Fuel Tank Leak

[Rob Neal]

Out on a ride recently I noticed a wet patch my trousers in the area of the inner thigh.  Mmmm. I'm sure that last rather tight right hander wasn't all that scary was it?  Then I noticed the distinct aroma of petrol!  The tank had developed a leak at the lower right corner.  Not enough for petrol to obviously drip but sufficient to wet the tank and hence the wet trouser problem!  Have drained the tank and inspected with an endoscope thingy and that corner does seem to have some corrosion but the rest of the inside is good solid steel.  I'm reluctant to bin the tank as it's otherwise sound. As it's not long been repainted I'd like to try and repair it with minimal damage to the paintwork. I'd thought of cleaning it out, treating with a proprietary de-rusting solution and then coating with something like flow liner.  Many years ago I had a similar leaky tank (Ducati Darmah) repaired by lead soldering which lasted at least 15 years, until I sold the bike (mistake!). Is lead soldering feasible as a DIY job? Any thoughts on how best to proceed?  Recommendations for de-rusting solutions/tank liners, contacts who could do the lead soldering or any alternative methods or advice would be gratefully appreciated.   By the way, I drained the tank out by syphoning.  Is it just me or does modern 'petrol' just not taste the same as the good old fashioned leaded stuff used to?  Perhaps a little more tonic with it?  Rob

[cdsdorset2]

I can reccomend caswells sealant or tankcares products.

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

I have used POR15 tank sealant.  Frost do a kit of cleaner, metal prep and sealant.
Not the cheapest and there is enough for two tanks.  Follow the instructions to the letter.

Dave

[Rob Neal]

Thanks for the quick responses.  I'll take up the recommendations and try the tank clean/sealant route which will hopefully seal the tank dribble.  This should minimise potential paint damage and save future embarrassment of wet trousers!! Rob

[neil1964]

I've used POR15 system on a Soitfire tank recently (it is the only stuff my tank painter would approve!). Went very well.