Best way to store fuel tank?

theboxrules

theboxrules

Been Around the Block
Guys, my CB400TII is taking me down the dark road of new head gasket, rings and valve job (I have below spec on compression on both cylinders. In the meantime I want to make sure I store the fuel tank in such a way to prevent rust/moisture. I've drained the tank already, would it behoove me to store it in my cool dry basement with the cap off for the medium term?
 
Mine sat on the shelf in my garage full of gas for 3 months. When I was ready to paint it I dumped it and went to town and burned the gas in my lawnmower.

I'd at least fog the inside with WD-40 and keep the lid closed so that moisture won't have a chance.
 
I had the benefit of working in a factory with a vacuum sealer after the last time I sandblasted mine, and what I did was spray it down with WD-40 as frogman suggested and sealed it up in a plastic bag. Of course, I was lucky there, in your case, I'd follow his advice and fog the inside and close the lid.
 
I've used engine oil as a longer term storage solution. Some 2 stroke oil would probably be better since it's made to be burnt off in an engine (not as crucial to get it all out).
 
You know the vacuum sealer thing is a hell of an idea, why not get a one of those bags you see on TV where they put the clothes and what not in them and vacuum shrink it them down. Forget WTF they call them but I'd do the same idea with the tank. Might stink up the vacuum cleaner or possibly set it on fire but hey, where's the fun in not trying right? ;D

Oh yeah Space Bags... Duh more beer in less smart out ::)
 
Do not put it in a basement or any other cool and potentially damp place. Dump in some 2-stroke oil, slosh it around, put the cap on it, tape up the cross-over if its got one, make sure the petcock is close, and then put it on a shelf in the garage or in the some other warm and well. ventilated place. Actually if its just going to set for a couple of week or a month I wouldn't even bother with the oil or tape, just put the cap on and put it up on the shelf, it'll be OK.
 
Kong, even if the basement is dry? It might take me awhile to get time to do all the work I need to do.
 
For over 30 years I have stored my bikes the same way: I put the recomended amount of Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer in the gas, ride the bike for a few minutes to be sure the stabilizer has worked it's way through the entire system, then drain the carbs, start it back up to burn off whats left in the carbs and store the bike as is. I believe this stuff has a rust inhibitor in it because my 33 year old KZ1000 hasn't got a spec of rust in the tank and it gets stored for 5 months every year. When you open the tank after 5 months the fuel smells as fresh as the day I put it in and the bike starts like it has never been parked.

Sta-Bil is a great product.
 
I wouldn't trust any basement to be dry. Just put it on a shelf in a closet in the bedroom, or better yet in a hallway out of the way somewhere that the old lady won't explode in rage at the sight of it.
 
Kong said:
I wouldn't trust any basement to be dry. Just put it on a shelf in a closet in the bedroom, or better yet in a hallway out of the way somewhere that the old lady won't explode in rage at the sight of it.
Click to expand...

Umm, I hope you're kidding. Storing a fuel tank in your house is a very bad idea, even if it's empty.
 
Well, I suppose the best answer here is to just finish the work I need to do on the bike in a timely manner huh? :)
 
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