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

[thought]

When I replaced the sf tank, the dealer let me take the new tank home as long as I paid a down payment of the cost of the tank.  After I brought it back coated and ready for installation they refunded me the money.  This way they were covered if anything went wrong e.g. me running away with the tank.

Ask your dealer about doing it that way, I'm pretty sure most of them would be ok with it.

[xsephirot]

When I replaced the sf tank, the dealer let me take the new tank home as long as I paid a down payment of the cost of the tank.  After I brought it back coated and ready for installation they refunded me the money.  This way they were covered if anything went wrong e.g. me running away with the tank.

Ask your dealer about doing it that way, I'm pretty sure most of them would be ok with it.

Or if you leave your bike there.

[Betlog]

So assuming the Caswell coating was done improperly and it starts peeling off.  What problem could be caused by having the particles floating inside the tank?  Would it be an expensive repair if the fuel lines get clogged, for example?

[ducpainter]

So assuming the Caswell coating was done improperly and it starts peeling off.  What problem could be caused by having the particles floating inside the tank?  Would it be an expensive repair if the fuel lines get clogged, for example?

I don't see how the pieces would get past the pump screen

[Betlog]

I don't see how the pieces would get past the pump screen

Where is the pump screen?  I'm guessing from your reply that it's a non-issue?  How do I fish out the particles?  Just drain and rinse the tank?

[ducpainter]

Where is the pump screen?  I'm guessing from your reply that it's a non-issue?  How do I fish out the particles?  Just drain and rinse the tank?

Pump screen is in the tank attached to the pump.

It's a non-issue IMO with regards to the pieces getting in the fuel system.

I guess that would do it, but what are you going to do about the peeling coating?

[Betlog]

So I'm thinking of sealing my tank with Caswell.  From a bit of research, it seems that I can get the tank to revert the expansion if I dry it out for about a month.  The question is, how close to original can it go back?  The sides of my tank have ripples (specifically the notches for the knees).

[uclabiker06]

I got the Caswell but I've been having a hard time finding down time to coat my new tank b/c I've been using the bike for transportation so now I definitely have to let it air out for a month to make sure there is no water absorbtion.  I've been running the new tank for about a month now.  Annoying.

[ducatiz]

So I'm thinking of sealing my tank with Caswell.  From a bit of research, it seems that I can get the tank to revert the expansion if I dry it out for about a month.  The question is, how close to original can it go back?  The sides of my tank have ripples (specifically the notches for the knees).

if you have ripples, you have enough water ingress to possible compromise the tank and i would not coat, i would submit it for a replacement.

[ducatiz]

I got the Caswell but I've been having a hard time finding down time to coat my new tank b/c I've been using the bike for transportation so now I definitely have to let it air out for a month to make sure there is no water absorbtion.  I've been running the new tank for about a month now.  Annoying.

so you are riding on one tank and coating another?

you will need to let the tank air dry for a while, mine took 2 months to shrink back and then i let it sit for another few weeks before coating.

[Betlog]

if you have ripples, you have enough water ingress to possible compromise the tank and i would not coat, i would submit it for a replacement.

It really is not bad. The paint is not peeling or anything.  It's basically a wavy deformation. I'm not sure if you are thinking of a ripple the same as how I'm thinking of a ripple.  Wouldn't drying it out work?  The tank is about 9 months old.

[Betlog]

so you are riding on one tank and coating another?

you will need to let the tank air dry for a while, mine took 2 months to shrink back and then i let it sit for another few weeks before coating.

Were you able to get it to original form?

[ducatiz]

It really is not bad. The paint is not peeling or anything.  It's basically a wavy deformation. I'm not sure if you are thinking of a ripple the same as how I'm thinking of a ripple.  Wouldn't drying it out work?  The tank is about 9 months old.

If it's just wavy expansion, then it's not a ripple.  Some have had ripples like a potato chip with the paint folding up.

With just wavy surface, you can dry it out.

Were you able to get it to original form?

It is still about 15mm wider than a comparable (virgin) tank, but that was the best I could do.

[Betlog]

If it's just wavy expansion, then it's not a ripple.  Some have had ripples like a potato chip with the paint folding up.

With just wavy surface, you can dry it out.

It is still about 15mm wider than a comparable (virgin) tank, but that was the best I could do.

Thank you for clarifying!  At least you have more fuel capacity. :-)

[ducatiz]

Thank you for clarifying!  At least you have more fuel capacity. :-)

well, yes but at a cost.  the tank will swell to the point that the frame bumpers are off the frame and the front latch cannot be opened and closed normally -- pressing against the keyswitch.  i have seen tanks with an imprint of the keyswitch in the front well as a result of the pressure (and non-diligent owner).

there is no upside to this situation, unfortunately.