Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: Rich Mintz on September 04, 2013, 03:23:44 am

Title: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 04, 2013, 03:23:44 am
Just rode my newly retrieved 2010 C5 from NYC to Washington, DC, a little over 250 miles.

The bike rode pretty well. You'll recall the transmission was repaired (and I now have all five gears, plus neutral), and the chain and sprockets were replaced. I rode the bike 100 miles before deciding to take this trip and all seemed fine. I did have a bit of chain slippage on this trip which I assume means I have a bit too much slack -- will deal with that ASAP.

The only real problem is this: apparently a leak or loose seal developed in the fuel system partway through the trip.

I noticed after the first or second gas stop that I was smelling gas when I was stopped in traffic, but I just figured I was getting used to the bike again after not riding it for a whole season. So I rode on, another 140 miles or so after the second gas stop. This was from southern NJ to Queenstown, Maryland, almost to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (via US 301).

I reached Queenstown about 8pm and stopped at a gas station, because my fuel light was winking on -- it was due to come on so I wasn't concerned. I put in 2.2 gallons and the tank wasn't nearly full yet. That was more than I expected it would take, and at that point I realized that gas was slowly dripping out of the bottom of the tank (from the inside LH side of the underside) and landing on the top of the hot engine block, where it was evaporating.

That FREAKED ME OUT, and I quickly put the hose back on the pump and wheeled the bike over to the edge of the gas station, away from everything. I spent 10 or 15 minutes calming myself down, mulled my options, did a little Googling, and eventually decided I would skip my dinner break, get back on the bike, and ride it the last 50 miles to DC.

You might think this was a crazy decision, but remember, it was nighttime and it was dark and I was at a gas station with no repair services in the middle of nowhere (specifically: http://goo.gl/AlRdcq ), but less than an hour's ride from my destination. I had a bag of tools, but they were my "emergency tools" and there was no guarantee I'd have everything I needed to get the tank off. In any case, everything under the tank was way too hot to touch and was going to stay that way for at least a couple hours, at which point it would be 10pm in the middle of nowhere rather than 8pm.

Also, I had just ridden the bike 140 miles in (as I concluded) the very same condition it was in right now. I could see that the leak was a slow one even when the bike was stopped, and I inferred (based on my range since the last fillup) that while the bike was in motion at highway speed the leak was even slower, or maybe even nonexistent. I speculated that the leakage while at rest might even stop when the gas in the tank dropped below a certain level. (This proved not to be the case.)

Finally, I reminded myself that the world is full of people stupider and cockier than me, willing to take vastly more irrational chances than I am, and to my knowledge, I have never heard of a motorcycle exploding while in motion. I do know vehicles catch on fire while in motion (I have even been in one!), but it was a chilly night in a damp seaside clime, (and, 140 miles!), so I took a deep breath and got back on the bike. 

I rode the 50 miles into DC without incident. I was "in the zone," focused only on getting the bike safely to the end of the ride. I pulled over a couple times to check whether gas was still leaking (it was) and to see if the gas level inside the tank seemed to be dropping alarmingly fast (it didn't). The fuel light didn't behave noticeably different from normal; by the end of the trip, hard braking made the light flash on, but that's normal behavior for my bike at the half-full mark, which is roughly where the tank would have been at that point.

Upon arrival I parked on the street here in downtown Washington near the apartment I am staying in. Gas is still dripping out; I'm guessing there is about 1.5 gallons in there and that gas will end up on the street, where it will mostly evaporate, and I'll have an empty tank in the morning.

There is, of course, a possibility that the bike will explode or catch on fire overnight. But that is why I have insurance, and I am comforted by the rarity of exploding bikes in the world. So I'm having a beer and going to bed.

I have no effing idea what I'll do next. There is no RE dealer within 150 miles of here, and it's not practical for me to take the bike apart on the street. If the tank is empty, I guess I'll probably pay someone to cart the bike back to my dealer outside NYC and let them figure it out.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on September 04, 2013, 04:37:24 am
So sorry Rich. What a pain. I hope its an easy fix. I can understand your frustration.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Ice on September 04, 2013, 04:54:24 am
Rich,
 I am sorry to hear about your problem.

