1986 Honda VFR700F In-Tank Fuel Pickup Removal?

Hi Everyone!  I'm working on an '86 VFR700F with my Dad and I was wondering...  Is there some way to remove the fuel pickups in the tank?  There's some rust from where the PO left it sitting for a long time and we're trying to clean out the rust that has developed.  We were soaking the tank with vinegar but just wished there was a way to take the pickups out and clean them!  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!  TIA!

Negative.

You could tip the tank on its side and with some tubing and a funnel run some cleaner thru the lines from the face where the fuel valve mounts.  Then blow them out real good.  But you are still at the mercy of the strainer mesh.

1 hour ago, Captain 80s

Negative.

You could tip the tank on its side and with some tubing and a funnel run some cleaner thru the lines from the face where the fuel valve mounts.  Then blow them out real good.  But you are still at the mercy of the strainer mesh.

Ok, thanks!  Honestly, we've worked on quite a few older bikes and can't recall a design like the VFR's... Ever.  It just seems so odd that all of that stuff is solid.  But, it is what it is 😆...  I read on here, on a different thread, about using vinegar to soak and clean the tank...  Have you ever done this?  I wouldn't think it would hurt anything, but since that stuff can't be removed I'm afraid of messing it up.  If I use the vinegar and let it soak for a couple of days and then rinse it out with gas, I'm hoping it will be ok.

Thanks for posting on this so quickly!  I appreciate the advice!

Vinegar is acid.  Weak acid, but still acid.  Maybe start with a Evaporust type solution first, as it will not harm paint and works very well.  It is re-usuable up to a few cycles too.  Biodegradable when you are done.  Just make sure to not let the aluminum of the cap and fuel valve stay in contact for long periods, it doesn't play nice for some reason.

For 5 gallons of rust removal solution add 2000 grams citric acid, 1300 grams baking soda, and a dash of Dawn dish soap to distilled or soft water. Soak for 12-24 hrs. It'll remove the rust, and leave the paint.

Add the baking soda SLOWLY or it will foam like crazy.

2 kilo, 1.3 kilo.... sounds a lot...

Compared to ?