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

[poseur]

What about using Sea Foam?


"Fuel can absorb moisture from the atmosphere - even more so with the addition of ethanol.  Crank case oil can also become easily contaminated with moisture.  Sea Foam fully encapsulates the water molecules in the fuel and oil to prevent phase separation - rendering the absorbed moisture harmless."

Why Sea Foam Motor Treatment Works

[ducatiz]

What about using Sea Foam?


"Fuel can absorb moisture from the atmosphere - even more so with the addition of ethanol.  Crank case oil can also become easily contaminated with moisture.  Sea Foam fully encapsulates the water molecules in the fuel and oil to prevent phase separation - rendering the absorbed moisture harmless."

Why Sea Foam Motor Treatment Works

Sea Foam uses a type of alcohol to absorb moisture.  Which is why it cleans your system out so well -- ethanol as an additive also works to clean your injectors...

[mjk778]

Exactly 2 weeks from the day that DNA approved my new tank (which took a week after the dealer took pics and sent to DNA) my new tank has arrived.  Will be getting Caswells this week.  Special thanks to Rockwell cycles for getting this done and Ducatiz and other forum members for all the info and procedure to get this replaced.  If i would have listened to the first dealer I went to 1 1/2 years go I'd still be cringing looking at my deformed tank.

Thanks

Mike

[arai_speed]

My second tank has now expanded exponentially.  What started as a small ripple has now expanded to lots of ripples on both sides of the tank (where my knees rest while riding) and has expanded forward to where I can barely remove the front latch.

I'm reluctant to submit for a 2nd tank if the same shit is gonna happen again. 

[twolanefun]

It took a year, but I have a new tank, 10/1/10, black with white stripe, on my S2R. It is coated differently than previous tanks, no cost to me. I encourage you to support the AMA efforts to stop the E15 initiative that the corn lobby is pushing for, write the EPA, your legislators. BTW this problem is not just a Ducati problem, other brands are seeing the same thing, it's on the XR forum for example. Until the OEMs get this figured out we do not need more ethanol at the pumps and I'm told it can cause problems with FI, Carbs. I refuse to but a new Ducati until they figure this out. - Gene

[DEVO!]

Called Pro Italia they said bring it in they will take some pictures

[arai_speed]

I called PI - it seems they are now offering to coat the replaced tanks for $250 using the Caswell product.

[Massinova]

I called PI - it seems they are now offering to coat the replaced tanks for $250 using the Caswell product.

Speaking of Caswell, I found this DIY:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=616792

[ducatiboy]

Sorry but I am not reading the whole thread and I have a couple questions.

I just got my 2008 S2R1000, bought it used with less than 500 miles.

It appears the tank has expanded on the frame (rubber bumpers don't line up) and it has a rub on the key guard.

If I bring it to a Ducati Dealer, even if they did not originally sell the bike, will Ducati give me a new tank?

[mjk778]

Sorry but I am not reading the whole thread and I have a couple questions.

I just got my 2008 S2R1000, bought it used with less than 500 miles.

It appears the tank has expanded on the frame (rubber bumpers don't line up) and it has a rub on the key guard.

If I bring it to a Ducati Dealer, even if they did not originally sell the bike, will Ducati give me a new tank?

Yes they will.  I had the same situation and got mine replaced.
Goodluck!!!

[eyduc]

I just got word that my tank replacement was approved!   That was fast!  I only bought the bike a week ago, read the the thread and contacted the local dealer.  The new tank is now on order.  Does this issue happen to all tanks or close to it?  Will I have the same issue with the new tank?  I'm reluctant to use it. I may store it and just find a steel tank.  From what I've read, I need an 02-04 S4 tank and swap my pump.  I'll need the new rear bracket too.

[Kurt V]

Update on my 696 tank. On Monday I get this email from DNA. I am posting the message in full for anyone that wants to use the phone numbers or email address. So 8 weeks after my bike goes in they finally respond to my email requests for help. Just called the dealer who tells me the tank is on my bike and ready to go. Keep in mind they didn't call me, I had to call them.

John Berntsen
 to me
   
show details 11:47 AM (21 hours ago)
   
   from   John Berntsen <John.Berntsen@ducati.com>
to   "kvalent118
date   Mon, Nov 8, 2010 at 11:47 AM
subject   Your Monster 696 Fuel Tank
mailed-by   ducati.com
   
hide details 11:47 AM (21 hours ago)
Dear Kurt,
Thank you for contacting Ducati North America.
We apologize for the delay in responding to you and for the concerns that you have with your Monster 696 fuel tank. We have worked diligently to get your tank expedited. In tracking the order that your fuel tank was a part of, we have learned that the parts order was delivered to Jones Powersports on Friday, November 5th, 2010. We encourage you to contact the dealership to schedule an appointment for installation. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.

Regards,
John Berntsen

Technical Representative - Customer Service
Ducati North America

10443 Bandley Drive
Cupertino, CA 95014

Tel. 408 343 4431

Fax. 408 716 2696

john.berntsen@ducati.com
www.ducatiusa.com

[ducatiboy]

Called my local dealer today (Ducati Vermont) and was told I would have to leave the bike with them for "awhile".

Has anyone had this issue?   Why would they need it for "awhile"?

   I figured I could get it inspected same day and get a tank on order.   Riding season is coming to a close and I haven't put 50 miles on this thing.

[ducpainter]

Called my local dealer today (Ducati Vermont) and was told I would have to leave the bike with them for "awhile".

Has anyone had this issue?   Why would they need it for "awhile"?

   I figured I could get it inspected same day and get a tank on order.   Riding season is coming to a close and I haven't put 50 miles on this thing.

They should be able to take photos and the vin and get the process underway.

[booger]

Called my local dealer today (Ducati Vermont) and was told I would have to leave the bike with them for "awhile".

Has anyone had this issue?   Why would they need it for "awhile"?

   I figured I could get it inspected same day and get a tank on order.   Riding season is coming to a close and I haven't put 50 miles on this thing.

Probably some kid who doesn't know what he's talking about. You need the service manager. If the service manager is telling you this, you need to move to NY, NH, or MA. It's pretty well established that all the dealer does is take photos and fill out a form to initiate the process. Geez do all US Ducati dealers have their heads up their asses? You know what I could be a Ducati dealer with my revolutionary new concept of CUSTOMER SERVICE UBER ALLES. Make myself a fortune.
Load that sucker up ina pickemup truck and take it to a dealer who doesn't have his head wedged inside his rectum.