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

[mitt]

It is specific to each vehicle, I don't know if it is by type, but if you look in your owner's manual, Ducati states it is.

I looked up my nissan warranty book, and it pretty much lines up with the EPA page I linked and quoted.  The only parts covered by the extended emission warranty are considered major, and is the ecu, cat converter, and the on board diagnostic computer.

mitt

[ducatiz]

I looked up my nissan warranty book, and it pretty much lines up with the EPA page I linked and quoted.  The only parts covered by the extended emission warranty are considered major, and is the ecu, cat converter, and the on board diagnostic computer.

mitt

the EPA page probably specifies a minimum then.  manufacturers are free to add.

[Kurt V]

I skimmed the 56 pages on this problem and didn't see this posted, maybe I just missed it. Anyways I have a 2009 696, purchased new in June 2009. Presently have 1500 miles on it. Last week it started leaking fuel. A pretty steady drip. I pull the tank and see gas all over the rear bottom of the tank. Trailer it up to the Ducati dealer. They call me yesterday and tell me the tank is deformed around where the fuel pump connects. Then they ask me if I tried to seal it myself as there was some type of white sealer around the fuel pump connection. I told them no as I only looked to see where the leak was from. They then tell me as it is not important as the tank is deformed around where the fuel pump connects and that they will be replacing my tank and a new fuel pump seal. Told me the tank is $1000 and will take two weeks to get in! Fortunately it is covered under warranty and they are replacing it for free.

[ducpainter]

I know a guy with a multi that is leaking from the pump flange too...

[ducatiz]

I skimmed the 56 pages on this problem and didn't see this posted, maybe I just missed it. Anyways I have a 2009 696, purchased new in June 2009. Presently have 1500 miles on it. Last week it started leaking fuel. A pretty steady drip. I pull the tank and see gas all over the rear bottom of the tank. Trailer it up to the Ducati dealer. They call me yesterday and tell me the tank is deformed around where the fuel pump connects. Then they ask me if I tried to seal it myself as there was some type of white sealer around the fuel pump connection. I told them no as I only looked to see where the leak was from. They then tell me as it is not important as the tank is deformed around where the fuel pump connects and that they will be replacing my tank and a new fuel pump seal. Told me the tank is $1000 and will take two weeks to get in!

That should be a warranty repair.

DO NOT PAY THEM TO FIX THE TANK.  You need to push them on it, call Ducati in Cali and talk to someone in customer service.

[Kurt V]

That should be a warranty repair.
DO NOT PAY THEM TO FIX THE TANK.  You need to push them on it, call Ducati in Cali and talk to someone in customer service.

Sorry I should have been clearer. They are covering it under warranty.

[jgrm1]

With my old Triumph’s steel petrol tank, I always parked it full of fuel to prevent corrosion forming inside the tank.  After replacing the sender plate on my BMW after seeing how corroded it was, I wondered whether it is better to now park that bike full or low on fuel if it will sit for a week or so.  Now, after having the fuel tank on my Ducati replaced because of swelling (apparently) caused by today’s ethanol laced fuel, I started parking that bike without filling up to try to reduce exposing the tank to whatever in the fuel is causing it to swell.  What are you doing?  Parking full or low on fuel?  Does it matter?

-Jeff

[ducatiz]

With my old Triumph’s steel petrol tank, I always parked it full of fuel to prevent corrosion forming inside the tank.  After replacing the sender plate on my BMW after seeing how corroded it was, I wondered whether it is better to now park that bike full or low on fuel if it will sit for a week or so.  Now, after having the fuel tank on my Ducati replaced because of swelling (apparently) caused by today’s ethanol laced fuel, I started parking that bike without filling up to try to reduce exposing the tank to whatever in the fuel is causing it to swell.  What are you doing?  Parking full or low on fuel?  Does it matter?

-Jeff

what matters more is keeping the fuel from phase separation.  that means cycling it frequently, draining the tank, or using some kind of additive like Startron or Stabil. 

also, heat.  once the fuel separates, heat accelerates the absorption of water into the tank walls.

[jgrm1]

once the fuel separates, heat accelerates the absorption of water into the tank walls.

I'm screwed then living in hot and humid East Texas.  I'll just enjoy the heck out of the bike until this tank bloats beyond servicable limits, then figure out what to do.

-Jeff

[ducatiz]

Use stabil marine and run it til near empty before filling up.  If you store it, drain it and put one of those milsuro desiccant bags in the filler.

Good luck.

[ducatiz]

Also look into getting it coated.  That will stop it.

[mjk778]

Just signed up to the yahoo group.  06 S2r1000.  Although not a bad as some of the others on here, I am def experiencing similar issues.  Ducati SOHO told me that after time the tank will stop expanding??  They also told me nothing can be done unless fuel is leaking.  Appreciate you taking on this cause and will offer any upport necesary.

Mike

[ducatiz]

Just signed up to the yahoo group.  06 S2r1000.  Although not a bad as some of the others on here, I am def experiencing similar issues.  Ducati SOHO told me that after time the tank will stop expanding??  They also told me nothing can be done unless fuel is leaking.  Appreciate you taking on this cause and will offer any upport necesary.

Mike

You are the 3rd or 4th person sold that line of BS from Ducati Soho. 

Ducati NA is replacing every tank that is showing deformation.  There is no "fuel must be leaking" rule, and I have that in an email directly from DNA.  Take it to another dealer, and with it, the rest of your business.

[rockaduc]

Just signed up to the yahoo group.  06 S2r1000.  Although not a bad as some of the others on here, I am def experiencing similar issues.  Ducati SOHO told me that after time the tank will stop expanding??  They also told me nothing can be done unless fuel is leaking.  Appreciate you taking on this cause and will offer any upport necesary.

Mike

Duc SOHO really sucks.

[psycledelic]

I'm late to the party, but had my tank inspected at Ducati of Charlotte yesterday.  They ordered a warrantied replacement without question or hassle.  I assume it will be prone to the same defect though.  I signed up via email earlier this morning.