Plastic Tank problems: Discussion thread, see info thread sticky for updates

[aglanixp]

Got the call that my tank is in.  Take it in on Friday to do the swap.

[DarkStaR]

Fcuk, the paint on my tank is cracking on the left side near the rubber support.  

[wantingaduc]

Has anyone had problems with expansion on a replacement tank and if so has Ducati stepped up to cover a second tank?
I had the original one on my 06 620 dark replaced last summer but I noticed the other day that I had to readjust the steering stop, which was the first indication of the expansion the other time.

I bought the EverRed warranty in hopes that if anything went wrong with the bike I'd be covered but I get the sinking feeling that they will try and dodge the tank if it actually expanding again.

jimi

[ducatiz]

Jimi

I have guys on my list who have gotten 2 replacements.  Dna is replacing them. 

[Bill in OKC]

I am in an odd situation.  Oklahoma still allows 100% gas but I hear the Federal Gov. is going to force our state to sell only e10 in the future.  I use 100% gas now so my tank has not expanded yet, but I am afraid it will when e10 becomes mandated and is the only fuel available.  By then my warranty will probably be expired and I'll be SOL.  I'd like to get an ethanol-proof tank but unless mine expands, there will be no replacement...  Should I start running e10 now so I can get a replacement tank while I still can?  e10 sux.

[ducatiz]

Bill are you sure there is no e10 in OK? 

Pm coming

[Bill in OKC]

Bill are you sure there is no e10 in OK? 

Pm coming

There is e10 and 100% gas available here.  They passed a state law that requires the stations to label the pumps so I can choose.  I put 100% gas in my vehicles and lawn equipment.  Sometimes I don't have a choice but if I have to buy e10 out somewhere, I generally use most of it up and can fill up with real gas before I get home.  Generally you can count on Valero to have real gas around here, the other stations vary by location.

[Old-Duckman]

06 S2R 1000. This spring unable to unlatch.

Called dealer , he called Ducati, they want to have me bring up the bike and take pix.

My Question:
(Probably covered before but I don't want to sift through 38 pages of posts...)

Should I put my evaporative canister back on the bike before taking it to the dealer?

How 'bout original exhaust?

My guess is, canister, Yes. Exhaust, No need.

[ducatiz]

Neither.   Mine is heavily modded, pc3n no belt covers, full exhaust, cut airbox, evap long gone.  They replaced it wo a tweet.

[jgrm1]

Should I put my evaporative canister back on the bike before taking it to the dealer?

My dealer actually removed my canister when replacing my tank.

-Jeff

[DUCURTI]

2007 s4rs.

I joined the list today. Can someone give me the short version of how the replacement process works??

[Duckintime]

Go to dealership, they take pics, you take bike, they send in claim, call you when its in.
In my case, they started the paper work before they saw the bike. My bike was in the shop for about a week or 2.
Dont let your dealership give you the run around or pass the buck. Ducati knows about this.

[ducatiz]

I managed to pick up a tank that I can send out for lab testing. 

Stay tuned.

[mitt]

I still think this is a multiple variable problem.  I am posting because it is boating season again, and I got to use my 5 gallon plastic boat tank last week.  That thing was expanded like a ballon.  It had been sitting all winter with the cap on and vent closed.  I had a hard time even twisting the cap off it was under so much pressure. 

It gradually goes back to "original" shape after a day or 2 sitting with the vent open.  But, it is thin, flexible material, so it doesn't have a memory.   If it was a material that yielded plastic (irreversible), then it would do the same thing as the monster tanks are doing.  So, I think it may be a combination of pressure, poor venting, poor materials, and maybe ethanol is a catalyst.

It would be fun to install a pressure gauge on a sealed tank with some gas in it, and then record the pressure with time and temperature.

mitt

[DUCURTI]

So, I think it may be a combination of pressure, poor venting, poor materials, and maybe ethanol is a catalyst.

mitt

That is sad considering that it's Ducati were talking about here. None of the $8000 Suzuki motorcycles I've owned have had expanding gas tanks.