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

[duccarlos]

That's the problem with dealer with a dealer that is so far away. Thankfully they see me pretty regularly, so my claim was not put on the backburner, plus it helps that the service guy is on the ball.

[DRKWNG]

I was a member here and the DML for many years before selling my S4Rs and jumping ship to KTM. Just to let you guys know, Superdukes also have this expanding gas tank problem. Two days ago I had to hammer a flathead screwdriver between my tank and the steering stem and had to pry that bastard into position in order to get it screwed on. Plastic tanks suck ass....

Ah.  Now I see why you mentioned this to me at dinner Isaac.  The tanks on the SD's are not actually known for swelling; they are just a STUPID tight fit from the factory.  Every SD's tank is like that, and they have been documented as being incredibly difficult to fit at the factory, before there has ever been fuel in tank. 

[He Man]

Just more uselesss news and updates.

emailed Rockwell twice after they took pics. no response. I called, they said they lost the pics. so i emailed them new pics. no reply. emailed them again. no reply. called, left msg, called again, spoke to someone and they said someone would call me back 2 days ago.

no word on what the situation is. Really i could care less if the gas spills everywhere and it catches on fire. so as long as im not on the bike. more reason for me to go after DNA for money to buy a new bike. this is just ridiculous.

[duccarlos]

DNA has nothing to do with Rockwell's issues. If anything you should be contacting the BBB.

[He Man]

ofcourse, the issue here is i cant find a dealer whos even willingly to submit the claim.


What blows is, i went with a group of 3.  One of the guys didnt even have the bike with him, and he just emailed the photos and got it approved.

The other 2 (including myself) cant even get a call back and we were there with our bikes, they snapped the photos and lost them, never contacted us until months later when we inquried about the issue.

And theres many other members on this very forum that said rockwell helped them out. so what gives? I'm courteous to them, i gave them all the time they needed and we spoke for a good 30 minutes just chatting and hanging out. its not like i rubbed them the wrong way.

[duccarlos]

Sorry to say that you might want to go there again and camp out until they snap the photos and put in the claim right there.

[poseur]

I suggest you craft a detailed letter explaining everything that happened (and also what it is exactly that you'd like them to do) and send it to Ducati North America, as well as Ducati in Italy.  Also send a copy to whomever it is that owns/manages Rockwell.

If that doesn't work, there must be other legal avenues.

I can't believe you've been treated so poorly by the chumps at Rockwell though. They seem to be as shady as Pro-Italia in Glendale California: http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=92958

[angler]

9 month old tank starting to swell again.....

[ducatiz]

Have you used any treatment like Stabil or Startron?

[angler]

Have you used any treatment like Stabil or Startron?

Nope.

[Monstermash]

When I bought my S4Rt a few weeks ago I brought it in to the dealer to get an inspection sticker. While I was there I mentioned that the tank looked a little suspicious so they took a few photos and submitted the claim. My new tank is in route now.

FYI-The dealer told me that the problems we are experiencing with the tanks is because of the ethanol in the fuel and not likely to stop any time soon. So my question is, why is Ducati responsible for replacing tanks because of the shitty fuel our government is making us use.
 Additionally they told me the problem is not just with Ducati tanks. They have seen it on Aprilia, Guzzi, and every other brand with plastic tanks.

I have to be honest, if I was DNA I would be looking into a lawsuit with the U.S. government. Why should they have to shell out thousands and thousands of dollars in replacment tanks because of the fuel they make us use?

[He Man]

Who knows whats going on over at ducati.

Once i get my tank, im throwing it on the shelf, and installing a metal tank.

[Old-Duckman]

Just picked up my bike with new tank today.

Don't want to read through 48 pages of posts but saw the Caswell tank sealer mentioned on page 47. I was considering that for my new tank. Caswell says it will not stick to polyethelyne...Is that what the Monster tanks are made of??

Any success or failures on the list with the Caswell?

TIA

[Monstermash]

So I just posted my experience with my expanding fuel tank in the other thread.

My dealer has been more than helpful and my new tank is on the way. They explained the problem is caused by the ethanol in the fuel and not likely to stop anytime soon. They also mentioned that it is a recurring problem with any plastic fuel tank. So, whats going to happen when all the cars/trucks on the road start having the same problem because of the ethanol? I'd be willing to bet it already happening but because the fuel tanks on cars and trucks are underneath it goes un-noticed.

I'm curious, isn't there anything we can seal our tanks with that will help us avoid this problem? The distributer I get my paint from sells POR 15 and I asked them about it. They actually called the manufacturer and asked and they said it "may work, but they can't guarantee it"

 I don't want to have the same problem with my new tank so anyone have any ideas?

[kopfjäger]

I don't think POR 15 will help with expansion.