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Gas Tank Filled with Yellow Goo/Sludge

Started by nedliv, August 28, 2012, 11:23:14 PM

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nedliv

August 28, 2012, 11:23:14 PM
Hello,

I just bought an 05 Ducati Monster 620 with 15k miles, and I didn't check the gas tank until now to find it completely filled with yellow goo/sludge. It is all the way up to the neck of the gas tank. Somehow it still runs without any problems (except it stalls going from neutral to first).

I'm guessing this is old gasoline, which has converted into this extremely thick substance; so the bike has been sitting. I have no experience with this problem, what should I do? Thanks.

ducpainter

#1
August 29, 2012, 03:11:34 AM
If it runs, drain it and fill with fresh gas.

The fact it runs/idles doesn't mean it won't have some issues from that goo once you're out on the road.

At that point you may have to flush the system to make it run well.
"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."


Bill in OKC

#2
August 29, 2012, 06:05:04 AM
Could this be where a previous owner has sealed the tank?  I bought a 1975 GT550 where the brake fluid had turned into rubber/jelly one time.  I've never seen gasoline turn into goo but I've heard of e10 leaching fiberglass tank resins into goo.
'07 S4Rs  '02 RSVR  '75 GT550  '13 FXSB  '74 H1E  '71 CB750

ducpainter

#3
August 29, 2012, 09:38:26 AM
I've seen MBTE fuel turn into goo...

ask Jeff H.
"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."


nedliv

#4
August 29, 2012, 01:24:13 PM
So I should just drain it all out with a siphon? I haven't checked its consistency yet, although it does not look like it has hardened. It looks slimy/gooey. And it looks like most of the gas tank is filled with it. Will I have to run chemicals after its siphoned to clean it?

ducpainter

#5
August 29, 2012, 01:32:41 PM
Quote from: nedliv on August 29, 2012, 01:24:13 PM
So I should just drain it all out with a siphon? I haven't checked its consistency yet, although it does not look like it has hardened. It looks slimy/gooey. And it looks like most of the gas tank is filled with it. Will I have to run chemicals after its siphoned to clean it?
I would try a strong detergent before using chemicals. POR Marine Clean works great.

Detergents can go in the sewer. Chemicals shouldn't.

It would require removing the tank and the internal parts to avoid getting water in the system.

I'd then use a hair dryer to dry it out as quickly as possible...especially if it's a plastic tank. You can sop up the majority of the excess water through the large holes in both style tanks.

When you reassemble and install the tank I think I'd run fuel injector cleaner in the gas for a few tanks.
"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."


nedliv

#6
August 29, 2012, 02:05:48 PM
Seems like it will be a project for me as I have never removed a gas tank before. Would you recommend I have this professionally done?

Ddan

#7
August 29, 2012, 02:10:38 PM
How comfortable are you with tools?  It's not difficult or complicated but there are things that could get screwed up.
2000 Monster 900Sie, a few changes
1992 900 SS, currently a pile of parts.  Now running
                    flogged successfully  NHMS  12 customized.  Twice.   T3 too.   Now retired.

Ducati Monster Forum at
www.ducatimonsterforum.org

ducpainter

#8
August 29, 2012, 02:25:29 PM
Like the man says...

It isn't all that difficult.

There are many members here that can give advice and tips.

You might check with a local shop to get a price for the job.

It will nudge you in the DIY direction I'll bet.
"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."


nedliv

#9
August 29, 2012, 02:26:23 PM
I'm okay with tools, I probably have all the right ones. My last project was a chain/sprocket swap, which took me a day and a half.

nedliv

#10
August 29, 2012, 08:29:23 PM
 I just tried to fill it up with gas and there's like no room for the nozzle so it wouldn't pump any. I'm guessing this is not right.

Nomad

#11
August 29, 2012, 08:58:18 PM
 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

That's your tank.

thought

#12
August 29, 2012, 09:07:27 PM
Welcome to the world of plastic tanks :)

And just a quick question... is this your first bike?  In case you didnt know you need to pull up that rubber collar around the gas pump in order for it to fill.  It's annoying and not all stations have that collar but if they do it's the only way to get gas to come out.  And once you're filling it with the collar pulled up, eyeball the gas amount as it wont shut off when it gets close to the top with the collar pulled back.
'10 SFS 1098
'11 M796 ABS - Sold
'05 SV650N - Sold

Heath

#13
August 29, 2012, 10:37:50 PM
oh damn didn't see that one coming  :D
2007 Ducati Monster S4RT
2006 Ducati Monster S2R800 Dark [sold]

nedliv

#14
August 29, 2012, 11:09:54 PM
hehe.. no this is my third bike! Only had kawasakis before, so not used to this apparent non-issue [thumbsup]
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