The good news is the nickname "Incendiary Bullet" is already taken  ;)
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Arizoni on September 04, 2013, 04:57:24 am
Rich:
If your lucky, it is a loose hose clamp.
Mine developed a leak where the hose slips onto the fuel pump outlet.

Tightening the hose clamp a bit solved the problem and it's remained solved for over a year now.
While your checking the clamp, check the other one where the rubber fuel line connects to the fuel injector.  It might need a slight tightening too.

If it isn't the hose or the hose clamp that's leaking but a seam in the fuel tank you might be able to patch it up with a epoxy that's made for doing this.  A Auto Parts store should have something.

These epoxies don't work well with the alcohol/gasoline fuels we have to burn but it should get you home.

Let us know what you find and good luck to you.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: whoguy on September 04, 2013, 09:57:03 am
Hey Rich, this happened to me too.... it was from the weld where the two brackets are joined to the tank which bolts onto the frame.

A temporary fix which works is to put the bike on a forward downward slope to reduce the leak... then apply a good size lump of silicone sealant on top of where the leak is.... Then get yourself to your nearest RE dealer.

Good Luck!
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Catbird on September 04, 2013, 12:05:39 pm
Rich -

I sent you a PM.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 04, 2013, 01:23:49 pm
I think Whoguy is right. My hoses seem clamped fine, and that's not where the gas is coming from anyway. I'm guessing (without removing the tank) that my problem is the LH side of the welded seam on the underside of the tank.

Almost all the gas dripped out of the tank overnight.

If I take tomorrow off work I may be able to take the tank off on the street and apply some kind of sealant. I'll look tonight and see if I have all the tools I need. Do things like Permatex Instant Repair actually work well enough to get me home (250 miles, 6 hours)?
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: hortoncode3 on September 04, 2013, 02:46:58 pm
Yup, you got yourself a nice tank leak. Not to worry, you aren't the only one. My '09  Military G5 developed one at 7500 miles. It's one of the tank hold down ears where it's welded to the tank. It's been suggested I get it heliarc welded, but I bought a good tank off e-bay. Eventually, I'll get it done, and apparently it won't fry off too much paint in the process. I was advised to expect it to do it again, which is why I bought the spare tank. Apparently, the new version of the tank has been made resistant to the vibration cracks these tanks are prone to. You can get one off Hitchcocks. FYI, while you have it off, get a new fuel line, one resistant to the alcohol gas. I found mine to be cracked and brittle after only 3 years. Be careful of the plastic pipe coming off the EFI pump, it's delicate and if you break it you'll be investing in one of those too!
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: eda1bulletc5 on September 04, 2013, 03:03:47 pm
Hi Rich,

I am sorry to hear your ordeal and can relate to it; I did the same ride the bike with gas leaking from the fuel tank -- not something that I would repeat anymore...

My RE C5 also developed a leak at the rear mount tabs of the fuel tank that mounts to the frame. Primarily this was due to vibration and the tank rubbing against the frame and thus developing the hairline crack. The second reason could be a bad weld at the tab along with probable over tightening of the fastener.

In either cases, RE needs to take note of this, there have been several members who have gone through this episode, and is squarely a safety issue...

IMO there should be a rubber mount for the rear mounting tabs (as is the case with the front tank mounting) and some rubber (or vibration absorbent material) underneath the fuel tank that isolates the tank from the frame. I really think this is necessary...you guys can chime in...

As far as the leaky tank on your bike - get it replaced from the dealer under warranty. Also I have heard, as per CARB the fuel tank has 5 years warranty and manufactures have to replace it if defective due to manufacturing.

Good luck!

Sajiv
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 04, 2013, 03:05:15 pm
Thanks, hortoncode3. Shipping the bike home to my dealer, if I do it, will cost me $600, but it's still under warranty so the tank replacement will probably be free. (I don't think "tank seam opening after 4000 miles" counts as normal wear and tear.)

