Blog Post 'Rusty problems"

July 1st, 2008 by James wrote:I am therefore trying to find somewhere who can shot blast the parts for me and then respray them.

I also need to drain the fuel out as the stuff in the tank now is probably only about 1 octane now it has been in there so long! Does anyone know if it’s ok to run the bike on Super Unleaded (97+ ron)?

Sandblasting is a fairly easy job.
The only things you need is
1) dry, fine sand.
2) a compressor (doesn't know how you guys call it)
3) a sand blasting pistol
4) a garage, or outdoors, where you don't mind throwing a load of white sand in

If you drain the fuel tank (and you should!), check for rust on the inside of the tank.
Too much rust --> replace it, or give it a special treath (special products are on the market for that job)
Some rust --> fit some small and simple filters on the fuel tubes. This will keep the dirt/rust away from the carb.
It would be a good idea to clean the carb as well.
All unleaded fuels are suiteable for this little bike. Octane is of little importance, 95 is used here.

Thanks for the advice Waynus!

I think I have found someone to do the shot/sand blasting for me. It will save me having to buy all the stuff to do it. I will do the spraying myself though.

As for the fuel... the fuel tank is a bit worse for wear so I think I am going to replace it. A new tank is about £44 so not too bad and after a few issues with fueling before I am not going to take the risk (the carb got blocked up once and I had to take it apart and clean it).

Thanks again.

If you want to get rid of the rusty tank problem for ever, you could look for a second hand plastic tank.
It has a slightly bigger capacity as well.
These were originally fit in the CT / trail US versions.
Very expensive in Europe, dirt cheap in the US.