After searching for solutions to fixing a moderately rusted tank, I decided to try the electrolysis method instead of trying to do Kreem or POR-15 and potentially messing up, as well as having to deal with chemicals+acids. I followed the directions from here: http://650rider.com/Content/pid=6.html, as well as this thread from GSTwins: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=37193.0.

So far, it appears to be working great, despite some hang-ups with my battery charger (Battery Tender Jr.) not recognizing the circuit as a "battery" and wouldn't send a charge. After adding a battery to the circuit, the electrode has been collecting rust wonderfully. I've been checking the electrode a few times a day as I can and I'll give it a quick wipe with a rag to remove the rust before it fully attaches to the electrode.

My small question to those who have used this method is this: When I first remove the electrode from the electrolyte to clean it, most of the particles collected appear greenish/black, but after wiped off and given time to dry, the deposits will look like bright, pure rust. Is this normal, and should I be worried?

To those who haven't tried this method, it sure seems like a reasonable alternative to kreeming or PORing a tank, especially one with mild rust.

Thanks to those who posted in the previous threads about how to do this!

I thought the rust was just another reason to pull the tank and drain all the water, leaves, frogs and rust out ?

o k , really electrolysis is a great way to get the rust out. Once it's gone keep  the tank filled with gas to prevent condensate in the tank. POR15 may be a good idea, but I haven't used it yet. I have a 98 with 20,000 miles and make a point to fill the tank before coming home. In tampa the temperature can swing 40 degrees or more from day to night. That's enough to put considerable moisture in the tank.

Don't forget to change your fuel lines and check the frame petcock while you're at it.

Quote from: sector9 on December 29, 2007, 02:03:26 AM
My small question to those who have used this method is this: When I first remove the electrode from the electrolyte to clean it, most of the particles collected appear greenish/black, but after wiped off and given time to dry, the deposits will look like bright, pure rust. Is this normal, and should I be worried?

The rust on the elecrode is expected. In fact, I think, it is the electrode itself that produces the rust. Eventually the whole electrode will disintegrate, given enough time. The process of electrolisys frees the oxigen from the rust of the tank and brings the oxygen iones to the electrode, which makes the electrode to oxydize.