Still hoping to be able to get the tank off and patch it with something that will let me ride it home, but that's a project for later...
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: gashousegorilla on September 04, 2013, 03:09:41 pm
  Rich, if it's leaking under the left side of the tank, it could also be the fuel pump. Where it mounts to the tank.  The screws may be a little loose and it's leaking around the O ring.  Worth a check and see.... May just need some tightening.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: hortoncode3 on September 04, 2013, 03:34:13 pm
My bike was 2 years old when I bought it, and was barely out of warrantee when this happened...RE said no way were they fixing it. So, good luck!
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: GreenMachine on September 04, 2013, 03:46:35 pm
Dam it Rich, everytime u do the New York to DC ride, something happens whereas u have to trailer the bike back...I wouldn't even think of driving back unless u want to be Nicolas Cage.  I personally haven't experienced the leaky tank syndrome. ...I'm assuming you have a place to hang out while you do repairs?  Figured catbird sent u a PM maybe suggesting the same thing...We're both west of you about 50 miles or so....Hopefully its something simple ...  Its a dam shame... :-\
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 04, 2013, 03:58:01 pm
  Rich, if it's leaking under the left side of the tank, it could also be the fuel pump. Where it mounts to the tank.  The screws may be a little loose and it's leaking around the O ring.  Worth a check and see.... May just need some tightening.

+1, and you should have the right Allen key for it in the toolkit. 

Scott
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: ROVERMAN on September 04, 2013, 04:13:19 pm
I would assume that the tank had to be removed during the trans repair. So all possibilities are open, including the fuel line spigot to the tank, I understand they are somewhat intolerant of ham fisted hose removal etc. Just saying. Also Rich, you mentioned chain "slippage". There should be none of that even if the chain is looser after break-in, i would check the chain and sprockets carefully asap.
Good luck and i hope some of this bilge helps!
Roverman.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: jkrobin on September 04, 2013, 04:59:59 pm
Rich,

There's an RE dealership in Winchester, VA, which is about 75 miles west of you (if you're still in DC, that is).
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: hortoncode3 on September 04, 2013, 07:54:21 pm
If it was me I would toss the stock chain and invest in good O ring chain. It  won't wear out as fast and your sprockets will thank you. My OEM chain wore so quickly I ended up de-toothing the sprockets far from home. And yes, I did lube it properly and periodically adjust it!
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 04, 2013, 08:21:33 pm
Ok, I identified the problem. Gas is leaking from the inside of the left-hand fin, toward the front of the tank. It appears that the leak is at or near the very bottom of the fin.

I can't get the seat off without another 13mm wrench, which I'm about to go buy, and then I'll be able to take the tank fully off and look under.

Are any of these quick cure products worth using, just to get me home? Or should I truck the bike home?
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 04, 2013, 08:46:21 pm
Sounds like a crack between the fun/mounting tab and the tank body.  A few people have reported these and they changed the way they weld the tanks because of it.  Should be covered under warrantee.

Make sure the tank mounting bolts front and rear are tight.  If it were me I'd get some JB Weld or similar putty epoxy tank repair and put it on the EMPTY tank. Let it set for 24 hours, fill up, and make your way home keeping an eye on it.  Since it was caused by stress and vibration you will need to weld or replace the tank for a permanent repair, but it will probably hold for the 250 miles to home.

Scott
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 04, 2013, 09:43:01 pm
Thanks, Scott. As you wrote this I was at the hardware store around the corner buying a 10" socket extender, a 13mm combo wrench, and 2 packets of JB Weld. One packet worth is currently setting in place on the tank seam, the other is in my tool bag for the road.

Based on where the leakage and visible damage was, I think what failed was the welded seam at the bottom of the tank (on the half that hangs to the left of the bar), not the welded seam between other parts. But I applied compound at a few other points that looked like they were degrading.

The tank is swiveled back (leaning against the pillion) but still connected.

I'm going to sit with it for an hour until it looks like the epoxy will hold its shape, then gently set the tank back in position and leave it to cure overnight. I'm hoping that by 7am (15 hours) it will be cured enough to reassemble and test.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 04, 2013, 09:49:14 pm
The JB weld should hold for a little while.  It is NOT ethanol resistant so it will turn to goop in the long term if you use ethanol laced fuel.  And like I said, stress cracks always grow over time.  And take it easy on the highway, keep the revs down so as not to make it worse.  Hopefully this will get you home where you can get it sorted.  You might want to call the dealer and let them know what's up so they can check availability of a new tank.  Have them inquire about the one with the newer type rolling spot weld.  These were introduced (in 2012, I think) to avoid the kind of cracks you now have.  Good luck!

