I think the main issues have been the captive nuts spinning when attempting to unscrew the retaining screws for the tank cover. Some seem to think that it's related to the tank swelling but I wouldn't be so sure.
I've not read in depth but there's definitely an issue with MTS12 tanks (and other models) shown to be down to the ethanol content in their fuel - couple of recent threads here inc links to the lawsuit / class action in force in the US: Do I need to be concerned? (expanding fuel tank) - Ducati.ms - The Ultimate Ducati Forum and Expanding fuel tank? - Ducati.ms - The Ultimate Ducati Forum ...just for reference ;-)
All right, all right, this is an old story. Somebody at the Ducati factory obtained a batch of tanks from a supplier made of the wrong grade of ABS plastic, which was affected by the ethanol in fuel. Owners complained and got replacement tanks. Some sued, which is normal behaviour in America. End of story. No big deal, no need to panic.
Ok so the tanks on later bikes (from when?) should be ok with ethanol 'enhanced' fuel?...........but as the % ethanol in the uk is max 5% at present and apparently insufficient to cause problems does that mean that there are bikes out there here in the UK with tanks constructed from the wrong grade ABS Plastic i.e. as and when ethanol content is increased here the problems will occur.
Pulled in to fuel the car today and there was a fuel tanker making a delivery.........asked the driver if he knew what the setup was for the feed from the underground tanks to the pumps, fixed or some sort of float controlled pickup - he didn't have a clue. No reason why he should know I suppose.
as alluded to and already covered on many threads, the early tanks made by and fitted to many early Ducati/Cagiva were made by Acerbis using 'PA6' grade nylon which has the ability to absorb water (via the effects of Ethanol, moist air or constant water saturation) causing bloating and even 'sweating' of water on the outside surface of the tank.
Indeed.....and if you have a look at ducati.ms you'll see that much later bikes have also been affected.
couldn't comment on later bikes not because I thought the issue had been rectified but simply 'cos I wouldn't know - I read all of the .ms quotes and more at the time of the lawsuit as I was trying to solve a mystery with my own Cagiva tank (same problem but rare in the UK)
That appears to be at least partly the case with my tank, now that all the water has been drained and replaced with fuel, its developed a leak from around the pump flange. Maybe the tank is shrinking back to normal size! Another job to sort out.
