Carbon Fibre Fuel Tank Repairs

Discussion in 'Technical Help' started by Zhed46, Oct 23, 2019.

  1. I bought and fitted a second hand carbon fibre 916 fuel tank in the summer.

    Unfortunately it’s spring a leak from where the fuel pump base plate mounts.

    The workshop have reported today that the reason it is leaking is that the resin around the rim has been degraded by the fuel and is crumbling away. See pics (hands belong to Ray Petty).

    Thankfully it was only a dribble of petrol but looking at the pics it could easily have been a flood followed by an inferno.

    Any recommendations for repair or just chuck it in the bin and buy a new one?

    Thanks

    7EEDF30C-3270-400B-A5C0-9D9AF9727CB8.jpeg 246D6424-13AE-4F9A-A194-6534A58139D4.jpeg
     
    #1 Zhed46, Oct 23, 2019
  2. #2 Exige, Oct 23, 2019
    • Thanks Thanks x 2
  3. www.tankcareproducts.co.uk tel.07834415921

    Give these a shout. Let us know how you get on. I like a bit of carbon fibre tank action so I took note of these lot just in case :):upyeah:
     
    #3 Mary Hinge, Oct 23, 2019
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  4. Ring target composites in cheshire they have just repaired my air box top job.
     
    #4 cookster, Oct 23, 2019
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  5. That’s very helpful. Thanks everyone. I’ll give them a shout
     
    #5 Zhed46, Oct 23, 2019
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  6. #6 deleteduser211220, Oct 23, 2019
  7. Ray could be a hand model :upyeah:
     
    #7 damodici, Oct 23, 2019
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  8. Andy, get some metal putty, (I’ll dig out the name tomorrow), fill and reshape the gaps. I had to do similar a while ago on mine. The putty stuff works perfect even submersed in petrol. I also had to make and fit a new fuel pump fixing for the fuel pump flange and metal putty worked a treat for that too.

    Ian
     
    #8 bettes, Oct 23, 2019
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  9. Thanks mate. I know the stuff you mean and have some in the shed. I’m having RP refit my steel tank for the moment and may have a go at doing the repair myself when I get it back from him.
     
    #9 Zhed46, Oct 24, 2019
  10. #10 Bluehawk, Oct 24, 2019
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  11. Just text you the info mate. If you want, I’ll pop round next time I’m down. Shouldn’t take more then a couple of hours
     
    #11 bettes, Oct 24, 2019
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  12. That’s really kind - I’ll WhatsApp you. I’ve repaired stuff with chemical metal before but never anything which contains several gallons of petrol and is in close proximity to both my family jewels and a red hot exhaust manifold, so if I do end up doing it myself, a bit of supervision/assistance would probably be a good idea :upyeah:
     
    #12 Zhed46, Oct 25, 2019
    • Agree Agree x 1
  13. Is this chemical metal certified ethanol proof? What is it called as I think I'd like to get some!

    POR 15 tank sealer says on their webpage that it is "NOT suitable for plastic or fibreglass tanks".

    https://www.frost.co.uk/por15-basic...FvC5agQ_IXCBgzqNTrQDp7uOrE2ERJTUaAnDqEALw_wcB
     
    #13 Jez900ie, Oct 25, 2019
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2019
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  14. I’ve not checked what I have in the shed yet. In any case, if I don’t get a professional to do the job, I’d definitely be checking whether it’s petrol proof first and even if it is the right stuff it’s a good few years old now so I’d buy a fresh tube anyway. @bettes ?

    @cookster - I’ve heard back from Target. Unfortunately they said their insurance wouldn’t cover working on fuel tanks.

    @Mary Hinge - I’ve contacted Tank Care and am waiting for a reply.
     
    #14 Zhed46, Oct 25, 2019
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  15. Thanks Sev. I really appreciate all that advice. I’m now in discussions with a couple of companies which specialise in CF repairs, they’ve seen pics and they both think it’s viable
     
    #15 Zhed46, Oct 27, 2019
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  16. I dealt with a Kawasaki ZX10 tank small leak a number of years ago.....it was seeping from a bottom seam, so I emptied the tank, filled it with boiling water/fairy liquid mix, gave it a good shake about and let it stand, until it had cooled down.

    Turned the tank upside down and silver soldered the leak using a small blowlamp.

    Touched up the paint with a brush.

    Mind you it was a metal tank, not carbon fibre.

    Which is why it is obvious I posted in the wrong thread :rolleyes:
     
    #16 Arquebus, Oct 27, 2019
    Last edited: Oct 27, 2019
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