Scott
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 04, 2013, 09:59:49 pm
Oh!  And take a lesson from Mattsz.  He got a new tank but the mounting tabs were set wider apart than the old one.  He tightened it up, pressed the tabs together, and had problems.  Compare the tanks side by side.  If the mounting tabs on the new tank are set wider than your old one you'll need spacers to take up the slack.  Make SURE to warn your dealer about this one, and tell them to ask CMW.

Scott
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 04, 2013, 10:48:37 pm
I've let the epoxy cure for 90 minutes. Almost all the tackiness is gone. I applied a pretty thick layer.

The tank is currently in a poorly supported position where I don't want to leave it overnight, lest it fall over.

Is it safe to turn the tank right side up yet (potentially putting a bit of fuel on the inside of the leak)? I'm going to support the tank in a tilted position with something so that hopefully the fuel stays away.

Also, do I have to open the gas cap to prevent pressure buildup overnight while the epoxy cures?

There's only a small bit of gas in there (just a few ounces).
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: barenekd on September 04, 2013, 11:27:27 pm
Take the tank off and see where it's leaking. Cracks are commonly found at the rear motor mount junction with the tanks, usually caused by the tank bolts coming loose and the tank vibrating. If it's cracked, take it to a welder with a heliarc (TIG) take it to a reputable welder and get him to weld it.
My tank got a crack in it and I flushed the tank to get all the fumes out and that saved me a lot of money. The guy did the job for $20. The burnt paint around the weld was so small an area I never bothered to repaint it. If they have to do the flushing, it will probably cost a lot more! Call the welders in your area and see if you can get an estimate.
Bare
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 04, 2013, 11:33:17 pm
I'd let is cure as long as possible before getting the spot wet with fuel again.  Then set it in place and bolt it on.  The cap has a built in pressure relief, but leaving it only half clicked down wouldn't be the worst idea, unless it's going to rain.

Scott
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 05, 2013, 03:04:50 am
Checked on the bike. Epoxy is curing well. I tipped the tank a bit closer to normal orientation for a sec and there was no hint of a leak. More tomorrow, but I'm optimistic!
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: gashousegorilla on September 05, 2013, 03:55:59 am
   Sorry to be late to the applying temporary goop solution...... But, I've used this stuff with very good results in the past , Cures a lot quicker , very easy to apply and work with. And, you could probably just leave it on till it is permanently repaired or they get you a new tank..... 

 http://www.permatex.com/products-2/product-categories/specialized-maintenance-repair/radiator-fuel-tank-repair/permatex-instant-gas-tank-repair-detail

   
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Ice on September 05, 2013, 05:08:52 am
I can vouch for the fuel proof-ness of regular JB Weld.

 The JB Weld inside the float bowl on my Harley shovel head has been holding strong since 1995 with no signs of degradation yet.
 
 The float bowl of my iron barrel was coated both inside and outside in September of 2009 and it too is still solid.

 I have never used the quick setting formula only the regular stuff.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: singhg5 on September 05, 2013, 05:21:24 am
Rich:

Hope that JB Weld stops the leak for your return journey back to NY. Take it slow and be safe.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: GreenMachine on September 05, 2013, 02:21:45 pm
Looks like JB weld is one of those must have items to add in a road repair kit for these bikes on a extended trip...Poor guy just wants to ride his bike without it peeing down his leg...Might as well put a better chain on especially if he doesn't want to fuss with adjusting it....
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 05, 2013, 03:12:21 pm
The weld has held. Just put 3.6 gal in the tank with no leakage. Getting on the road.

Regarding the chain - it's a new chain and sprocket set installed by my RE dealer after I stripped the last one. I'll have them look at the sprocket. I don't know what the sprocket looks like new, so I can't tell whether what I'm seeing on the teeth is wear or their natural shape. Regardless, I gotta ride home. Chain slack is roughly within tolerance (this isn't brain surgery, if it's so finicky that you have to measure and adjust before every ride, the bike is useless as practical transportation, and we empirically know that's not the case).
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: mattsz on September 05, 2013, 03:37:31 pm
Yeah, this chain slippage thing - with new chain and sprockets -  is odd.  I'm curious to know more...
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 05, 2013, 04:31:03 pm
I don't think it's the chain anymore, I think it's the transmission slipping out of gear. Paying careful attention. More later.

