Hello,
I just bought an 05 Ducati Monster 620 with 15k miles, and I didn't check the gas tank until now to find it completely filled with yellow goo/sludge. It is all the way up to the neck of the gas tank. Somehow it still runs without any problems (except it stalls going from neutral to first).
I'm guessing this is old gasoline, which has converted into this extremely thick substance; so the bike has been sitting. I have no experience with this problem, what should I do? Thanks.
If it runs, drain it and fill with fresh gas.
The fact it runs/idles doesn't mean it won't have some issues from that goo once you're out on the road.
At that point you may have to flush the system to make it run well.
Could this be where a previous owner has sealed the tank? I bought a 1975 GT550 where the brake fluid had turned into rubber/jelly one time. I've never seen gasoline turn into goo but I've heard of e10 leaching fiberglass tank resins into goo.
I've seen MBTE fuel turn into goo...
ask Jeff H.
So I should just drain it all out with a siphon? I haven't checked its consistency yet, although it does not look like it has hardened. It looks slimy/gooey. And it looks like most of the gas tank is filled with it. Will I have to run chemicals after its siphoned to clean it?
Quote from: nedliv on August 29, 2012, 01:24:13 PM
So I should just drain it all out with a siphon? I haven't checked its consistency yet, although it does not look like it has hardened. It looks slimy/gooey. And it looks like most of the gas tank is filled with it. Will I have to run chemicals after its siphoned to clean it?
I would try a strong detergent before using chemicals. POR Marine Clean works great.
Detergents can go in the sewer. Chemicals shouldn't.
It would require removing the tank and the internal parts to avoid getting water in the system.
I'd then use a hair dryer to dry it out as quickly as possible...especially if it's a plastic tank. You can sop up the majority of the excess water through the large holes in both style tanks.
When you reassemble and install the tank I think I'd run fuel injector cleaner in the gas for a few tanks.
Seems like it will be a project for me as I have never removed a gas tank before. Would you recommend I have this professionally done?
How comfortable are you with tools? It's not difficult or complicated but there are things that could get screwed up.
Like the man says...
It isn't all that difficult.
There are many members here that can give advice and tips.
You might check with a local shop to get a price for the job.
It will nudge you in the DIY direction I'll bet.
I'm okay with tools, I probably have all the right ones. My last project was a chain/sprocket swap, which took me a day and a half.
I just tried to fill it up with gas and there's like no room for the nozzle so it wouldn't pump any. I'm guessing this is not right.
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
That's your tank.
Welcome to the world of plastic tanks :)
And just a quick question... is this your first bike? In case you didnt know you need to pull up that rubber collar around the gas pump in order for it to fill. It's annoying and not all stations have that collar but if they do it's the only way to get gas to come out. And once you're filling it with the collar pulled up, eyeball the gas amount as it wont shut off when it gets close to the top with the collar pulled back.
oh damn didn't see that one coming :D
hehe.. no this is my third bike! Only had kawasakis before, so not used to this apparent non-issue [thumbsup]
Haha I was just about to post that it's probably just your gas tank. Mainly because that was my first thought upon opening the gas tank too when I first bought the bike. Then I lifted the tank off the frame and saw that it is very shallow to make space for the airbox and other stuff underneath it.
Guys, I have a similar problem when I ride. There is this blue substance all over above me. At times there are whitish-grey things which obscure the blue. Any ideas what it is?
Sorry couldnt help it.