De-rusting gas tank

While the tank is off pending engine work, I took a look inside and was dismayed to see a fair amount of rust. So I've had it full of a white vinegar mixture and now a brush inserted through the gas cap will easily brush off the rust revealing nice clean metal underneath.

Of course, that brush doesn't reach in very far. I'm thinking of using the traditional (?) method of dropping in a bit of chain or handful of nuts and shaking. But more than a little apprehensive of an end of that chain or some of those nuts getting stuck in some nook or cranny, for which, with the baffling and all, there appears to be plenty of opportunity.

Has anyone tried this method, with or without success?

And any other suggestions?

Thanks as always - BK

Evaporust, pour in, pour out.

Use Metalworks in Eugene, Oregon or a similar outfit. Very inexpensive and your tank is returned clean as you could wish with a protective coating. I've used them three times and they are the best value for your money. I have tried self-cleaning and it is a mixed result. Absolutely recommend clear Caswell applied on a warm day but not too hot - viscosity and vigorous and strategic movement returns the best coating. I have an Interstate tank hanging up right now that has three years on it and looks as good as the day it came out of the tank.

I use nuts. Have for years. Multiple norton tanks, no trouble.

I used aquarium gravel and soapy water, then dried with isopropanol (rubbing alcohol). A bit light oil or wd40 to coat insides for storage if not back on bike.

Thanks all - BK

concours said:

I use nuts. Have for years. Multiple norton tanks, no trouble.

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You're right on Concours. Just make sure you count them before you put them in, so you have the same amount coming out

I used electrolysis, on my GL1000 tank, if you want to try this method, go get some bulk washing soda, 1/2 a cup or so, just use it with water, I put a piece of tube inside a piece of push bike tube whith a couple of notches in the rubber, hook up your battery charger negative to tank, and positive to electrode tube to the bicycle tube to insulate it from the metal at filler neck. Cheers