dirty fuel tank

crabdance · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008, 08:04 PM

Looks like I have a dirty fuel tank. the gas/oil mixture is backing up on the top side of my new in-line filter. The carburetor is not getting gas. I took the filter off cleaned the gas that was in the fuel line and put it back together. It ran for a moment then stopped running again. Now I'm back to square one.... So here's my question:

How do you properly clean out a gas tank? This is not a trick question... I really don't know. I need for someone to point me in a direction. Tomorrow I plan to take the tank off, empty it, and clean it (somehow). What is the best way to do that? I really appreciate any help in this matter.

thanks,
cd

Pablo · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008, 08:22 PM

Just dump the fuel out.... Then throw in a hand full of clean washers, threaded nuts, etc. Start shakin'. Really bust it up. Dump that junk out clean the hardware and repeat,

Then Spray in a bunch of PB Blaster, Kroil or other rust buster type lube....junky WD-40 will do in a pinch. ....let it soak over night and then spray a bunch more in. Rinse a couple times with clean fuel. (You should be able to filter the second flush and use it.....if you dilute it with some other gas....as long as it's clean).

You should be good to go.

crabdance · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pablo

Just dump the fuel out.... Then throw in a hand full of clean washers, threaded nuts, etc. Start shakin'. Really bust it up. Dump that junk out clean the hardware and repeat,

Then Spray in a bunch of PB Blaster, Kroil or other rust buster type lube....junky WD-40 will do in a pinch. ....let it soak over night and then spray a bunch more in. Rinse a couple times with clean fuel. (You should be able to filter the second flush and use it.....if you dilute it with some other gas....as long as it's clean).

You should be good to go.

Thanks Pablo, I didn't know what to do. At least I have a plan now

I may start on it tonight and not wait until tomorrow. I want to be able to ride my bike as soon as possible so the sooner I get started, the better. I will let you know how everything turns out!

cd

**Ilikeabikea** · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008, 09:56 PM

A handful of pea gravel works too........................

Tj Bunch · #5 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008, 10:24 PM

I've heard gravel is not the best if you don't get it real clean. From the Gravel Ypou may get sand or grit left behind. What about coting tank after cleaning what would you use?

crabdance · #6 (**permalink**) 07-06-2008, 09:58 AM

Well.. I tried something new. I was never sure if I had the filter in right or if it made a difference, but this morning I turned the filter around. Now the filter fills up with fuel the way I imagine it should work. Yesterday my bike was not starting because of what I thought was a dirty tank. That might still be the issue but I wanted to add this in case it rang any bells with anyone. Yesterday my bike would not start at all unless I used the choke... then it would run for about 30 seconds then die. Since I switched the filter around, I can get it started without using the choke but it won't stay running. It begins cutting out after about 20 seconds. If I go to 1/4 turn on the throttle it "tries" to run but if I give it more it acts like it's flooding out.

I haven't taken off the float on the carburetor yet because I lost my one and only Phillips screwdriver yesterday. Have to buy another. There is gas backed up on the "top" side of the fuel filter and gas backed up on the carburetor side of the fuel filter (if that helps). Guess I will have to wait until I get me a screwdriver to know if the carb is ok or not. Just thought I would throw this out there and see if anyone had any thoughts about this.

Thanks everyone...
cd

Pablo · #7 (**permalink**) 07-06-2008, 11:14 AM

Holy squankoronie. That was easy. Doesn't your fuel filter have arrows?

Well, just throw the old one away and get a new filter because all that crap caught on the wrong side will be washed into your carb and engine if you just turn it around.

crabdance · #8 (**permalink**) 07-06-2008, 12:44 PM

Ok... here's what happened. I could not get it to run for more than about 20-30 seconds. Then it would sound like it was flooded. So I tried something that I've tried before to see if it would work. I took the bowl off the carburetor and once again the prongs for the float were stuck in a position that was too high. All I had to do was put a little downward pressure on the prongs and they snapped into a lower position. I put the bowl back on and tried to to take the bike out for a ride. Well it ran great. No spitting or sputtering... just ran great.

My question is this... how can I stop the prongs from sticking too high? Is this a common thing? Do I need to bend the prongs?

Just don't know what to do guys... need a little help.
thanks,
cd

misteright1_99 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-06-2008, 01:30 PM

You need to look and see WHY the prongs are sticking. Bent rod, prongs rubbing on something, float needle not seating properly, etc. Look up Normans "carb" thread and make sure that the float is adjusted properly...

crabdance · #10 (**permalink**) 07-06-2008, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by misteright1_99

You need to look and see WHY the prongs are sticking. Bent rod, prongs rubbing on something, float needle not seating properly, etc. Look up Normans "carb" thread and make sure that the float is adjusted properly...

Thanks man... I will look up Norman's carburetor thread. I appreciate you getting back with me.