The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: mendozeal on August 12, 2011, 12:24:34 AM

Title: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
Post by: mendozeal on August 12, 2011, 12:24:34 AM

its the red/orange stuff, looks cruddier then it feels, like paint chips..
im thinking buy new and start from scratch to increase reliability...
can post pic need be...

Title: Re: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
Post by: Julio A. on August 12, 2011, 04:47:03 AM

I'd suggest you replace it. I made a mistake by neglecting the peeling tank liner. The result was my tank has a lot of pin holes made by rust; the only thing keeping it together is the outside paint.

Title: Re: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
Post by: montmil on August 12, 2011, 05:42:20 AM

The search engine on this site is often unreliable but if you'll scroll down the Tech section, there are some recent threads and economical DIY tips for cleaning out the old liner material and replacing it using the POR-15 kit.

Julio really had no choice but replacement due to the advanced stage of rust in his original fuel tank. The tank was a goner.
   After removing the OEM liner, close inspection may reveal little or no rust. Much depends on the bike's environment and storage care. An inspection mirror and small maglite will be handy.

Inspect the outside of the tank, paying particular attention to the lower portions near the welded seams. The right side of the tank- opposite the single petcock- can be a rust incubator. Look for what may be very small blisters or bubbles in the painted surface. May indicate a rust-through with only paint preventing a fuel leak.

New R65 tanks are eye-watering expensive. Buying used may only get you someone else's liner or rust problems. Check your tank. Most can be rehabilitated and lead useful lives.

Monte

  

Title: Re: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
Post by: Semper Gumby on August 12, 2011, 08:27:46 AM

No.

Clean out as much as you can with screws and acetone (and a whole lotta shakin') and then go buy a Casewell kit and line the tank.  

Done.   [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]

Title: Re: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
Post by: nhmaf on August 12, 2011, 12:47:20 PM

"Yes" to replacing the tank liner, after cleaning out the old liner and inspecting the tank.   You shouldn't need to replace the tank unless you've got serious holes.   As others indicated above - there are several products for re-lining fuel tanks.

Title: Re: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on August 12, 2011, 06:38:39 PM

And vinegar should release the bond of the liner to the metal.

Title: Re: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
Post by: mendozeal on August 13, 2011, 04:44:14 PM

ordered a casewell kit. certainly looks like the best solution. it looks barely eaten up, except the inner liner...

Thanks guys, will post pics of process and results to finish this thread off!