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Famous gas leak at hinge area-

Started by Radar, May 22, 2011, 01:51:27 PM

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Radar

May 22, 2011, 01:51:27 PM
Howdy folks,

I understand this to be a fairly common problem. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Since I'm getting ready to have the dent in my tank removed and the whole thing repainted, I was  thinking it might be wise to reinforce the hinge where it is merely spot welded. I want to avoid future issues...

2005 S4R-

Would one of you kind folks consider taking a pic of the reinforcement weld that some have had, or wanted, to do?

I was thinking a simple 1/4 or 1/2 inch bead in the middle of each of the four sides of the hinge plate where it meets the actual tank would be more than enough...

What's your experience/opinion?

Thanks,

Eric M.




S4R and stuff-

ducpainter

#1
May 22, 2011, 02:55:50 PM
I typically braze as much as possible without doing too much topside damage.

Often I'll do the three sides continuous including around the back corners with a stitch between the hinge legs.

If you're taking the time to reinforce you should coat your tank to prevent any rust issues for a little more time and about $50 in materials...worth it IMO.
"Once you accept that a child on the autistic spectrum experiences the world in
 a completely different way than you, you will be open to understand how that
 perspective
    is even more amazing than yours."
    To realize the value of nine  months:
    Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
"Don't piss off old people The older we get, the less 'Life in Prison' is a deterrent."


Radar

#2
May 22, 2011, 03:17:52 PM
Well,  That settles it. Thanks Nate!
S4R and stuff-

koko64

#3
May 22, 2011, 04:02:13 PM
+1. Mine was reinforced welded and then braised all around that area.

There was no paint damage that could be seen with the tank on. I touched up the area that was braised.

Then for extra insurance, externally sealed the braised area in that black goop they glue together NASCAR bodywork. It's impervious to ethanol, gas, metho, etc.
2015 Scrambler 800

Radar

#4
May 22, 2011, 04:14:03 PM
I'm curious as to just how common a problem this is.

For those who carefully lift the tank = not an issue?

For those who carelessly and often lift the tank = leaky spot welds?
S4R and stuff-

koko64

#5
May 22, 2011, 05:06:06 PM
I think a combination of minimal weld reinforcement on the hinge bracket, time/rust and the stress of lifting with a full tank on the side stand. It's quite common from what I have seen on this forum.

I want an alloy or carbon tank for Christmas..
2015 Scrambler 800

Radar

#6
May 22, 2011, 05:15:21 PM
Ohhh... alloy tank... I'd trade 1/2 my dog for one of those... but only the back half.
S4R and stuff-

ZachDDill

#7
May 22, 2011, 05:28:34 PM
I have a '99 and I had issues with the tank leaking, I got the tank welded up but I do not think It was as much me as the previous owner.

ducpainter

#8
May 22, 2011, 06:15:38 PM
Quote from: Radar on May 22, 2011, 04:14:03 PM
I'm curious as to just how common a problem this is.

For those who carefully lift the tank = not an issue?

For those who carelessly and often lift the tank = leaky spot welds?
It's hard to say.

Some say it's crashing.

I think it is mostly people that lay the tank back on the frame to do service.

My old girl has been crashed multiple times...all by my own hand...and nary a leak.
"Once you accept that a child on the autistic spectrum experiences the world in
 a completely different way than you, you will be open to understand how that
 perspective
    is even more amazing than yours."
    To realize the value of nine  months:
    Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
"Don't piss off old people The older we get, the less 'Life in Prison' is a deterrent."


ZachDDill

#9
May 22, 2011, 06:17:02 PM
Quote from: ducpainter on May 22, 2011, 06:15:38 PM
It's hard to say.

Some say it's crashing.

I think it is mostly people that lay the tank back on the frame to do service.

My old girl has been crashed multiple times...all by my own hand...and nary a leak.
I'v never laid her down, I have no idea about the previous owner tho...

Howie

#10
May 22, 2011, 06:57:01 PM
Getting close to 60K miles, no hinge leak (knocking on wood).  This is a common problem though.

s14unimog

#11
May 23, 2011, 06:14:00 AM
it has more to do with, in my opinion, lifting those tanks up, over and over, with a full tank.  That puts a lot of stress on the hinge in a very weird direction, and you mix that with how far our bikes lean over and its easy to see how they fracture.  My '01 SuperSport did this too...

NorDog

#12
May 23, 2011, 06:40:36 AM
Has anyone had this problem with the plastic tanks?
A man in passion rides a mad horse. -- Ben Franklin

ducpainter

#13
May 23, 2011, 07:08:04 AM
Quote from: NorDog on May 23, 2011, 06:40:36 AM
Has anyone had this problem with the plastic tanks?
[laugh]
"Once you accept that a child on the autistic spectrum experiences the world in
 a completely different way than you, you will be open to understand how that
 perspective
    is even more amazing than yours."
    To realize the value of nine  months:
    Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
"Don't piss off old people The older we get, the less 'Life in Prison' is a deterrent."


NorDog

#14
May 23, 2011, 07:51:37 AM
Quote from: ducpainter on May 23, 2011, 07:08:04 AM
[laugh]

[laugh]

I meant, has anyone had problems with them leaking at the hinge like the metal tanks.

[laugh]
A man in passion rides a mad horse. -- Ben Franklin

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