Hitchcocks Forum

I have just discovered that the black paint on the central rib inside my petrol tank (2000 Classic 500) has started to peel off (there appears to be red oxide primer underneath, which seems to be ok). I assume that this is happening now due to the increased percentage of alcohol in unleaded petrol. Obviously this needs to be dealt with soon, in case a large bit of paint blocks the fuel supply, and the obvious answer is to apply tank sealant(which I've done on a BSA before but the problem inside that tank was surface rust only, not paint!). Two questions - are any others having the same problem, and does anyone have any good ideas for removing the paint, given that you can't see or reach most of the interior of the tank, other than the usual 'paraffin and bolts' method?

And I thought only BMW:s had tanks painted inside. No paint whatsoever inside my two RE tanks.

Interesting! I've known this bike since it was new, and owned it since 2003. I've no reason to suppose that the orignal owner painted the inside of the tank (unfortunately I can't verify this).
It would be interesting to know how many RE tanks were painted inside - perhaps just some years?

Hi stuart, Think its some kind of tank liner that is breaking down...

Mines a 2002 and only has the red oxide as far as i can see..

Dont bother with paraffin as the petrol seems to be doing the job better, just throw in the nuts and bolts
and start doing the samba around the garage... Cement mixers are good if you have one laying about..

I wouldn't rush to line the tank, buy a couple of fuel filters, fit one,keep a spare in your bike jacket pocket and let things develop. The fuel tap protrudes inside the tank so large bits of paint should not block it.

Gwilly, Sounds like the perfect recipe for an explosive end to the samba to me. Should get rid of the paint though, as well as the neighborhood!

Awe shucks Frank you've spotted a flaw in my plan... Been using petrol for cleaning parts for more than forty years. usual precautions apply, like remember not to light the dogend invariably hanging from my lip...

I think my precaution would be not to do it. Nuts and bolts shaken around in a petrol and vapour filled tank, surely every possibility of a spark. Maybe not but not a risk I would take.

I appologise, completely and unreservedly to all... In my defense, my other half had gone to her church meeting and foolishly left me in charge of three bottles of Hob Goblin... it was a stupid thing to say..

You should of course use only brass nuts and bolts... Now shame faced and hung over, i must go out and earn a crust... cheers gwilly