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'86 VF500 - Need to Empty the Tank 100%

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by coaz4x4, Jun 26, 2010.

  1. coaz4x4

    coaz4x4 New Member

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    '86 VF500 fuel tank filter removal help

    I am working on getting my bike ready to turn over for the first time in a decade and a half, and getting the gas tank cleaned out is at the top of the list. I've taken off the fuel switch, and the gas cap off, but cannot seem for the life of me seem to flush out some loose gunk, and the last bit of water in the tank for that matter.

    I'm wondering how I can remove the tank filter to make it drain better without destroying the damn lil plastic thing... or should I just yank it and buy a replacement?

    Thanks :)
     
    Last edited: Jun 28, 2010
    coaz4x4, Jun 26, 2010


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    #1
  2. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    maybe BP can help you reclaim that water?

    I'm not sure about that question but there are a few regulars on the 1st gen who will be along shortly I'm sure. I know if it was me, I'd probably prop the tank up on a bench, put a fuel hose on it draining down to an oil catch pan, and then put in about a quart of diesel or kerosene. That would help flush the water, and verify flow. If there's no flow, then I know I have no choice but to pull the petcock and filter. 25yr old petcocks have a habit of going south and tanks left with fuel have a habit of rusting thin so I don't mess with them more than I have to.

    Have you looked at the carbs yet? No doubt if the tank needed cleaning, the carbs will too. 1st off - make sure you don't remove the plenum (airbox mount plate) from the carbs. All 4 carbs get removed as one assembly. We'll be here if you need help with that too!
     
    tinkerinWstuff, Jun 27, 2010


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  3. Dukiedook

    Dukiedook New Member

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    Put some Heet in there if it is water.
     
    Dukiedook, Jun 27, 2010


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  4. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    I had a gas can I got sand blasted and powder coated. Had to flush with water to get the blasting residue removed. To get rid of the traces of water, I left the can sit in the sun with the cap off. Got plenty warm and evaporated it off.
     
    tinkerinWstuff, Jun 27, 2010


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  5. coaz4x4

    coaz4x4 New Member

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    To evap out the leftover water, I understand, but I can hear large particulate in the tank. I want to remove the filter to the petcock so i can flush that crap out. I have removed and am cleaning the petcock separately.
     
    coaz4x4, Jun 27, 2010


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  6. hookahbear

    hookahbear New Member

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    Fill the tank with water and some heavy duty nails shake like hell then turn it upside down. After that just fill with water again and repeat till it seems clean, Most of the left overs are going to come out after you do that, then go down to your local dealership or parts store and get a creaming kit which is going to have all the stuff to clean, prep and coat in inside of your tank. This is a most for older bikes cause it help stop the rusting and keeps all the crap out of your filter.
     
    hookahbear, Jun 27, 2010


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  7. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    if a tank had rust in it, we used to put a lb or two of nuts, bolts, nails, screws whatever into the tank with a little diesel or kerosene. Seal it off and strap it to a tire on the tractor and let her turn over for an hour or two.
     
    tinkerinWstuff, Jun 27, 2010


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  8. coaz4x4

    coaz4x4 New Member

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    -----------------------
    Anybody?
     
    coaz4x4, Jun 27, 2010


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  9. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    I thought you said in post #6 that you removed it?

    The tank filter/screen will undoubtedly have to be cleaned so I'd say you probably have no choice but to remove it.
     
    tinkerinWstuff, Jun 27, 2010


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  10. coaz4x4

    coaz4x4 New Member

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    But how do I remove it without breaking it? I've already pulled on it pretty hard...
     
    coaz4x4, Jun 27, 2010


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  11. coaz4x4

    coaz4x4 New Member

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    I've been searching around, and it seems that this screen around the inlet to the petcock is the only fuel filter on the '86 VF500?!?! My Clymer manual says it does, but it's nowhere to be found, and the Honda dealer I get my parts from sold me an in-line type filter for use somewhere outside the tank...

    To no avail am i able to remove the damn filter from the tank. The only thing the Clymer manual says is that it comes out with the petcock assy (which I have now quite throughly cleaned) but it's just not coming.

    On another note, the owners manual says to remove the tank, and clean this filter every 600mi?! That seems like an overly short service interval... And it has a similarly short interval for the engine oil.
     
    coaz4x4, Jun 27, 2010


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  12. coaz4x4

    coaz4x4 New Member

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    A friend of mine suggested large BB's for this procedure... Cheap to grab a small bucket at wal-mart
     
    coaz4x4, Jun 27, 2010


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