motorcycle tank as the best and safest option. Otherwise, if you plan to fix the leak, get the issue resolved by an expert technician. Discuss the same with the technician in depth. Remember that there are risks while repairing the leak, as there is no guarantee of how much protection the leakage fix will provide.

Conclusion

We have discussed the main issues faced in motorcycle tanks, their causes, tips to prevent them and how to maintain motorcycle tank.

The main issues faced in motorcycle tanks are

1. Rust in the motorcycle tank
2. Water in the motorcycle tank
3. Motorcycle tank leakage

Let’s summarize how to prevent & maintain motorcycle tank.

1. Try to have full tank fuel while refuelling whenever possible.
2. Refuel from suitable quality pumps as poor petrol might contain other contaminants which affect the fuel tank.
3. Use water-resistant covers for your motorcycle while keeping it outside, and store the motorcycle under a safe shelter.
4. Check the health of the fuel tank cap and make sure the fuel tank cap is properly sealed and tightened to prevent water from getting into the tank.
5. When storing the motorcycle for the long term for more than 30 days, use either a fuel stabilizer or drain the fuel tank.
6. Check the quality and health of the fuel filter regularly.
7. Adding fuel additives is a good option as it clears debris in the carburettor, fuel injection, and water and improves the motorcycle’s performance.

If you have any other doubts or queries, email us at bikeleague2017@gmail.com. We are always eager to help and assist you. Also, here are several social media platforms of Bikeleague India to raise your suspicions.