Getting a solid 1985 honda 250 big red gas tank is generally the holy grail for any three-wheeler fan trying to maintain their vintage rig within the trails. In the event that you've spent any kind of time whatsoever about these old ATCs, you know precisely why. These machines were built like overall tanks—ironically enough—but the exact fuel tanks had been made of metal, and forty many years of moisture and ethanol have a method of turning that steel into something resembling Swiss mozzarella cheese.
It's a typical story: you find a "barn find" Big Red that will looks amazing upon the outside, but as soon because you pop the cap, it smells like old varnish as well as the inside looks such as a reddish-brown give of despair. The 1985 model, the particular 250ES, was the bit of a level for Honda, plus it's arguably among the best utility trikes ever made. But man, that fuel tank is nearly always the poor link.
Exactly why These Tanks Are So Hard to Find
If you're looking for an original, metal 1985 honda 250 big red gas tank in mint problem, you better be prepared to open your wallet or spend a few months scouring every corner of the web. The problem is that Honda didn't realize back in '85 that will we'd still be using these things in the 2020s. Steel was your standard, and whilst it was tough against impacts, it wasn't great at combating off the internal rust caused by sitting for a decade in a humid get rid of.
Most associated with the original reservoirs you find upon the used market are either full of pinholes and have been patched upward so many times they resemble a technology project. Since the 250ES was so popular, there's a high need for parts, but the supply of "survivor" tanks is dwindling every single day. If a person happen to discover one that's clear inside and out, grab it. It's an investment at this stage.
The Great Debate: Steel vs. Plastic
When you realize your own original tank is toast, you're usually faced with two choices: try to save the metal or go with a modern plastic material replacement. This is where the community gets a little split.
The purists will inform you that the 1985 honda 250 big red gas tank needs to be steel. They want that will original look, how a decals sit on the paint, and that heavy, strong feel. If you're doing a museum-quality restoration, steel is absolutely your only choice. You'll likely end up spending a lot of time with a tank sealer package, some nuts plus bolts (to wring around inside and knock the rust loose), and the lot of endurance.
On the particular flip side, most people who actually trip their Big Reds are switching in order to plastic. Companies including Clarke have already been making aftermarket plastic tanks for years, and honestly, they're a lifesaver. You don't have to worry about rust ever again. You don't have to worry about ethanol eating away at a liner. You just bolt it upon and go. Sure, the "red" may not be the 100% perfect complement to your 40-year-old fenders, but your own carburetor will stay clear, and that's the trade-off most motorcyclists are willing to make.
Assessing destruction on Your Current Tank
Before you move out and drop a couple of hundred dollars on a replacement, it's worth taking the really close look at what you've got. Sometimes a tank looks fatal when it's actually just dirty. When you can see bare metallic anywhere inside, there's hope.
However, if you see "scaling"—which will be where the rust is coming off in thick flakes—you've got an issue. All those flakes will block your petcock and find their method into your carbohydrate regardless of how many inline filters you make use of. Another red flag is "weeping. " If you observe paint bubbling near the bottom seams of your 1985 honda 250 big red gas tank , that's fuel pushing through tiny holes in the metal. At that point, the structural integrity of the particular tank is affected, and it's generally safer to look for a replacement.
Techniques for Buying an Used Metal Tank
If you're determined to stay original and you're hunting upon eBay or Fb Marketplace, you have to be careful. A lot associated with sellers will require a photo of the particular outside and say it's "good intended for its age. " That's code intended for "it's probably rusty inside. "
Always request the photo of the inside of the tank, particularly looking toward the rear where the energy pools. If they can't provide a clear shot, move upon. Also, look in the mounting factors. The 1985 Big Red has particular mounting tabs that may get bent or even cracked if the trike was folded. Additionally you want in order to make sure the particular threads for the petcock are clear. If someone cross-threaded a cheap aftermarket petcock into an original 1985 honda 250 big red gas tank , you're heading to have the nightmare of the time received it in order to seal properly.
Why the 1985 Model is exclusive
You might imagine you can just swap a tank from an older 200E or even a newer 250SX. Although some Honda parts are interchangeable across the ATC line, the 1985 honda 250 big red gas tank is pretty specific to the 250ES. The 1985 was the initial year of the "Elite" styling intended for the Big Red, featuring that substantial front rack and the flip-up chair.
The way the tank integrates with the seat and the particular side covers is unique to that particular era. If you attempt to force a various tank on right now there, you'll likely discover that your chair doesn't latch right or the plastic material shrouds don't series up. It's often best to stick with the part made for the '85 to prevent a lot of frustration and "custom" bracket making that never looks quite right.
Setting up Your Replacement Tank
Whether you went having a restored steel tank or a brand-new plastic material one, the installation is pretty simple, but there are a few items that'll make your own life easier. Very first off, obtain a brand-new petcock. Don't consider to save the particular 40-year-old one that's full of crud. A fresh OEM or high-quality aftermarket petcock with a brand new O-ring will prevent those irritating slow drips that will ruin your garage area floor.
Furthermore, look at your fuel lines. If they're firm or cracking, change them out for some high-quality Tygon or fuel-rated plastic hose. It's cheap insurance. And when you're using a plastic 1985 honda 250 big red gas tank , don't over-tighten the mounting bolts. Plastic expands and contracts with temp changes, and if you crank this down too difficult, you might create a stress crack over time. Just snug it up with the silicone grommets in location, and you're great to go.
Cleaning and Lining a classic Tank
If you've made a decision to save your authentic steel tank, let's talk about the procedure. It's messy, yet rewarding. Most men start with a heavy degreaser in order to get the aged gas out, then move ahead to a good acid etch. Phosphoric acid is a superb selection because it converts the rust in to a stable phosphate layer.
The real key, though, could be the liner. Products like Red-Kote or Caswell are the precious metal standard here. You pour the goop in, rotate the particular tank for exactly what seems like an eternity to make sure every square inch is covered, and then allow it to dry for several days. If you rush the drying process, the fuel will bad under the particular liner and peel off it off, generating an even bigger mess than the particular rust was. In the event that done right, a lined 1985 honda 250 big red gas tank may last another twenty years.
Maintaining Your Tank Healthy
Once you've got a clear tank back upon your Big Red, you want to keep it this way. The biggest enemy of those old bikes is modern gasoline. Ethanol attracts water, and water leads to rust. If a person can find ethanol-free gas (often offered as "Rec 90" at marinas or specialty stations), utilize it. It's worth the additional dollar or 2 per gallon.
If you possess to use push gas with ethanol, make sure a person use an energy stabilizer if the trike is heading to sit for more than a couple of weeks. Or even better, just ride this! These machines were meant to become worked, and keeping the fuel relocating through the system is the best method to prevent crud from building up within your 1985 honda 250 big red gas tank .
Final Thoughts
With the end associated with the day, the gas tank is the heart of your fuel system. A person can have the particular best-rebuilt engine as well as the cleanest carb on earth, but if your tank is throwing rust and particles into the mix, you're never going to have a reliable ride. Whether a person search for a beautiful metal original or even go the practical route with plastic, taking care of your 1985 honda 250 big red gas tank is the particular best thing that you can do for your classic Honda. These aged three-wheelers are renowned for a reason—they simply don't quit. Give them a clean source of gasoline, and they'll maintain chugging along the trails for an additional few decades.