Posted by Hogryder on April 12, 2000 at 16:05:15:
In Reply to: Lost Cause? posted by TJ Dugas on April 12, 2000 at 05:18:06:
Any gas that was in the tank is probably long gone by now. Check the tank carefully with a flashlight for rust. If there is any, remove the tank and wash the rust out with muratic acid (available at your local hardware store). DO NOT leave the acid in the tank for more than a minute or two, it will eat a hole. Also do not get it on your paint, your clothes, or yourself. Rinse many times with lots of water then remove the water by rinsing two or three times with acetone(also available at a hardware/paint store). The acetone will also remove any "varnish" left behind by the gas.
The carb may need to be cleaned out, especially if the tank was bad. No advice for you there, I've never had mine off. If the tank wasn't rusted, just drain the old gas and replace it with fresh high octane fuel. I would add about half a bottle of fuel injector cleaner to the gas to help clear the jets in your carb.
Change the oil and oil filter. The oil has broken down and is probably full of moisture by now. Also, change the air filter. No telling what's in there by now.
If the battery wasn't removed you may need to clean or replace the battery leads. A new battery is also required by now. Clean the leads and any acid spills with baking soda and a little water. It will fizz and bubble as it neutralizes the acid.
Spark plug may be OK. If you have the tank off, you might as well change the plug.
If you want to get rid of it instead of trying to bring it back to life and are anywhere near South Dakota, let me know.
Hope you are riding something, even if it't not a Savage (or a HD).