Gas Tank Lining Removal - Harley Forum

#1 12-23-2007, 03:31 AM

Hey guys,

I've been having same problem 2 years now. Original HD tank lining is coming off inside of tank and creating grey sludge. The sludge gets through the petcock filter and through an inline filter I installed and clogs things up in the carb. Ive done the nuts and bb thing 2 years running. Can anyone recommend a liner removal kit that wont damage the paint on the outside of the tank? If it accidentally gets on there. This is the first thing Im gonna correct when Im up and mobile. Thanks. Botz

shovelmike · #2 12-23-2007, 03:32 PM

I have read that acetone will remove the old lining but is definitely bad news if it gets on the paint on the outside. I suppose that any chemical strong enough is going to be the same story.

#3 12-25-2007, 03:39 AM

From what I just read on the www.caimag.com site as posted in a very educational thread, all you should have to do is run SHELL Gas summer blend ethenol mixed fuel.
It seems as though this stuff will digest almost anything.

Yeah I know it seems like I am making a plug for the new site but I just want to give credit where credit is due.

ronmathis · #4 11-30-2008, 09:49 AM

the ethenol is what is causing the break down.

HarleyCruiser · #5 11-30-2008, 10:22 AM

We had quite a discussion on the metal workers forum a year or so ago.
Some thought the liner was a single stage paint, but I have always disagreed.
I have been in several tanks and to me it looks like a epoxy based enamel paint (two part).
Very hard to remove.
Like Mike said acetone will take it off but will take some soaking.
Acetone is the main ingredient to most paint removers.
If it was me I would try to remove as much as possible with the nuts/bolts, maybe some vinegar or phosphoric acid, to cut some of the rust if there is any then recoat it with something that will harden the original paint and seal it.
But I am not an expert on this.