Author Topic: Petrol tank repair  (Read 2224 times)

Offline Triumphant59

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Petrol tank repair
« on: May 20, 2018, 09:13:46 AM »
Hi. New to site, restoring a 1977 400f. Not been on the road since 92 the tank has 3/4 very small rust holes on the underside. I've done a temporary repair using tank seal from Halfords but wondered what options there are for a more permananent repair? Could anyone also recommend someone to respray and fit decals to said tank, preferably in East Midlands area?

Offline hairygit

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #1 on: May 20, 2018, 10:41:00 AM »
Hi, and welcome to the madhouse. Brazing or welding is a far more enduring repair, bur make sure whoever does it is familiar with motorcycle fuel tanks. A member on here's local garage offered to do it, but destroyed the tank and nearly blew themselves up as they didn't make sure it was completely clear of residual fumes, and left the filler cap on when they started welding! If your not too fussed about originality, Dave Silver Spares sell replica tanks for a reasonable price.   
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Offline mike the bike

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #2 on: May 20, 2018, 11:37:55 AM »
The bottom of the tank gets thin all over.  There's no point in repairing each pin hole as more will soon appear.  Furthermore,  the rust dust will block the fuel filter.  It's a better repair to cut the affected parts out, both sides, and weld in new sections.  As Hairy has said, find an expert to do the job.  As you may have guessed,  I've had this bother before.
Where's that 10mm socket got to?

Offline haynes66

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #3 on: May 20, 2018, 04:07:46 PM »
look up MTS motorcycle tank repairs.  not cheap at  £50/hour but worth it.
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Offline Nurse Julie

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #4 on: May 22, 2018, 08:11:29 PM »
Welcome to the forum. If it were me, I would buy a new tank.
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

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Offline PatM

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #5 on: May 24, 2018, 02:05:26 PM »
I have to agree with Nurse Julie- Id buy a new tank. I have a spare for the time when I have to revert to it, but some pattern parts are worth considering- exhaust, master cylinder have been fitted to mine as althouh I dont use the bike much- i want it to be reliable. theres nothing worse than a brakedown on a nice summer weekned due to leaking petrol- which will do more dan=mage than you think! The RAC/AA may not get you home if its a leaking fuel problem.

Tank repair is a specialist job and difficult to find a reliable supplier to do it. As mentioned earlier- theres the dangers, but given you can find someone to overcome that element- you are going to need a re-spray afterdards anyway as welding/brazing might seem localised, but the heat inviolved may well cause bubbling on the shiny-bits.

Offline UK Pete

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #6 on: May 24, 2018, 06:47:47 PM »
I must agree new tank
However I have had an epoxy resin repair last over 5 years so you could take the chance

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Offline Moorey

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #7 on: May 25, 2018, 11:40:15 AM »
If it is just underneath they are easy to solder up, as long as you have a big iron to do it. I had to do mine nearly 3 years ago and it has been fine. I have also done others since and all have been good, and it doesn't damage the upper paint work;
I did this tank on this bike only 3 weeks after the whole bike was painted. He didn't expect to get away with not having to have it painted again.

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Offline mike the bike

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #8 on: May 25, 2018, 01:20:30 PM »
See my comments above.  I'm glad it's worked for you but you'll be getting the iron out again before long.
Where's that 10mm socket got to?

Offline billywingnut

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #9 on: May 25, 2018, 02:15:58 PM »
Hi, Once you've had it repaired be sure to use a tank liner and fit a new fuel filter. It's not cheap restoring one of these but good fun

Offline Nurse Julie

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #10 on: May 25, 2018, 02:18:39 PM »
Don't use a tank liner.
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline Moorey

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #11 on: May 25, 2018, 09:59:03 PM »
See my comments above.  I'm glad it's worked for you but you'll be getting the iron out again before long.

Time will tell on that one. As mine has been fine now for nearly 3 years and the tank is in regular use, how long are you giving it before I have to get the iron out again.  :)

Offline taysidedragon

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #12 on: May 26, 2018, 01:14:03 AM »
Don't use a tank liner.
My tank is in pretty good condition but I was thinking about using tank liner to make sure for the future. Why would that not be a good idea?
It would be great to save some time and cash if it's not necessary but I'm curious why that would not be good.
Gareth

1977 CB400F
1965 T100SS

Offline hairygit

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #13 on: May 26, 2018, 06:42:50 AM »
Because modern fuel (last 5 years) contains increasing amounts of ethanol, which turns lining materials to mush, allowing leaks to happen again, and blocking fuel taps and carb jets which a sticky mess.

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Offline royhall

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Re: Petrol tank repair
« Reply #14 on: May 26, 2018, 08:13:28 AM »
Because modern fuel (last 5 years) contains increasing amounts of ethanol, which turns lining materials to mush, allowing leaks to happen again, and blocking fuel taps and carb jets which a sticky mess.

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There are now Ethanol proof liners, I'm sure that every lined tank Menno turns out is not a disaster. But I agree to a point, if you don't need it don't do it. With mine I used the same cleaner that comes with the liner kits to clean the insides of my tank. It came up spotless so I didn't line it. Bit of a problem if your tank leaks though, in this case a new tank would be my choice as they are available and the 400F paintwork is quite simple and cheap.
« Last Edit: May 26, 2018, 08:20:40 AM by royhall »
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