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Author Topic: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?  (Read 1112 times)

mendozeal

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the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
« 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...

Offline Julio A.

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Re: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
« Reply #1 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.
Julio Alarcon
1981 R65
1976 R90/6
2001 R1150 GS/ADV
2015 TR650

Offline montmil

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Re: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
« Reply #2 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

  
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

Offline Semper Gumby

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Re: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
« Reply #3 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]
Bill Gould ?1980/03 R65 When at first you don't succeed....Moo!

Offline nhmaf

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Re: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
« Reply #4 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.
Airhead #12178 ? BMWMOA #123173 ?BMWRA #33525 ?GSBMWR #563 ?1982 BMW R65LS ?1978 BMW R100/7 1998 Kawasaki Concours

Offline Rob Valdez 79 R65

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Re: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
« Reply #5 on: August 12, 2011, 06:38:39 PM »
And vinegar should release the bond of the liner to the metal.

mendozeal

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Re: the tank innards are peeling, should I replace it?
« Reply #6 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!