Author Topic: Lads, we have a sulker!  (Read 2172 times)

squirrelciv

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Lads, we have a sulker!
« on: July 18, 2009, 07:48:41 AM »
Looks like Lucy (the VX) is a sulker! Been spending some shed time on Abigail recently and Lucy must be feeling left out cos she decided to leek petrol out through her rusty tank. First I knew was on my way to work. Touched the rear brake only to find the back end losing all grip on the approach to a roundabout! :o Reason... Petrol all over the place and coming out of the base of the tank. :'(

Yesterday spent with PETSEAL and hopefully sorting the leaks out. Anyone used this stuff?? I've followed the destructions and it promises great results, but what's the view out there??
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srx6

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2009, 08:28:33 AM »
I have used Petseal in my XLV.It was only weeping very slightly.It has been in over 12 months now with no problems.So can re comend it.

Alan

guest7

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2009, 09:59:21 AM »
Eerie, exactly the same thing happened to my VX.

GC

SRXer

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #3 on: July 18, 2009, 10:11:03 AM »
I used two lots of petseal in a SRX tank and it still leaked, I can only guess I was just getting it wrong.

Nathan

squirrelciv

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #4 on: July 18, 2009, 02:59:28 PM »
Eerie, exactly the same thing happened to my VX.

GC

Looks like there is a tiny sump at the base of the tank which must be where the condensation collects. My rattling of some nuts to knock off the lose rust produced three nice holes in that area. I sanded off the paint and dolloped on some apoxy two pack resin on the outside before pouring in the petseal.

Did you manage to seal your VX tank OK No1?

Will be testing for leaks tommorrow after giving it 48 hours to cure. Wish me luck.
Live long, live well, live happy

002

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #5 on: July 18, 2009, 10:52:53 PM »
Have used it successfully is several tanks.

Some tanks need 2 kits at once to get the coverage.
Always buy from a good source,it does have a shelf life/useby date.

Jethro
Cooey
Martini-Greener GP
Lee Enfield
ELG

Mark

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #6 on: July 19, 2009, 11:15:07 AM »
I have used petseal with some success on some tanks but didn't work on the SRX. There are supposedly better products on the market, the three part kits(cleaner, etcher and sealer) more expensive but recommended.

There are quite a number of people who advise against petseal because it is prone to breaking up and flaking off and then is a pig to remove and redo.

As Jethro said if you do use it check the useby date.
There exists a set of people who believe 2>4

squirrelciv

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #7 on: July 19, 2009, 07:16:02 PM »
Attempt number one was a failure :'( Followed the instructions to the letter, but the tank still leaks from the same spot. Swilling the tank out with acetone now to clean out the petseal. Choices as I see it are;
1 ~ start again, but use two tins (VX tank is quite large)
2 ~ Buy a new tank (Eek!)
3 ~ get this tank welded.

Anyone got any idea of who and how much on option 3?? Cardiff guys, do you know anyone??

The big ball ache is I need the bike to get me to work so off road time is a real hassle.

Not a happy bunny >:(
Live long, live well, live happy

themoudie

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #8 on: July 19, 2009, 08:28:44 PM »
Aye Pat,

Have a look see at this Fleabay Item for a possible replacement tank: 280200016003

Might help, even if rough but whole.

Regards, Bill.

P.S. Racing any good?

blew

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #9 on: July 19, 2009, 08:42:39 PM »
I might know someone in the Swansea Valley area who could possibly weld it.I can ask tomorrow if you want.

Mark

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #10 on: July 19, 2009, 08:52:58 PM »
When the petseal didn't work for me I cleaned the leak area externally and applied a layer of Araldite, fixed the leak and haven't had a problem since, got to be 2 months ago now.

There exists a set of people who believe 2>4

002

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #11 on: July 19, 2009, 10:06:45 PM »
If the hole is underneath and out of the way,go to a good Motorfactors and get a car product.

I have used Petropatch in the past and it works a treat.It is used externally for car petrol tanks.

Dont forget if you are stuck a bar of soap can be rubbed into the effected area to have a temporary cure.

Jethro
Cooey
Martini-Greener GP
Lee Enfield
ELG

squirrelciv

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #12 on: July 20, 2009, 06:29:00 AM »
Thanks #2 think I'll give that a go, the leak is un the underside out of sight. I reckon the long term plan will be to have it welded, but I'll need a second bike up and running first.

Not too impressed with petseal. Judging by the layer thickness of the stuff I'm cleaning out, I had a good coating, plus getting hold of the stuff is proving difficult. You can order it ok, but no one holds stock. Only found the one bottle last time round and would have to travel to M & P to get anymore today!

Blew buddy, I'd be greatful if you could ask the question just in case this latest idea doesn't work.
Cheers all.
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guest27

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #13 on: July 20, 2009, 07:51:17 AM »
I understand that Caswell epoxy is good - but have never used it.

R

http://www.caswelleurope.co.uk/gastank.htm

squirrelciv

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Re: Lads, we have a sulker!
« Reply #14 on: July 20, 2009, 08:06:53 PM »
Trying out some plastic padding 'Leak-fix'. If the blurb on the packet is to be believed it should do the trick. It seems ok for now, but the 'O' ring around the fuel tap is now leaking ::) I've applied a little silicone and bolted it all up tight, but will leave it till tommorrow morning to see if it will resist the petrol. Wish me luck boys.

I've come to another conclusion and that is the VX is a long term keeper. That means a proper welded repair will be called for at some time. Any ideas who can do this?? I think Ren 'n' ink do tank repairs but they'll probably cost me a kidney. Heard firms that repair radiators can fix tanks too. Is that right??
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