Gas Tank Latch

My friends bike (non nomad... ) has a gas tank latch that is hard to open. When we look at the striker, it has dusty/crusty white stuff on it (like corrosion). It is also hard to move, even by pushing it in with your fingers.

I suggested that we put a few towls across the tank to protect the gas and the tank finish. Then we liberally use WD-40 to clean the striker, wiping as much of the white "stuff" off as we can, and keep working the striker (again, with much WD-40) to see if we can get it moving smoothly.

Does anyone see anything really bad with this idea? I'm sure that a few drops of WD-40 will end up in the tank.

Thank you.

Michael K

[bosko]

Originally Posted by michaelk

My friends bike (non nomad... ) has a gas tank latch that is hard to open. When we look at the striker, it has dusty/crusty white stuff on it (like corrosion). It is also hard to move, even by pushing it in with your fingers.

I suggested that we put a few towls across the tank to protect the gas and the tank finish. Then we liberally use WD-40 to clean the striker, wiping as much of the white "stuff" off as we can, and keep working the striker (again, with much WD-40) to see if we can get it moving smoothly.

Does anyone see anything really bad with this idea? I'm sure that a few drops of WD-40 will end up in the tank.

Thank you.

Michael K

A few drops won't cause you any problems. I don't think a cupful will give you problems, except that it might run rough. But don't put a cupful in to find out. ;)

I've used WD-40 to remove bugs and tar from painted surfaces with great results, so I wouldn't even worry if you get it on the tank.

[chainsaw]

I'm wondering if you could somehow soak it with Seafoam?

[bebop]

I don't know what the metals are that have the white crust but when aluminum oxidizes it is a white crust. Pot metals tend to do the same. If it is oxidation then the metal will be pitted when it is removed. WD40 probably won't help remove that kind of oxidation. However, it wouldn't hurt to try. I've used WD40 on a couple of bike when removing the warning sticker & glue off the gas tank so I don't think you will have a problem with the paint. Just wipe it off and put on a little wax.

Cheers!

[macmac]

michaelk, That will be just fine. use a wire brush in either brass, or stainless steel, and WD-40.
Get all the crudlings you can off, and once they are, coat the area with any light oil for sewwing machines, guns, and the like.

WD-40 won't harm paint any, and won't harm fuel any, but the crude won't be very welcome in the fuel.