Signed,
Dr. Science
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: mattsz on September 05, 2013, 05:00:22 pm
I don't think it's the chain anymore, I think it's the transmission slipping out of gear. Paying careful attention. More later.

Signed,
Dr. Science

Still getting some drive power while you feel it sliping?  Could be the clutch?
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: D the D on September 05, 2013, 05:23:12 pm
More likely clutch slipping.  Trans would probably only pop out of gear, not into gear.. Go through the whole clutch adjustment procedure from bottom to top.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 05, 2013, 08:40:05 pm
I've made it 185 mi (64 mi to go), no problem with the tank.

My shifting problem is: bike has trouble with 4th gear. Can't downshift into 4th (have to bypass it); when up shifting, it won't engage properly (grinds) unless I exert upward foot pressure on the lever while it's in 4th. 5th is fine. Not a chain problem as I originally thought.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 05, 2013, 09:55:17 pm
Glad the JB Weld is holding.

Scott
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: D the D on September 05, 2013, 09:55:57 pm
That's a whole different problem than I pictured.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: GreenMachine on September 05, 2013, 10:27:50 pm
+1
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 06, 2013, 05:26:15 am
Checked the bike just now, 6 hours after I got home. There's a tiny bit of fuel seepage in the same area (a drop or two an hour), so little that I can't tell if its from the area I JB Welded or an adjacent spot. Hopefully it won't get any worse and I can take the tank off over the weekend and JB Weld the rest of the seam, and that will solve it.

Tank has only about half a gallon in it (I ran it down on purpose) so I took it into my (shared) garage and left it indoors anyway.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: hortoncode3 on September 06, 2013, 12:25:36 pm
I doubt this is the problem with shifting to a particular gear but make sure you are using motorcycle oil, and not standard automobile oil. There is a difference as it pertains to the wet clutch..
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: mattsz on September 06, 2013, 12:38:01 pm
Considering the bike just came from the shop to fix a shifting problem, I think I know what my next step would be...

Patience is a virtue, Rich!!!
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: High On Octane on September 06, 2013, 01:56:24 pm
Damn Rich!  You can't win for losing!  Sorry you're having such bad luck with the RE.  Maybe it's just your bikes way of telling you "Hey, I got a few more issues we need to work out.  Then I'll be ready to see the world!"  After all, these bikes do have more character than a politician.   :D

Scottie
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: i.candide on September 06, 2013, 02:23:49 pm
Politicians have character? Are they not just molded plastic which shape changes depending on to whom they address?
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 06, 2013, 03:00:01 pm
I'm not complaining, or at least I'm trying not to. My 2 bikes, the RE and the SYM Symba (basically a Honda Cub), have been great bikes to learn about maintenance and repair on. They're both mechanically simple and easily comprehensible.

I came in 8 months ago knowing nothing, and in that time I've changed oil, adjusted chains, diagnosed and fixed a nasty electrical problem, and patched a gas tank. I now think nothing about taking off a wheel or tank, which is remarkable when I think about it.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: GreenMachine on September 06, 2013, 03:00:55 pm
I'm glad u made it back safe n sound..Be interesting to see what the shift problem is now....The tank should be just replaced under warranty..
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 08, 2013, 03:49:00 pm
Re-epoxied the tank seam yesterday. It wasn't leaking exactly, just weeping very slowly (not enough to actually drip on the ground). I tried to be careful to get a thick layer on the leaky spot despite the action of gravity working against me. It helped to let the epoxy thicken for a couple of minutes in the mixing cup before starting to apply it.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: singhg5 on September 08, 2013, 04:12:18 pm
Re-epoxied the tank seam yesterday. It wasn't leaking exactly, just weeping very slowly (not enough to actually drip on the ground). I tried to be careful to get a thick layer on the leaky spot despite the action of gravity working against me. It helped to let the epoxy thicken for a couple of minutes in the mixing cup before starting to apply it.

