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

[ducatiz]

With the pending July 22nd decision regarding the Ducati case, is it still a good idea to get the tank looked at by a dealer now?  Mine is not noticeable but it is a pain to latch/unlatch the tank.  Also, the top triple tree hits the tank when I move it to the "lock" position.

There is no pending decision.  At this point, there is only pre trial motions.  July 22 is a motion hearing, Ducati has asked that the case be dismissed (it probably won't) or alternatively that the class not be certified (also probably won't go).

A "decision" is not coming any time soon.

[Betlog]

Oh ok, thanks.  I'll go ahead and get my tank looked at then. 

[Africaboy]

I have procrastinated about getting my tank looked at. I finally took it back to the dealer yesterday. Guy at the service counter fills in  the paperwork and I ask if he's going to take some photos. One of the tank pads that rest on the frame is a good 1/2" off. He tells me its a known problem and he will submit the claim. Then the mechanic come out and tells me he can re-align the tank. He goes outside has a look and tells me he tank expanded because the vent hose had a slight kink. At this point I was fuming and he again mentioned he could re-align the tank. I told them, the tank has expanded and I wasn't interested in re-aligning it. I will now patiently wait for a week and then its war. Any other expanded tanks in Canada?

[rac3r]

Thumbs up for Ducati UK they agreed to sort it for me

If we/they are not careful it could be the end of Ducati and none of us want that so I hope they find a solution soon

[Raux]

There is no pending decision.  At this point, there is only pre trial motions.  July 22 is a motion hearing, Ducati has asked that the case be dismissed (it probably won't) or alternatively that the class not be certified (also probably won't go).

A "decision" is not coming any time soon.

I just read in the latest Road and Track that some marine equipment manufacturers are suing the ethonal industry as a result of damage to their equipment.
Wonder if the Marine fuel tanks and other parts are having the same issues and causing customers to react the same way.

[rac3r]

Not long before we have people marching down the streets with anti Ethanol banners 

[Raux]

i think the same article has said that since the mandate for E15, the price of corn has doubled. Sunday BBQ's will soon have corn on the cob more expensive than the steaks.

[rac3r]

Any chance you could scan the article or link?

[ducatiz]

i think the same article has said that since the mandate for E15, the price of corn has doubled. Sunday BBQ's will soon have corn on the cob more expensive than the steaks.

What mandate for E15?

[Raux]

sorry, coming mandate as the industry expects to pull off to meet congressional goals

http://www.ethanol.org/magazine/index.php?id=115&parentid=110

[rac3r]

Is this a mandate for E15?

No. The waiver is not a mandate for E15, just an allowance for up to 15 percent ethanol to be used in gasoline where desired

[Raux]

give it time...
you can't just shove it it without letting it sit there for a bit at the opening 

[ducatiz]

give it time...
you can't just shove it it without letting it sit there for a bit at the opening 

LOL

[Bishamon]

I just read in the latest Road and Track that some marine equipment manufacturers are suing the ethonal industry as a result of damage to their equipment.
Wonder if the Marine fuel tanks and other parts are having the same issues and causing customers to react the same way.

It's worse in the marine industry, as I understand it.  First, ethanol dissolves the resins used in fiberglass which not only seriously weakens the gas tanks, but the resin then gums up the rest of the fuel system.  Next, most boats are kept close to water (duh), and ethanol's hygroscopic nature in high humidity environment means it absorbs water more quickly, which in turn causes the ethanol and water to separate out of the gas more quickly, which in turn causes the octane rating to drop.  

[ducatiz]

It's worse in the marine industry, as I understand it.  First, ethanol dissolves the resins used in fiberglass which not only seriously weakens the gas tanks, but the resin then gums up the rest of the fuel system.  Next, most boats are kept close to water (duh), and ethanol's hygroscopic nature in high humidity environment means it absorbs water more quickly, which in turn causes the ethanol and water to separate out of the gas more quickly, which in turn causes the octane rating to drop.  

the issues are totally different for the marine industry -- it's the ethanol/fibreglass problem for them.  ethanol dissolves the layup resins used in fibreglass.   the water/ethanol issue is a performance problem, but if all boats had aluminum or steel tanks, it wouldn't matter.. same with us I guess...