Howdy folks,
I understand this to be a fairly common problem. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Since I'm getting ready to have the dent in my tank removed and the whole thing repainted, I was thinking it might be wise to reinforce the hinge where it is merely spot welded. I want to avoid future issues...
2005 S4R-
Would one of you kind folks consider taking a pic of the reinforcement weld that some have had, or wanted, to do?
I was thinking a simple 1/4 or 1/2 inch bead in the middle of each of the four sides of the hinge plate where it meets the actual tank would be more than enough...
What's your experience/opinion?
Thanks,
Eric M.
I typically braze as much as possible without doing too much topside damage.
Often I'll do the three sides continuous including around the back corners with a stitch between the hinge legs.
If you're taking the time to reinforce you should coat your tank to prevent any rust issues for a little more time and about $50 in materials...worth it IMO.
Well, That settles it. Thanks Nate!
+1. Mine was reinforced welded and then braised all around that area.
There was no paint damage that could be seen with the tank on. I touched up the area that was braised.
Then for extra insurance, externally sealed the braised area in that black goop they glue together NASCAR bodywork. It's impervious to ethanol, gas, metho, etc.
I'm curious as to just how common a problem this is.
For those who carefully lift the tank = not an issue?
For those who carelessly and often lift the tank = leaky spot welds?
I think a combination of minimal weld reinforcement on the hinge bracket, time/rust and the stress of lifting with a full tank on the side stand. It's quite common from what I have seen on this forum.
I want an alloy or carbon tank for Christmas..
Ohhh... alloy tank... I'd trade 1/2 my dog for one of those... but only the back half.
I have a '99 and I had issues with the tank leaking, I got the tank welded up but I do not think It was as much me as the previous owner.
Quote from: Radar on May 22, 2011, 04:14:03 PM
I'm curious as to just how common a problem this is.
For those who carefully lift the tank = not an issue?
For those who carelessly and often lift the tank = leaky spot welds?
It's hard to say.
Some say it's crashing.
I think it is mostly people that lay the tank back on the frame to do service.
My old girl has been crashed multiple times...all by my own hand...and nary a leak.
Quote from: ducpainter on May 22, 2011, 06:15:38 PM
It's hard to say.
Some say it's crashing.
I think it is mostly people that lay the tank back on the frame to do service.
My old girl has been crashed multiple times...all by my own hand...and nary a leak.
I'v never laid her down, I have no idea about the previous owner tho...
Getting close to 60K miles, no hinge leak (knocking on wood). This is a common problem though.
it has more to do with, in my opinion, lifting those tanks up, over and over, with a full tank. That puts a lot of stress on the hinge in a very weird direction, and you mix that with how far our bikes lean over and its easy to see how they fracture. My '01 SuperSport did this too...
Has anyone had this problem with the plastic tanks?
Quote from: NorDog on May 23, 2011, 06:40:36 AM
Has anyone had this problem with the plastic tanks?
[laugh]
Quote from: ducpainter on May 23, 2011, 07:08:04 AM
[laugh]
[laugh]
I meant, has anyone had problems with them leaking at the hinge like the metal tanks.
[laugh]
Quote from: NorDog on May 23, 2011, 07:51:37 AM
[laugh]
I meant, has anyone had problems with them leaking at the hinge like the metal tanks.
[laugh]
no, they aren't set up the same way. the hinge on the plastic tank is about 2" thick of nylon with a brass reinforcement.
nylon tanks leak around the fuel pump deck.
I had a small leak on my 01 900 tank hinge about 9 years ago. I used JB weld to patch it up and it's never leaked since.
After reading much advice hear, when I rebuilt my GF's 2000 m900 I picked up 2 years ago, I had the hinge braised by a reputable welder, just to be sure. After a year it started to leak so I pulled it off and did my getto JB weld job. One year later and still no leaks.
Quote from: pitbull on May 23, 2011, 01:36:49 PM
I had a small leak on my 01 900 tank hinge about 9 years ago. I used JB weld to patch it up and it's never leaked since.
After reading much advice hear, when I rebuilt my GF's 2000 m900 I picked up 2 years ago, I had the hinge braised by a reputable welder, just to be sure. After a year it started to leak so I pulled it off and did my getto JB weld job. One year later and still no leaks.
I've heard of hte JB weld repair working fine. Ought to coat the inside of the tank as well.
I should be a friggin spokesman for tank coatings.
Quote from: ducatiz on May 23, 2011, 01:57:42 PM
I've heard of hte JB weld repair working fine. Ought to coat the inside of the tank as well.
I should be a friggin spokesman for tank coatings.
The brazing is just reinforcement....I've done JB weld reinforcements when paint damage was unacceptable.
The coating is the leak stopper.
If you ride with the tank latch unhooked or loose, that will increase the chance of cracks.
Nick, You're my next stop after paint... I can hardly wait... I'm kind of waiting for my collar bone to heal... bad break... tractor accident... my bike already runs well; powerful and speedy doesn't cover it. I can only imagine what it will be like once you get involved.
As far as I know, it hasn't had its 6k work done... I bought it at 7.1k and I've put less than a thousand on it... I wonder if you know the bike; I bought it from a salvage dealer in LA...
See you soon,
Eric M.
I've done a number of hinge braze-POR15 coat-repaint jobs on tanks.
Quote from: Speeddog on May 24, 2011, 02:06:23 PM
I've done a number of hinge braze-POR15 coat-repaint jobs on tanks.
You paint too Nick?
Quote from: ducpainter on May 24, 2011, 06:29:23 PM
You paint too Nick?
Anything that comes in a rattle-can. [laugh]
The guy I share the shop with is the real painter.