Expert: Rich Johnston - 12/1/2008

Question
I have a Honda Goldwing 1987 Aspencade which has sat for several years.  The fuel in the gas tank and carbs also has sat.  What's the best way to clear the carbs and the gas tank of the older sludge and get her running again?

Answer
The carbs are pretty straight forward since you can take them apart and clean them.  The fuel tank is a little more of a problem.  I had an old 85 VF1000F tank that had 1/2 inch of tar in the bottom after a full tank of gas went bad after sitting for years.  I used a very strong degreaser detergent and made a system to roll the tank to wash it out.  It took days of continuous agitation to get it clean.  I wouldn't recommend this but it worked for my problem.  

I'm afraid I don't know of any simple way to clean a seriously gummed up tank.

Regards
Rich