The inside of the gas tank is in poor condition. What is the best way to clean it. Will it stay non rusty or do I have to treat it?

The gas tank filler cap is stuck closed. I tried penetrating oil. I removed all the allen wrench screws and the filler cap is sort of loose but will not come out. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jim

 

Be sure you push down on the cap as your trying to turn the lock open with the key. After sitting for that long, I'm sure it's not gonna want to move without a fight. I know the beginning of the season, my tank cap works like that too. Essentially, you want to remove the pressure from the locking tabs, when you push down on the cap, you'll be removing any un-need pressure and the lock should want to move then.

So, have you not seen the inside of the tank yet I take it?

 

Right, I haven't seen the inside yet. I took the tank off last night. The petcock is frozen, too. I took it off and drained the tank into a white bucket. The gasoline has lots of rust, but it is not terrible. Looking up through the hole that went to the petcock, there is lots of red muck.
Still can't get the filler cap off. Do I have to open the filler and unscrew something inside to get it off?

Also the carbs are stuck in place. The throttle cable works O.K., but the carbs won't move. I expected to clean those and put in new jets, anyway.

Thanks,
Jim

 

No, your just working against 2 opposing locking tabs. Think of a door lock, when you pull the door shut, the lock tab slides into the door then shoots open when inside the jam. In this case, there's 2 of these on opposing sides, and these two tabs don't want to slide because of being jammed against the inside of the tank, maybe locking up a little from not being used for 7 years, and the lock tumbler may also be stiff.

Just push down on the center cap with the key in, wiggle the **** out of the key in a clock-wise motion to the point you feel your going to bend the key. Once you get it to turn 1/4 turn or more, hold the key in that position and pull up on the key/cap and you should have it open.

If this doesn't work then I would fill the tank with desiel fuel or kerosien and let it sit up side down to penitrate the back side of your lock. Not sure if some will seep thru and get on the paint, but this may be a last resort route.

 

Take the tank to your local auto radiator shop.

Have then clean and seal the tank.

Costs about 50 bucks and takes a week to complete.