Gas Tank

[Diggy]

Quick question guys and gals, just curious if its a good idea to clean out a gas tank, the bike I bought was owned by one other person, I have the gas tank drained and off the bike. Would it be a good idea to clean the inside of it, any if its a good idea how do I do this.

I took a flash light and looked inside and I did see some little brown stuff in the cracks of the tank. Just a little bit tho. S

Also since I have the gas tank off, and pretty much the engine showing.
What else can I do to improve my bike / motor.

Its a 2007, LF200GY-2 Great Starter Bike!

I did notice that when I was riding it this year the switching gears, getting back into neutral was kinda tough. I had to go down one and back up and down one. Im not to sure on how the gear system works, but maybe I can take something out and clean it or maybe replace it. The owner before me was a young boy 17 years of age that his father let him ride.

Any tips on anything please let me know. I have all winter to do improve the bike.

Thanks Kevin

[katoranger]

You could slosh some gas in there and dump it out. Unless it has alot of rust I would not worry about it.

This may be a good time to adjust the valves. It would be easier to remove the valve cover with the tank off.

[Diggy]

Yeah ok Ill put some gas in there and slosh it around clear all the little brown things out. Adjusting the valves? What does this do to the engine?
Also is there a good site or something that will explain how to do it properly?


Thanks

[Weldangrind]

Periodic valve adjustment is easy and wise. http://hondacg125.awardspace.com/valve_clearance.htm

[humanbeing]

[SpudRider]

As always, Kato, Weld, and Humanbeing have given you excellent advice.

[BLACK DEATH]

What we have done on bikes...
First drain all the old fuel out & remove petcock and fuel cap.
We then used water, yes water to get any larger particles out as its the cheapest liquid to use. We even used a pressure washer to get anything stuck as some rust get stuck to the walls or its old fuel as they can both look the same, pressure washer works very well or go to your car wash place and do a couple of washes.
Used compressed air to dry tank and let it sit outside.
Recheck the tank or shake it to see if anything is still in there, if then repeat.
Check you petcock also and clean it on both settings, on & reserve.

[Weldangrind]

I use the exhaust of a Shop Vac to blow air into the tank after rinsing it with water. The volume of air dries the tank rather quickly.

Once you've dried the tank the best you can, it's wise to slosh a little Varsol or liquid WD-40 in the tank and dump it out, to prevent further rust.

[BLACK DEATH]

Good point I forgot we used a shop vac to suk out stuff and use it to blow also....

[Diggy]

Thanks again guys for the info!