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

[mjk778]

I agree that DNA seemed to be very sympathetic to the whole situation.  He informed that the regional DNA rep was aware that Ducati SOHO was giving wrong info to customers and working to rectify the situation.  I also told him that if it was not for the wrong info from SOHO I would have had a new tank a year ago.  Now I am close to having a 5 year old bike, told him about the 5 year emissions warranty and he told me that even if I went over that time period, as long as the proper paperwork and pictures are sent to the regional rep, the tank would be replaced as a good will gesture.  I was very impressed by DNA customer service.

[Artful]

he told me that even if I went over that time period, as long as the proper paperwork and pictures are sent to the regional rep, the tank would be replaced as a good will gesture.  I was very impressed by DNA customer service.

That is an INCREDIBLE backing from a manufacturer. I've had various manufacturers in the past tell me that the day my warranty expired I was pretty much up a creek. Hopefully I never have to test their resolve, but having a rep state that makes me confident that they have at least considered the scenario.

[victor441]

FWIW in case the problem IS indeed ethanol, this site lists ethanol free gas stations by state...
http://www.pure-gas.org/

[ducatiz]

You've missed a few pages!

Yes its due to ethanol and yes that's been posted but that site hasn't been updated for a year.

[victor441]

You've missed a few pages!

Yes its due to ethanol and yes that's been posted but that site hasn't been updated for a year.

sorry about that...but since there are 58 it was easy to miss a few

[ducatiz]

sorry about that...but since there are 58 it was easy to miss a few

I've summarized the known facts in the first post.  Check it out.

[jgrm1]

10.  Ducati NA seems to be engaged, but not to the extent we'd all like them to be.  That doesn't mean a solution isn't coming, but it also doesn't mean a solution is coming at all.  The best thing for me to do is continue working with them until I am convinced there is no more effort on their part.  I do not currently have a timeline, there is no statute of limitations for a defect suit of this type.

Excellent summary.  Thank you for updating page one to save us from scanning the latest posts for nuggets of information.  Has DNA indicated whether they are considering supplying replacement tanks with a coating or made from a better material?

-Jeff

[duccarlos]

Just ordered the kit. I'll keep you guys posted on how well it goes with the dealer. My hope is that they start charging extra for the sealer, hopefully when they sell the bikes instead of after the tank expands.

[Meerkat]

Just bought an 07 S2R1K with the tank expanded til hell wouldn't have it. Can't even raise the tank it's expanded so much. Headed to the Ducpond tomorrow for the Ducati Experience Truck and figure I'll have them look at it and start the process to get it replaced.

[ducatiz]

Just bought an 07 S2R1K with the tank expanded til hell wouldn't have it. Can't even raise the tank it's expanded so much. Headed to the Ducpond tomorrow for the Ducati Experience Truck and figure I'll have them look at it and start the process to get it replaced.

I wonder if the Ducati Experience includes a tank blowing?

[Desert Dust]

My tank has expanded so much that the top triple clamp hits the tank on the left side.
Luckily, my new tank has arrived. However, my dealer cautioned against coating the new tank. The dealer stated that he has had only one problem of the new tanks expanding out of several hundred replacements. I hope he's right.

[mjk778]

My tank has expanded so much that the top triple clamp hits the tank on the left side.
Luckily, my new tank has arrived. However, my dealer cautioned against coating the new tank. The dealer stated that he has had only one problem of the new tanks expanding out of several hundred replacements. I hope he's right.

Just out of curiosity, why did he caution against coating?  I am in the same situation, actually had my bike checked out today by Rockwell Cycles today and they recommended using Caswell to coat.  They did not guarantee it's effectiveness as it's only been a year since they started coating but stated that the replacement tank is the same as the old one.  Coating seems to be the only precautionary measure to take.  Did your dealer advise against for warranty issues or another reason?

[Desert Dust]

Just out of curiosity, why did he caution against coating?  I am in the same situation, actually had my bike checked out today by Rockwell Cycles today and they recommended using Caswell to coat.  They did not guarantee it's effectiveness as it's only been a year since they started coating but stated that the replacement tank is the same as the old one.  Coating seems to be the only precautionary measure to take.  Did your dealer advise against for warranty issues or another reason?

He said that sometimes the coating does not stick, then you have chunks of coating floating around with the fuel. He also said that coating could void any future warranties.

[mjk778]

He said that sometimes the coating does not stick, then you have chunks of coating floating around with the fuel. He also said that coating could void any future warranties.

Thanks for the feedback.  That's interesting.  I'm wondering if he was talking about the Caswell's or other Liner's?  I read about other epoxy's online causing this but not Cawell's.  Anyone else have any feed back on this?  As far as warranty's go, I'm at 4 1/2 years right now so my warranty is almost up anyway.  Plus how would they know if you had the inside of the tank lined?  It is clear from what I understand.  Too be honest, I'm sick of this tank issue already.  Just want to Ride!

[ducatiz]

He said that sometimes the coating does not stick, then you have chunks of coating floating around with the fuel. He also said that coating could void any future warranties.

On a new tank, there is no evidence I've seen that Caswell will have any problem.  I personally know of 7 guys with multistradas with the coating for over a year now and at least another 6 more multis and monsters ranging from 4 to 12 months. 

It has been tested and there have been no adhesion issues.

If you are using the coating on a USED tank, then preparation is incredibly important and there MAY be adhesion issues if you do not prepare it correctly.  That means draining, cleaning, rinsing and letting it dry for a while in a dry environment.  If you are in a lot of humidity, then figure out a way to move it to a low humidity location and let it sit and air out and dry. 

Roughing the surface doesn't help.  But I recommend removing the air bubbles from the inner surface of the tank.  These are obvious when you see them, they are artifacts from the rotomolding.  Basically, they are a pimple -- a very thin bubble on the surface of the tank.  Cut the thin surface off with an exacto knife.  The tank is about 3/4" thick and you will have to try hard to puncture it, but go slow and just remove the bubble.  If the coating is on the bubble and somehow it breaks, gasoline/ethanol can penetrate under it and it can lift.