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

[lilmonster]

I called about the LineATank sealer, I was told it is a MCU and will work on Nylon. "It will stick to almost anything"  He said.

[ducatiz]

What is an MCU?

Will they put that in writing?  That it will adhere to nylon and is impervious to ethanol?

[GAAN]

a MCU is a marine paint it stands for moisture cured or some such


http://www.offshore-technology.com/contractors/corrosion/mcu-coatings/

we used this stuff on machines that sat outside at Johnston Atoll

I know nothing about it except it was applied in a gumby suit

[ducpainter]

What is an MCU?

Will they put that in writing?  That it will adhere to nylon and is impervious to ethanol?

Moisture cured urethane. That's what POR is.

I'm skeptical.

[GAAN]

maybe its time for a fuel cell in a plastic tank-shaped vessel

[lilmonster]

If Caswell has been used with success, I will probably use it. I know alot of Us are trying to find a solution to the problem because eventually, Ducati will stop replacing tanks on older bikes. Just trying to help.

[jgrm1]

Izaak,

I received another email last night from the Yahoo group requesting more data.  You have been collecting data from us for a while and I am curious how you intend to use that data.  I am also curious about your plan now that there is a class action and interest from the NHTSA.  What's next?

I read a couple of letters written by Ducati owners in the latest issue of Motorcycle Consumer News asking when the media was going to get involved in the expanding tank issue.  It seems the movement is growing (pardon the pun).  MCN's advice was to contact NHTSA.

Thanks,
Jeff

[BoDiddley]

Is this old new?  I have not been keeping up with the problem until this morning.  I just talked to Caswell TS and he said Ducati has tested the product and is adviseing the use of it for the expansion problem.  I was conserned about longevity of it and he said he has been working thier for eight years and has never heard of a problem.  Plastic Duc tanks are obviously not that old but.

My 07 S4Rs tank is just now getting long enough to have a problem latching.  The local dealer told me he has a pile of thirty tanks out in back that Ducati is making them keep on hand.  He also said Ducati sent him an advisory that they are no longer addressing the problem!  They were up until the middle of November.  No news thier probably.

lGrain of salt anyone?

http://www.caswellplating.com/aids/epoxygas.htm

known as   PHENOL NOVOLAC EPOXY GAS TANK SEALER

[ducatiz]

Izaak,

I received another email last night from the Yahoo group requesting more data.  You have been collecting data from us for a while and I am curious how you intend to use that data.  I am also curious about your plan now that there is a class action and interest from the NHTSA.  What's next?

I read a couple of letters written by Ducati owners in the latest issue of Motorcycle Consumer News asking when the media was going to get involved in the expanding tank issue.  It seems the movement is growing (pardon the pun).  MCN's advice was to contact NHTSA.

Thanks,
Jeff

Jeff, I really can't go into details yet.  All of the parties are still talking.

Is this old new?  I have not been keeping up with the problem until this morning.  I just talked to Caswell TS and he said Ducati has tested the product and is adviseing the use of it for the expansion problem.  I was conserned about longevity of it and he said he has been working thier for eight years and has never heard of a problem.  Plastic Duc tanks are obviously not that old but.

My 07 S4Rs tank is just now getting long enough to have a problem latching.  The local dealer told me he has a pile of thirty tanks out in back that Ducati is making them keep on hand.  He also said Ducati sent him an advisory that they are no longer addressing the problem!  They were up until the middle of November.  No news thier probably.

lGrain of salt anyone?

http://www.caswellplating.com/aids/epoxygas.htm

known as   PHENOL NOVOLAC EPOXY GAS TANK SEALER

I set up the testing of Caswell for Ducati, and pushed them to look at a barrier (coating) solution. 

The word was that the coating worked to prevent the swelling and adhered well, but due to homologation reqs they (Ducati as manufacturer) could not use it.  It works well though, and several folks on the Multistrada board have had it in their tanks well over a year now.

[CDawg]

~4.5 month into the new tank that I had Caswell-ed.  No expansion so far!

[BoDiddley]

Hey Cdawg or anyone that has used Caswell, I just pulled my tank and am drying it out so I can use the Caswell when it gets here.  Caswell advises that you bump in a handfull of drywall screws and shake to scratch the intererior for adhesion.
It seems to me that a few could get stuck in the corners?  And if they do they would or could find thier way to the sensor plate.  Anyone worried about it.

Also I have read that the tank will shrink after a good dry.  This is not good if it continues to shrink after application, risk cracking under movement.   I am going to set mine up with a small fan blowing through it at the plate hole for at least a month to be sure.  It is winter in Michigan so I am down anyhow.

Drywall screws sounds like shade tree mechanic advise but whatever works, as long as they all come out.  At least count them for sure but then what if they do get stuck?

[ducatiz]

the screws are recommended to knock loose any scale or rust.  there's no need to do that on the nylon tanks.

i would recommend looking inside the tank and cutting off any thin air bubbles that are in the surface before coating as the coating will sit on top of the bubble.  the bubbles are artefacts from the rotomolding and removing them is non-problematic.  use an exacto knife and cut conservatively.

the bubbles i am referring to look like a pimple- they rise off the inner surface.  anything below the surface leave alone.  typically, they will "pop" just using your fingernail.  Most tanks will have no more than 2-3 and most will have none.

[BoDiddley]

Thanks : Any thought on the shrinking?  I cannot see very far at all in my tank to look for pimples?  S4Rs 07....

[J.P.]

I too was told by my dealer that Duc sent him a memo and will no longer replace tanks as it's a cosmetic issue.
Haven't been by to get my bike (with a new tank) to ask him for a copy for Iz. Sorry- they're over an hour away.

[J.P.]

Anyone try Stabil's Marine Ethanol Treatment? Lable says it has 4 times the ethanol fighting component- what ever that means.