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  • #1

    Fuel tank leak.

    Just as Yami and I started to get along much better, I noticed the smell of petrol ( gas or fuel for non English speakers )
    Quick check last night before the big PU revealed what looked like seepage along the seam, left hand side of the gas tank.
    Checked the files on this site which mostly referred to the fuel shut off. So that's where I looked. Wiped the area clean and there is a pin hole about two inches aft of the left hand fuel shut off. After wiping a steady stream of gas came out.
    So I wheeled Yami outside while chewing some Chiklets gum. Removed the seat and tank, raise the aft end of tank, wiped clean and applied the gum. Secured in place with a piece of cardboard and tape.
    Is this the gum of choice? ( humour for those that do not recognize it )
    I am at Mrs Snippets place so will have to get a fuel can and funnel tomorrow, drain Yami's tank and patch the hole.
    Any suggestions on type of external sealer to use? Do not have time for an internal tank sealer.

    Unkle Crusty
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Tank Leak

    Someone may have some magic sealer up their sleeve, but the best way is to do it right by welding/soldering or the unwanted tank liner- much as you hate it.

    Mike
    1981 XS1100H Venturer
    K&N Air Filter
    ACCT
    Custom Paint by Deitz
    Geezer Rectifier/Regulator
    Chacal Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines
    Chrome Front Rotor & Caliper Covers
    Stebel Nautilus Horn
    EBC Front Rotors
    Limie Accent Moves On In 2015

    Mike

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    • #3
      Crusty,
      Brazing rod or Silver solder once you have made damn sure the tank is free of petrol fumes Do not waste your time with leadfree (modern electronics) solder that stuff will not stick to anything.
      Plus have a close look as where there is one there may well be other holes.
      Phil
      1981 XS1100 H Venturer ( Addie)
      1983 XJ 650 Maxim
      2004 Kawasaki Concours. ( Black Bear)

      Comment

      • #4
        As for the soldering, not sure how those seems are made, but hope fixing a hole does not release a seam. Caswell is a good liner.
        Life is what happens while your planning everything else!

        When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt.

        81 XS1100 Special - Humpty Dumpty
        80 XS1100 Special - Project Resurrection


        Previously owned
        93 GSX600F
        80 XS1100 Special - Ruby
        81 XS1100 Special
        81 CB750 C
        80 CB750 C
        78 XS750

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        • #5
          Originally posted by Crusty Snippets View Post
          - - - Is this the gum of choice? ( humour for those that do not recognize it )
          I am at Mrs Snippets place so will have to get a fuel can and funnel tomorrow, drain Yami's tank and patch the hole.
          Any suggestions on type of external sealer to use? Do not have time for an internal tank sealer.
          Hi Unkle Crusty,
          the gum brand don't matter but you have to chew it until all the sugar taste has gone before it's good to seal a fuel leak.
          Best quickie repair is soft solder and a BIG electric soldering iron.
          (Yes, low temperature brazing is better but brazing needs an open flame.)
          Polish the area around the hole shiny clean with emery tape.
          CAREFULLY tap the hole inwards with a centrepunch to make a dent that the solder will sit in.
          Don't get medieval on it and convert the pinhole into a punch-size hole.
          Use lotsa flux.
          Fred Hill, S'toon
          XS11SG with Spirit of America sidecar
          "The Flying Pumpkin"

          Comment

          • #6
            I feel for you. I was derusting a tank for my BIL's 78E and after getting HUGE plates of loose rust out the rust conversion created a sieve, seams included. I was glad the EvapoRust was contained within a bin or I would have lost gallons. Dunno what to do with it now.

            John
            John is in an anonymous city with an Alamo (N29.519227,W-98.678980)

            Go ahead, click on the bikes - you know you want to...the electrons are ready.
            '81 XS1100H - "Enterprise"
            Bob Jones Custom Navy bike: Tkat brace, EBC floating rotors & SS lines, ROX pivot risers, Geezer rectifier, new 3H3 engine

            "Not all treasure is silver and gold"

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            • #7
              One of mine leaked all around where the rear bolting bracket is spot welded to the tank, luckily the repair isn't seen so I could use Loctite Plastic Padding Leak Fix on the outside.



              Handy to carry in your trunk on long trips, it'll seal nearly everything on the bike.
              Tom
              1982 5K7 Sport, restored to original from a wreck
              1978 2H9 (E), my original XS11, mostly original
              1980 2H9 monoshocked (avatar pic)http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psf30aa1c8.jpg
              1982 XJ1100, waiting resto to original

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              • #8
                Tank update game plan.

                Thank you for all the replies.
                Drained the tank, sanded the area clean, bought some Sealall from Lordco.
                They did not have the other brands mentioned.
                Applied the goop which is now drying.
                I like the soldering suggestion. There has been some brazing in the tanks past.
                After soldering I will apply a sealer to the inside of the tank.
                The Sealall goop needs to last until I get Yami junior running, or until late March when I fire up Bluzu.
                The repair will be much easier at my place where I have a lot more gear.
                Had to borrow a fuel can here. And it is a metal can, likely about 50 years old.

                Unkle Crusty

                Comment

                • #9
                  I applied Seal-All to a leak I had and it held nicely for approx 2 yrs it took me to finally fix that tank. It should hold up well for you while you get the other bike up to snuff. I never even sanded anything or any other type of prep. Just gobbed it in there and it held.
                  2-79 XS1100 SF
                  2-78 XS1100 E Best bike Ever
                  80 XS 1100 SG Big bore kit but not fully running yet.
                  Couple of more parts bikes of which 2 more will live!

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Update again.

                    Rasputin: Sealall is working.

                    DGXSER: Looked at the Caswell info, seems like the right stuff. They do not say anything about removing the fuel shut off taps or the fuel level sender. I assume these items are removed and the holes taped over.

                    Two fuel lines to the carbs needed replacing. Finally found fuel line at a Suzuki shop.

                    So we are running again.

                    Unkle Crusty

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