Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all one of my bikes has some surface rust inside so I just want to try and clean it up I know I could try and rinse with coca cola or vinegar but I have seen a product called Tapox has anybody used this and does it treat rust or does anybody know of a tank sealant and something to treat rust also thanks

Hi, I've used something called petseal in the past. It is a 2 pack epoxy type substance. Newer sealants will need to resist ethanol but will be available. Don't use coke or anything to get rid of the rust, the sealant will encapsulate it. The tank will need to be cleaned with meths 1st and obviously you will need to remove the stopcock and any internal filters.

Thanks Andy

There is the option of cleaning the rust off and NOT sealing it of course.
People seem to run into all sorts of problems with sealers.

I'm with Pete on this. Liners will eventually fail no matter what the maker says. When it does the consequences are more expensive (possible gummed carbs and valves) than just getting rid of the rust in the first place. There are products that will de-rust easily available online (I have a jar of Oxalic Acid Dihydrate for instance,) which only cost a few quid and passivates rust easily.

REgards, Mark

After all, a few flakes of rust are a damn sight easier to filter out than a load of gummy half-dissolved sealant.
My Tiger Cub tank has had a bit of surface rust inside for years. I've never done anything about it and never had a problem and can't even remember cleaning the filter.

Thanks all I've been thinking about this for a while to do on my yamaha fizzy as she's getting on a bit and tanks are real rare and when they come available cost £300 upwards my tank is in great condition on outside it's just I was at Stafford bike show last year and took a leaflet on about Tapox tank sealant so that's why I been thinking of doing it as it says it won't break down like other products

As always,,,

if it aint broke,,,

don;t fix it until it is,,,,,,,,,,

Andy, do I take it you don't maintain your bike then?

Hello Dazza, I've used Petseal and Tapox and Petseal does come off after a few years but Tapox is more like a very thin watery paint and in my opinion is fantastic. I would have no hesitation using this if i were you.