Seems it is getting under control and the dealer should get you a new tank.

Do you have any picture of the location of the leak ?  Or can you get one ?
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 08, 2013, 05:13:57 pm
I did take pictures.

Just checked the epoxy, which cured overnight. A pinhole formed, through which gas is still seeping!

Going to apply again today, and after the epoxy is hard (but not fully cured), I'm going to turn the tank right side up (but keep it tilted to keep fuel off the repaired area), and release my fuel cap overnight so that any vapor that builds up is released from that side. I did this on the first application but not the second, and I'm guessing that was why the epoxy weakened during curing.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: gremlin on September 08, 2013, 05:54:03 pm
......I came in 8 months ago knowing nothing...........

and, I still know nothing !!!!   ;D ;D ;)
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: D the D on September 08, 2013, 07:45:16 pm
and, I still know nothing !!!!   ;D ;D ;)

Okee dokee Sergeant Schultz.  :D
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Royalista on September 08, 2013, 08:15:22 pm
and, I still know nothing !!!!   ;D ;D ;)

The quest for knowledge, a shortcut to ignorance.  ;)
Annoying at times, yet so addictive.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on September 30, 2013, 04:52:48 pm
Just to circle back: the second coat of JB Weld epoxy fixed my leak. I was extra-generous with the epoxy this time, because the area of leakage is on the underside and not visible without taking the tank off. So I'm unlikely to get any further leaks along that weld seam.

As best I can tell, this is a permanent fix. If it's still holding a week from now, I won't bother to try to get the tank replaced under warranty. (The devil you know...)
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: mattsz on September 30, 2013, 05:27:37 pm
As best I can tell, this is a permanent fix. If it's still holding a week from now, I won't bother to try to get the tank replaced under warranty. (The devil you know...)

On the other hand, Rich, according to Kevin Mahoney:

Quote
Somewhere along the line RE changed the stamping for the underside of the tank to allow for a little more room and to make a better tank. The net result is that the flanges are wider on new tanks.

Which means, a) a replacement may be a better choice for the long run, and b) a replacement won't fit the same, and you'll have to adapt it with spacers (which I did).

Just saying...
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: gashousegorilla on September 30, 2013, 06:02:00 pm
  DON'T  rely on Jb weld, on the underside of your tank as a permanent repair....  If you don't want to get a warranty tank. Take it to a radiator shop. They can weld or braze it for a permanent repair.  They can also flush out the old tank sealant... which will be damaged from the heat... and reline it with Red Kote. 
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 30, 2013, 06:15:16 pm
+1.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: tooseevee on September 30, 2013, 06:49:19 pm
Just to circle back: the second coat of JB Weld epoxy fixed my leak. I was extra-generous with the epoxy this time, because the area of leakage is on the underside and not visible without taking the tank off. So I'm unlikely to get any further leaks along that weld seam.

As best I can tell, this is a permanent fix. If it's still holding a week from now, I won't bother to try to get the tank replaced under warranty. (The devil you know...)

       Rich,

           Why can't you remove your tank, ship it to your dealer UPS or FED-X, let the dealer evaluate the leak & ship you a new & improved tank on warranty?
(Am I correct your dealer is far away?)

           Kevin Mahoney is aware of your story through this forum & should back you up with your dealer.

           J-B Weld is good (I love it) but will come loose sooner or later exactly when you don't want it to.

           Maybe I'm unaware of something that makes this not viable. In that case, just ignore me. Everyone else does  :)(http://)
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: AussieDave on September 30, 2013, 11:23:07 pm
This talk about fuel tank coatings has me curious .is it a rust inhibitor or a sealant primarily? And does anyone know what the self sealing stuff the Air Force used in the days on bullets and dogfights was? I believe it was developed by the poms to help their bombers get home just curious . And it makes me wonder.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Ducati Scotty on September 30, 2013, 11:28:38 pm
It's mostly for sealing but does also help prevent corrosion.  It's critical with all of them that the interior surface be cleaned and prepped right.

I haven't seen any self healing types available in the civilian market.

