Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: memper on December 27, 2012, 01:55:18 PM

Title: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: memper on December 27, 2012, 01:55:18 PM
So a buddy of mine is good with laying up fiberglass. So I had the notion of making a carbon and kevlar tank.
One question:
What to do about the three tubes on the underside? I know one is fuel, one is overflow and one is a breather. How do these tubes look inside?
I'm sure I could make a top breather like the old SS tanks and the fuel is just a barbed outlet. But what of the overflow? How does it work and do I need it? I've had several bikes that never had an overflow line.
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: ducpainter on December 27, 2012, 02:00:04 PM
The over flow is more of a cap area drain than a fuel overflow.

It drains water from the recessed cap area as well as any spilled fuel.
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: memper on December 27, 2012, 02:14:12 PM
Ok. So how do I go about incorporating that? What do I need? Is it just a metal tube that runs vertically through the tank and its height is above the fill height?
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: Raux on December 27, 2012, 02:17:38 PM
what you need to do IMO, is make a tank that mounts the stock fuel filler and fuel pump.

Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: ducpainter on December 27, 2012, 02:21:13 PM
Quote from: Raux on December 27, 2012, 02:17:38 PM
what you need to do IMO, is make a tank that mounts the stock fuel filler and fuel pump.


I don't think he cares about a pump...

his bike is a carbie.  :P
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: Raux on December 27, 2012, 02:26:35 PM
Quote from: ducpainter on December 27, 2012, 02:21:13 PM
I don't think he cares about a pump...

his bike is a carbie.  :P
then ignore me. most people do
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: ducpainter on December 27, 2012, 02:29:05 PM
Quote from: Raux on December 27, 2012, 02:26:35 PM
then ignore me. most people do
I don't... :-*

Quote from: memper on December 27, 2012, 02:14:12 PM
Ok. So how do I go about incorporating that? What do I need?
I'd look for an aftermarket flush mount cap like some of the custon Harleys use.

The guy that makes eti tanks has his custom machined. Maybe he'd sell you one.
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: memper on December 27, 2012, 02:38:23 PM
I do want a pump. Not keen on fuel just dumping into the carbs. I'm keeping the stock pump.
I was planning on usung the stock filler cap. Is all that inner stuff connected to it somehow?
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: ducpainter on December 27, 2012, 03:10:20 PM
Quote from: memper on December 27, 2012, 02:38:23 PM
I do want a pump. Not keen on fuel just dumping into the carbs. I'm keeping the stock pump.
I was planning on usung the stock filler cap. Is all that inner stuff connected to it somehow?

On your tank there are steel tubes from the bottom that attach to the piece the cap bolts to. Some of the later FI tanks used copper tubing.

A stock steel carbie tank is actually 8 separate pieces, not including the hinge, the hinge plate, and threaded inserts. The cap area is one of them.

If you want an internal pump I'd get a junk FI tank and use the ring the cap bung inserts into.
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: memper on December 27, 2012, 03:33:38 PM
Ah so if I wanted to use the stock filler cap and guts I'd have some cutting to do? Or does it all unbolt? Maybe there's an exploded drawing so I can better visualize what we're talking about. Parts fische site maybe?
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: ducpainter on December 27, 2012, 03:43:34 PM
Quote from: memper on December 27, 2012, 03:33:38 PM
Ah so if I wanted to use the stock filler cap and guts I'd have some cutting to do? Or does it all unbolt? Maybe there's an exploded drawing so I can better visualize what we're talking about. Parts fische site maybe?
No bolt on parts...it's all welded.

No exploded view either as none of the parts are available separately.

You are on somewhat uncharted ground...although you're not the first to walk there...if you catch my drift.
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: Speeddog on December 27, 2012, 04:22:38 PM
Point your buddy to this thread, see if he's really ready to volunteer:
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145975 (http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145975)

Long read, but from what I know about that kind of project, he covered all the bases.
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: memper on December 27, 2012, 04:34:51 PM
It would be certainly easier to get some other bung with a simple screw top cap. But I gotta say, I love the ducati fillers. The color and bolt on ring really set it apart for me.

Is it necessary for an "overflow" line? Many bikes don't have them. Seems this is my hang up because I can find cool filler caps anywhere. But with the amount of H2O in fuel these days...
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: memper on December 27, 2012, 04:37:01 PM
Awesome link. Thanks Nick!
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: ducpainter on December 27, 2012, 04:43:52 PM
Quote from: memper on December 27, 2012, 04:34:51 PM
It would be certainly easier to get some other bung with a simple screw top cap. But I gotta say, I love the ducati fillers. The color and bolt on ring really set it apart for me.

Is it necessary for an "overflow" line? Many bikes don't have them. Seems this is my hang up because I can find cool filler caps anywhere. But with the amount of H2O in fuel these days...
The only danger is more water getting in the fuel from washing or riding in the rain if the cap doesn't seal completely.
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: cmejia1978 on December 27, 2012, 04:49:03 PM
tell me what duc you have and I'll put your tank blue print here... so to say...
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: memper on December 27, 2012, 05:00:01 PM
I get it. On with the research. Thanks guys!
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: memper on December 27, 2012, 08:21:00 PM
99 750.
I can get a pretty cool racing cap that's vented. Is that enough or do I need to run a line to the atmosphere?
Sorry if my questions are lame and many. I understand some bike stuff but confused by much...
(Just wait til I do an engine or head swap. You're gonna want to ban me!)
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: ducpainter on December 27, 2012, 09:24:45 PM
a vent is a vent
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: memper on December 28, 2012, 04:39:25 AM
Quote from: ducpainter on December 27, 2012, 09:24:45 PM
a vent is a vent
[thumbsup]
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: cmejia1978 on December 28, 2012, 11:38:02 AM
I guess M750 Carb

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8319411986_471a149cb0_c.jpg)

Tell me if you need from another year/model, just be specific about carb or ie or sss or ss etc... enjoy  [popcorn]
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: memper on December 28, 2012, 04:18:16 PM
Yes M750 carbed. Thanks
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: sgollapalle on December 28, 2012, 09:24:05 PM
Quote from: Speeddog on December 27, 2012, 04:22:38 PM
Point your buddy to this thread, see if he's really ready to volunteer:
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145975 (http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145975)

Long read, but from what I know about that kind of project, he covered all the bases.

That was a long read... A good one none the less  [thumbsup]
Title: Re: making a carbon/kevlar tank question
Post by: memper on January 11, 2013, 07:36:12 AM
So in my research there is no resin that will hold up to Ethamake the beast with two backsingol (race fuel, yes). Even with a sturdy tank liner its bound to fail at some point. The only resin that is totally resistant (forgot the name) is one that is used by NASA and its $3500 for a drum. No other smaller quantities are sold. So I think my march down the path to making a carbon fuel tank is at a standstill for the moment... :'( Poo