Leaking fuel tank-everyone please read

My dealer says I have a leak in the fuel tank (99 900 SS). The leak is in the weld where the tank is pressed together near the seat. It's not serious at this point, but it is a $700 plus fix as they say the tank has to be replaced.

The mechanic let it slip that this was a common problem.

Anyone else experience this? It is clearly a design and/or workmanship problem and I honestly don't think I should get stuck with the bill on this. Even though I am out of warranty, I have a hard time thinking a weld on the fuel tank is something that one should have to worry about. The bike has never been crashed or abused in any manner that could cause this to happen.

What say the group??

It's happened on a few SS and monster tanks right at the hinge. Depending on the type of leak that you have, you may want to consider sealing the tank with the motorcycle kit offered by por15 http://www.por15.com.

It comes with a tank cleaner, etcher, and most importantly sealer that essentially creates an inner shell to prevent leakage. Or, try to find Norm on this list who can do this for you.

Hmmmm. Mine is okay so far. (knock on wood)
How many miles do you have on your bike?

Hi
I have the same prob since yesterday 12500 km on the clock, 900 SS ie
I think the vibration causes the problem - the tank is spot welded on this point. Poorly workmanship!!!!!!!
grumpy
Kiwi

Have the same problem resulting from a ~60mph lowside. The dent in the side of my tank didn't leak, but the weld around around the hinge sure did. Poorly engineered, I plan on replacing it with one of these.. eventually.. when I sell a kidney. http://www.eti-fuelcel.com/Ducati900.html

If only they made them for the carbed SS bikes

I had the same problem on my 99 m750. I'm now very careful when I have the tank up on the hing to make sure it is not tweaking it. I got it fixed with an epoxy resign something or other at my local shop in Santa Cruz when I lived up there. I never had a problem after that. It was only like $150 materials and labor, probably could have done it myself fo a lot less but.... I can't remember what the material was though.

i owned two 1999 ss bikes and the seam split on both. both were covered on warentee

I will weld on any tank you send me. It will have to be fume-free for ups though.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by smakbiam &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Have the same problem resulting from a ~60mph lowside. The dent in the side of my tank didn't leak, but the weld around around the hinge sure did. Poorly engineered, I plan on replacing it with one of these.. eventually.. when I sell a kidney. http://www.eti-fuelcel.com/Ducati900.html</TD></TR></TABLE>

Those are sweet. But damn that's pricey!


I wonder if only the 99' models were affected. Anyone here with an 01' have the same problem? Now I am a little concerned.

Hinge leaks are a common problem on all Ducati tanks. You can fix it with epoxy, but I prefer to weld or braze the bracket to the tank. POR is a great product, but I wouldn't rely on it for a hinge leak, I would however, treat the inside of the tank with POR after the repair.

we get them soldered by a local radiator shop. works a treat.

You've got two options.
#1 Fix it yourself.
#2 Certified return receipt letter to Ducati NA cc'ing your dealer.
Bussiness like verbage to the effect that this is a common problem that they can take care of quietly or your State attorney general's office will take care of for you. Just explain to them how you are making them an offer they can't refuse. Nothing personal. Just bussiness. Since it is a safety/liability issue, (that's the key) you'll see how fast they avoid conflict. Don't ask me how I know. Make sure you do certified return receipt for both Ducati NA and dealer, and make sure each other knows who's being cc'd.

No I remember what the stuff was called (see previous post) The shop called it epoxy weld. It looks like gray epoxy on the underside of the tank were the hing came away from the tank. Not sure if that is a specific name or not. But it never leaked again. As of 2 years ago.

the Hotrod M944 tank leaked at 12k miles. it's a 1995. leaked right at the hinge. i tried POR and it did not work. could have been my leak was more severe or the prep work was off but i followed the directions. i e-mailed Ducati No. America and in 3 weeks had a new tank at no cost. I was shocked! if you do this make sure you mention that there is gas leaking on the rear cylinder/exhaust. i think this got their attention. they will ask for the old tank back so if it's crash damaged this may not fly.

Has DNA been replacing tanks out of the warranty period for this issue like they do for the cracked frames??? My tank is not leaking, but it would be nice if I could (reasonably) count on a good will replacement if it did develop this problem.

I had a 98 ss i.e. which on 18k miles had this problem.
the local shop did the chemical treatment which did not work.
I then had the tank brazed which never gave any problems- i would recommend this option.
Then the idiots at the local shop tie wrapped the breather tube to the frame causing it to implode whilst in for service!!!!).
I managed to get a brand new tank from ebay for £90!!!
Jamie

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CaliDuc &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Those are sweet. But damn that's pricey!


I wonder if only the 99' models were affected. Anyone here with an 01' have the same problem? Now I am a little concerned. </TD></TR></TABLE>

My tank is an 01, but I'm sure it's the same design for most of the Duc tanks.

Sold my kidney, have an ETI tank being built, current wait time for these are 3 weeks.

Word is if I damage the tank, repairs usually vary between 80 - 300, ~ the same for someone who wants to repair a steel tank and if you total the tank, you can purchase a replacement at a discount.

Hi Everyone, (If you remember my post) Back in May my '99 900 SS tank imploded when I was down in PA. Anyways, too make a really, really long story short, I'm not the org. owner, no warranty, lot's of "be really polite" phone calls and presto! Free tank ! So where's there's a will.... I'm really quite happy with the way Inglis Cycle and DNA have treated me.
Tim

Imploded, as in it got sucked in somehow? How did that happen?