Scott
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: AussieDave on October 01, 2013, 03:25:48 am
Neither have I. I wonder if it would be feasible ? Would certainly add real meaning to the term " bullet proof" though.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: D the D on October 01, 2013, 01:54:26 pm
They're still in use with modern materials.  In WWII they were soft multi-layer rubber bladders inside the tanks.  When a bullet or shrapnel passed through, the vulcanized (firmer) inner and outer bladder layers tried to return to their molded shape and the middle layers of natural rubber (soft and gooey) absorbed fuel and expanded, filling the hole and gooey-ing itself together forming a seal, sort of.  They weren't perfect, but it worked better than a hole in the tank.  They don't have a practical application in an automobile gas tank unless you plan to be shot at.  :o
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: AussieDave on October 02, 2013, 07:39:24 am
It's not really relevant to the long suffering Rich's predicament , but thanks for sating my curiosity . I often wondered as a kid, playing with my airfix models. As regards being shot at I know you yanks have lax gun laws and my posts may be irritating , but you'll have to find me first. I be a fast movin target on my silver g5! :)
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on December 20, 2013, 06:18:28 pm
Update: Both issues with my bike have been repaired, and both were fully or mostly covered under warranty. I'm picking the bike up this weekend. Per my dealer:

1. Tank was replaced under warranty with a new tank that has a slightly different design, which has spacers to hold it in place. Dealer said "I bet I know what the problem was, you didn't put the spacers back in" and I replied "no, the stock tank on this 2010 didn't have spacers -- that was a design change that happened after my bike was produced" (as discussed earlier on this thread). As usual, the people on this forum got it right.

2. Dealer fixed the problem with my 4th gear not holding. A clip was knocked out of place (possibly during the earlier repair) so the gear was slipping or sagging out of position. Dealer reports that in downshifting from 5th to 4th, sometimes the gear overshoots to 3rd, but I told him that was normal -- the transmission on my bike is just kind of loose.

Bottom line: these bikes aren't built to Honda quality standards, but that's part of their charm. They have personality.

To be honest, if i had it to do over again, I might have bought a Triumph instead -- then again, I might not have, it's been a lot of fun getting to know this bike and its quirks, and I'm looking forward to some winter riding in the city.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: High On Octane on December 20, 2013, 06:22:53 pm
+1  on getting your bike back.
+10 for winter riding.    ;D
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Rich Mintz on December 20, 2013, 06:30:57 pm
Scottie, I ride almost every day that the streets aren't actually icy (including some days when the temp is below freezing but the streets are clear).

One day last week I got caught in a snowstorm coming home, but the city was prepared and the streets were okay. There are routes I can take home from work that are very heavily traveled (including straight down Broadway), so if I slow down and stay in the car tire tracks, I can ride even on the worst days if I'm up for an adventure.

To be honest, on the worst days I mostly leave the Enfield at home and take out the SYM Symba 100. It's lighter weight and has newer tires, so it does better in mildly snowy weather. My third bike, a 20-year-old Honda CB250, is extremely reliable, but the tires are even older than my Enfield, so it doesn't grip well in the wet. I'm probably going to replace the tires this winter.
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: barenekd on December 20, 2013, 07:31:53 pm
Rich,
You really didn't want a Triumph, at least not the twin. Absolutely no character. but they will quit on you in worst possible situation, like running down an HOV lane at 80 to keep up with the traffic. It ain't fun being pinned to the wall in those lanes! And the damn thing only get 38mpg! Remember, I traded a Triumph in on the Enfield. Best swap I ever made!
Bare
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: gmmechanic on December 20, 2013, 09:00:52 pm
marinetex also works great...back in the day we would even use it on leaking battries
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Royalista on December 20, 2013, 11:02:54 pm
Keep it simple: a shard of sunlight soap. Better than welding   :o
It stills works for me: 50 days and counting (xing fingers).  ;D
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: mattsz on December 21, 2013, 01:46:51 am
Welcome back, Rich!  Glad to hear you'll be up and riding your RE again!!!
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: azcatfan on December 21, 2013, 02:58:50 am
Glad you'll be back on the bike soon! BTW I dig your YT videos too...
Title: Re: Fuel leak! (!!!)
Post by: Catbird on December 21, 2013, 03:46:23 am
I miss your videos - I was wondering what happened to you.