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

[DRKWNG]

Just made my second claim    I wish I had the dough to but the aluminun one and get it over with

Yea, I'm on my third tank now, and noticed that it had already started to pimple a few days ago...  Tank number four coming to a theater near you...

[Desert Dust]

I just received word from my dealer that my tank (07 S2R 1K) would be replaced due to expansion. Will the problem be resolved?

[DucNaked]

I'd say not really. You'll get a new tank, but it will be the same as the old one. 

[Artful]

I'm in the club now too. The local dealer has been awesome so far, knew the issue, took the photos and already ordered the new tank. Looking into coating options as I type...

[He Man]

aha! Got an email out of no where from Nick at Rockwell Cycles,  I was starting to loose my faith in them, but they came through!

New tank is en route!!! Nick was kind enough to submit me for a red one. So no more black and gold for me. and no more pirate skulls.


 

Not sure when it will come in, but regardless of that fact, i will pick it up after my track day and remove it for coating with the caswell stuff immediately. Is there any report on the caswell stuff? does it work? No more having to break out 90 different tools just to  get my tank off. however i will miss the expanded tanks capacity, i was getting over 3.5 gallons of fuel if i ran the light +15 or so miles.

[ducatiz]

Caswell is a go.  I am trying to get them to certify it will stick to our nylon tanks.

[Uncle Mofo]

Caswell is a go.  I am trying to get them to certify it will stick to our nylon tanks.

Cool! I have a new tank coming too.

[DRKWNG]

Looks like the new Aprilias are having this same problem as well...

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211397

[csp808]

Just applied my coating yesterday its cured today. Its a pretty stout compound i poured a test section on a dirty shop table and after 24 hours set time had to razor blade it off. Once off i i noticed it has a degree of flexibility to it seems it would hold up to a crash. The application instructions were pretty spot on but i had to clean my tank several times to get it all the way clean. I used acetone the 1st cleaning but used brake parts cleaner the subsequent cleanings to reduce the chance of damage to the paint and the tank. I'm not recommending anyone use brake clean it may have side effects depending on the chemicals your brand contains may cause adhesion issues or plastic parts to become brittle. I had to repeat the cleaning due to an oil like substance i would find traces of in the tank. Gasoline reside possibly but it had no odor. Following a dish soap cleaning and a 12 hour drying period aided with compressed air I applied the caswells coating its very honey like in appearance and texture. Take your time and roll the tank around slowly i had about 15 to 20 min working time i spent 20 minutes emptying the mixture out as it begins to get very thick. Over all not a fun thing to do but im feeling better having done it and well see how it holds up

[ducatiz]

I believe there are instructions for thinning the Caswell's product.  MEK is what they recommend, but double check with them.

[csp808]

They did have some alternate ways to thin the compound for increasing the working time and splitting between two tanks. I wanted to keep it simple to minimize my clumsiness from screwing up the compound

[arai_speed]

My second tank on my Monster showing pimples now (center of pic) - I've had this new one for about 13 months now:

[He Man]

I find that my tank shrinks a bit if im on long trips where i fill up multiple times.

then i found out i can just shave my tank to get it look smooth again. my first attempt did not go so well. i will try again later.



you think they will reject me? They already approved and ordered my tank...

[ducatiz]

I find that my tank shrinks a bit if im on long trips where i fill up multiple times.

then i found out i can just shave my tank to get it look smooth again. my first attempt did not go so well. i will try again later.



you think they will reject me? They already approved and ordered my tank...

LOL!!!

You crack me up

No, the tank's defect was presented and approved before the damage. 

[ducatiz]

Added some research links to the first post.  here they are:

The last PA6 note mentions that PA6 can absorb moisture to 8% of its weight, and that's from a manufacturer of PA6 parts.

Footnotes:
On Nylon 6/PA6
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pola.1993.080310119/abstract
http://www.dsm.com/en_US/html/dep/akulonmoisture.htm
http://www.springerlink.com/content/h046820627255320/
http://www.zellamid.com/show.aspx?SP=2&url=202PA6

On Ethanol adsorption of water
http://www.springerlink.com/content/j2x43q45660x5617/
http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/news/E10.shtml