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

[DeuceNYC]

The EPA is running with a proposal to increase the allowable percentage of ethanol in gasoline from 10% to 15%. I hope DNA finds a workable solution soon because it seems the problem will only get worse.

[Veloce-Fino]

The EPA

This is the problem right here.

[ducpainter]

This is the problem right here.

let's not go there....

[ducatiz]

The EPA is running with a proposal to increase the allowable percentage of ethanol in gasoline from 10% to 15%. I hope DNA finds a workable solution soon because it seems the problem will only get worse.

the only option is for EVERYONE to write the EPA and complain about it OR to ask them to mandate that pumps have to offer Ethanol-free gas as well.

[duccarlos]

Would this cause the issue to be worse than what it already is? I would assume that unless it increases by like 50%, it would still cause the issue at probably similar rate.

[ducatiz]

Would this cause the issue to be worse than what it already is? I would assume that unless it increases by like 50%, it would still cause the issue at probably similar rate.

Absolutely.  It would accelerate the expansion.  Ethanol absorbs water at a certain rate (pure gasoline does as well, but the rate is around 1/1000th that of ethanol).

Increasing the ethanol dilution by 50% means there is 50% more water in the mixture.

[DeuceNYC]

Would this cause the issue to be worse than what it already is? I would assume that unless it increases by like 50%, it would still cause the issue at probably similar rate.

I don't think anyone knows for certain, but a 50% increase is pretty significant. Not to mention ethanol produces fewer BTUs per gallon than gasoline so you'll also be looking at poorer fuel economy.

[ducatiz]

We need a separate ethanol thread...

[duccarlos]

Agreed, yuu already started it. Guys, before everyone freaks out, they are increasing it by 5%. This means 5% more water absorbtion, which is technically 50% of the current level, so yeah I see your point.

[ducatiz]

Agreed, yuu already started it. Guys, before everyone freaks out, they are increasing it by 5%. This means 50% more water absorbtion, which is technically 50% of the current level, so yeah I see your point.

corrected

10 ml of ethanol absorbs water at a rate of X per minute at Y degrees and Z% humidity.

15 ml will absorb 50% more by volume with X Y and Z remaining constant.

Increase the temperature and/or humidity and the absorption rate increases.

[Kurt V]

Mine took 5 months.
Don't expect quick service on this, you are in a big line of people probably, esp for the popular colors.

That really is unacceptable. If that is the case, once it is fixed I will be selling it. I love the 696 Monster, but if that is the way Ducati wants to treat their customers, then I will vote with my feet.

[ducatiz]

That really is unacceptable. If that is the case, once it is fixed I will be selling it. I love the 696 Monster, but if that is the way Ducati wants to treat their customers, then I will vote with my feet.

In my case, I have the '05 S2R Acid Yellow, which was the only year and model offered in that color, so I assume it was the rarity.  As far as other delays, bear in mind there are a LOT of people making these claims now and someone actually has to look at the photos when they send them in. 

Currently (I'm told by DNA that) dealers are communicating >directly< with Bologna with a new system they've put into place.  I think that may speed things up, but it seems to me that DNA should have the say-so anyhow since they are the warrantor, not Bologna. 

5 months is the longest I've heard, most are around a month.

[duccarlos]

Mine was less than 2 weeks. I think DNA has been doing a fantastic job turning these around.

[CDawg]

The EPA is running with a proposal to increase the allowable percentage of ethanol in gasoline from 10% to 15%. I hope DNA finds a workable solution soon because it seems the problem will only get worse.

Awesome...

[Meerkat]

Filed my NHTSA ODI complaint today.