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

[Monstermash]

Here's an interesting little tidbit of info for you guys....

I just got off the phone with Craig at Caswell. During my discussion he mentioned they have sold some of their fuel tank sealer to DNA for testing and that they were "very pleased" with the result. So I ask you, does that mean that DNA is planning on sealing our tanks with the Caswell sealer prior to shipping out the tanks for warranty replacement? That would make sense wouldn't it? Some people have mentioned having to have their tank replaced more than once and at over $2K per tank this has to be getting expensive for Ducati. I would think a $40 fuel tank sealer kit from Caswell would be a great way to insure that the replacment tank wouldn't have the same problem.

[duccarlos]

I'm not sure that the tanks go through DNA. From what I understood, they come straight from Italy to the dealer. DNA might ask the dealers to apply it. Some dealers are impossible to simply have them put in the warranty request, let alone ask them to apply an additional coating.

[ducatiz]

Here's an interesting little tidbit of info for you guys....

I just got off the phone with Craig at Caswell. During my discussion he mentioned they have sold some of their fuel tank sealer to DNA for testing and that they were "very pleased" with the result. So I ask you, does that mean that DNA is planning on sealing our tanks with the Caswell sealer prior to shipping out the tanks for warranty replacement? That would make sense wouldn't it? Some people have mentioned having to have their tank replaced more than once and at over $2K per tank this has to be getting expensive for Ducati. I would think a $40 fuel tank sealer kit from Caswell would be a great way to insure that the replacment tank wouldn't have the same problem.

The coating (or some coating very similar) would be applied at the time of manufacture.  Even $40/tank is high.  If it is possible to include it as the last stage of roto-molding, then the per-tank cost drops to materials only and probably absurdly cheap, esp compared to replacing the tanks.

[Monstermash]

The coating (or some coating very similar) would be applied at the time of manufacture.  Even $40/tank is high.  If it is possible to include it as the last stage of roto-molding, then the per-tank cost drops to materials only and probably absurdly cheap, esp compared to replacing the tanks.

 Exactly. Also, the Caswell kit will do 2 almost 3 of our tanks so even though $40 is a lot for DNA or the dealer to absorb it would be less in quantity.

IMO Ducati should do something other than just keep replacing tanks becasue of the shitty fuel we are required to buy.

[Greg]

Tank update - San Antonio - After KCI closed shop with my new tank "on order", I finally visited the new Ducati dealership in San Antonio. I explained the situation with KCI and that the tank had apparently been OK'ed for a replacement previously, so they wrote it up and took more pictures to submit to DNA. They said they would be in touch with me as soon as they heard back from DNA.
Hopefully this time I will get a new tank, as the old one is really swelling bad and it's a pregnant dog to unlatch the tank.

[ducpainter]

<snip>
IMO Ducati should do something other than just keep replacing tanks becasue of the shitty fuel we are required to buy.

It seems they're doing the best they can...things take time and Ducati isn't going to spend whatever the cost to coat tanks until they have proof it will solve the problem.

Remember DNA doesn't design the motorcycle...just import and support.

I'm certain that this is costing everyone involved an everyone would like a permanent solution.

Why not talk to your representative about changing the regs regarding fuel?

[J.P.]

You're Right!
That does it, I'm gonna write a letter!  
 
On a serious note, I found a source of ethanol free, 100 octane, low lead. Local airport. Runs great in the norton and doesn't dissolve the Fiber glass tank, but anyone know what it'll do to a s2r1000?

[ducpainter]

You're Right!
That does it, I'm gonna write a letter!  
 
On a serious note, I found a source of ethanol free, 100 octane, low lead. Local airport. Runs great in the norton and doesn't dissolve the Fiber glass tank, but anyone know what it'll do to a s2r1000?

100 octane would most likely carbon up the duc

[Popeye the Sailor]

You're Right!
That does it, I'm gonna write a letter!  
 
On a serious note, I found a source of ethanol free, 100 octane, low lead. Local airport. Runs great in the norton and doesn't dissolve the Fiber glass tank, but anyone know what it'll do to a s2r1000?

Low lead sounds uh, unhealthy....

[csp808]

You're Right!
That does it, I'm gonna write a letter!  
 
On a serious note, I found a source of ethanol free, 100 octane, low lead. Local airport. Runs great in the norton and doesn't dissolve the Fiber glass tank, but anyone know what it'll do to a s2r1000?

Likely ruin your o2 sensor

[rockaduc]

You're Right!
That does it, I'm gonna write a letter!  
 
On a serious note, I found a source of ethanol free, 100 octane, low lead. Local airport. Runs great in the norton and doesn't dissolve the Fiber glass tank, but anyone know what it'll do to a s2r1000?

Might cause dogs and cats to sleep together.

[ducatiz]

You're Right!
That does it, I'm gonna write a letter! 
 
On a serious note, I found a source of ethanol free, 100 octane, low lead. Local airport. Runs great in the norton and doesn't dissolve the Fiber glass tank, but anyone know what it'll do to a s2r1000?

probably get it impounded while you stay in jail.

$6.50/gallon near me.  probably cheaper to coat the tank over the long run

Regular pump gas is $2.52 down the street.  $4/gallon premium?  the tank treatment is only $40.

[duccarlos]

Has anyone asked Caswell if we can get a good deal in a group buy?

[ducatiz]

Has anyone asked Caswell if we can get a good deal in a group buy?

nope, i think they do sell it in larger quantities, problem is reshipping it.  i imagine you could buy a bunch of the motorcycle kits tho.

[J.P.]

Lead and o2 sensor- maybe.
Note on caswell: applied it to the norton F-glass tank, must have missed a spot as the ethane fuel kept on attacking it, varnishing up the carbs,head. So application is very important, maybe employing a roto spinning jig thingie or something. The stuff does make a nice coating inside.