run rusty gas through a bike

Ice Burger · Nova Slayer Joined: 21 Apr 2019 Karma :

Just got an old CBR 400, in good running condition and put 70 miles on it and later took it for its first refuel.

Opened the tank, lots of rust inside, rode straight home to take the bike indoors and take a proper look. Fuel filter was completely shot and when I drained the tank lots of particles came out with the fuel.

The engine is seemingly unharmed and hasn't made any complaints. I'm going to properly de-rust the fuel tank and change the fuel filter, but apart from that, I'm not sure what else should be necessary.

I had an idea to run some engine flush and change the oil and filter. Maybe some fuel additives to wash the fuel system as well. Please let me know if I should take any further action or not, thanks.

Easy-X · Super Spammer Joined: 08 Mar 2019 Karma :

The only thing I found recently when fiddling about with the old DT is that old petrol + 2 stroke oil + rust = hard varnish when it dries out. The old tank I was using for testing is in the aforementioned state and the gasket on the petcock isn't all that: a drop of fuel ended up on the engine case. It isn't coming off with spit and a rag!

Short term just take the tank off and swirl a bit of petrol about. Dispose of in an environmentally sound manner Smile

Oh, and a new fuel filter.

Long term you might want to consider some sort of rust or acid treatment if you think it's really bad.
____________________
Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, ~~Yamaha XSR700,~~ ~~Honda Rebel,~~ ~~Yamaha DT175,~~ ~~Suzuki SV650 (loan)~~ ~~Fazer 600,~~ ~~Keeway Superlight 125,~~ ~~50cc turd scooter~~

Hong Kong Phooey · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Apr 2016 Karma :

If it's running ok then I'd leave the carbs alone, but I would order a rebuild kit now just in case, as due to Covid19 there won't be many left on the shelf for long.
____________________
~~'81 CG125, '97 FZS600~~ : '99 CBR600F4, '09 KTM RC8

Riejufixing · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Jun 2018 Karma :

mentalboy · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 May 2012 Karma :

Probably wouldn't hurt to drain the float bowls and, if you're really keen, open up the carbs and blow out the jets and passageways.
____________________
Make mine a Corona.

Tdibs · Traffic Copper Joined: 16 Jan 2015 Karma :

Yep, drain the carb bowls to see if much made it past the filter.
____________________
Previous : 09 Vanvan 125| 02' Sv650s || Current: 1999 Xj600n | 1992 DR650 RSE | 2005 Fazer 1000

Ice Burger · Nova Slayer Joined: 21 Apr 2019 Karma :

thanks everyone

jaffa90 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Apr 2016 Karma :

""""lots of rust inside,"""
I would remove the tank/tap/cap fill it up with nuts/bolts/metal screws/spring washers and shake it all about or fit it to a Harley on u.k. roads for a day.
Empty maybe with a magnet on string as well and clean/degrease and
last time i used ultra pet seal but nowadays with E10 coming there should a better sealant. Smile