Fuel tank leak

discussions specific to the 907IE
Maxjett749
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Nov 09, 2015 2:01 am
model: 907 I.E.
year: 1992
Location: USA

Fuel tank leak

Post by Maxjett749 »

We just noticed yesterday a small fuel leak apparently from the "A" outlet on the tank. This is just when the pump is activated. We pulled the tank off and cleaned around the outlet tube but nothing apparent. So it seems since its only leaking with pump is activated with pressure there could be a hairline crack. Anyone have this happen or suggestions.
I just got the 907 from a friend that was selling from his collection to enter retirement soon.
jjw
Posts: 27
Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2015 5:18 am
model: 907 I.E.
year: 1990
Location: Netherlands

Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by jjw »

Is it possible that the leak is not from the outlet but from between the hose and the outlet?
J
Maxjett749
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Nov 09, 2015 2:01 am
model: 907 I.E.
year: 1992
Location: USA

Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by Maxjett749 »

we pulled the hose off stuck a finger over the outlet and gas started running down my finger. Not to say it wasn't from somewhere and not the outlet. Tomorrow I will retry the test when I can let the tank up and with proper light.
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paso750
paso grand pooh-bah
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model: 750 Paso
year: 1987
Location: southern Germany

Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by paso750 »

If you have someone to help you could try to pressurize the tank.
Don`t know if it`ll work but you could cut short pieces of fuel line, drive a bolt into them and put them on every hose connection. Remove the gas cap and with a little bit of gas in the tank use a compressor to build up some pressure. You`ll need to cover the opening with a damp towel or similar. While one does that the other can check if there are any bubbles or fuel leaks visible.
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higgy
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Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by higgy »

keep the pressure very low or you risk the tank expanding. Under 5psi.

Personally I'd stick to a hand pump.
Ducati,making mechanics out of riders since 1946
There's no problem so bad that a little fixing can't make it worse! : )
If it ain't broke keep fixin it till it is
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paso750
paso grand pooh-bah
Posts: 5558
Joined: Sun Jul 18, 2004 12:00 am
model: 750 Paso
year: 1987
Location: southern Germany

Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by paso750 »

there won`t be any problem as you can`t seal the tank well enough to create a significant pressure in it.
Specially not if you`re holding the the nozzle of the compressor inside while trying to cover the rest with something.
You won`t be able to create any pressure with a hand pump unless everything is so well sealed that no pressure escapes.
Maxjett749
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Nov 09, 2015 2:01 am
model: 907 I.E.
year: 1992
Location: USA

Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by Maxjett749 »

Well JJw member if you meant the hose on the outlet was where the leak is...you win a beer or something.

I actually observed the previous tests and didnt do hands on! But today as I was fitting the hose on I realized it wasn't going on very tight and maybe my friend had not tightened the clamp tight enough. So I put two clamps on and tightened them and WALAH no leaks. So I think the fuel lines are a bit oversize for what is needed I did cut an inch off before putting them back on but not that tight a fit on the outlet. So again I was looking for the worse and ignored the obvious.
Thanks to all.
jjw
Posts: 27
Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2015 5:18 am
model: 907 I.E.
year: 1990
Location: Netherlands

Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by jjw »

Hey, thats good news. Good feeling when you fear the worst and it turns out to be something simple. Had that with the "coolant in oil scare" Now I am hoping that the front of my tank is not leaking......... :wacko:
Maxjett749
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Nov 09, 2015 2:01 am
model: 907 I.E.
year: 1992
Location: USA

Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by Maxjett749 »

100 mile ride yesterday and all is well!!! New battery so instant startup!!
jjw
Posts: 27
Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2015 5:18 am
model: 907 I.E.
year: 1990
Location: Netherlands

Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by jjw »

Good to hear.
I am trying to decide if i should try a coating inside the tank or grind off the support and reweld. I noticed that the weight of the fairing is supported by the tank and all of the forward weight is hanging on that one support button. I suspect the tank flexes a bit under load causing the leak. Internal coating might crack unless it stays fexible? Has anyone had success repairing this leak at the front mounting?
Cheers J
Mc tool
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model: 906 Paso
year: 1990
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Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by Mc tool »

higgy wrote:Personally I'd stick to a hand pump.
:D :D Image
Ahem,........ :lol: . I can see one of these winging its way to Australia :D
I wish I was young again............Id be heaps smarter than last time
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higgy
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Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by higgy »

should have ducked Hamish.............Image

You all healed up now ?
Last edited by higgy on Tue Nov 17, 2015 12:54 am, edited 1 time in total.
Ducati,making mechanics out of riders since 1946
There's no problem so bad that a little fixing can't make it worse! : )
If it ain't broke keep fixin it till it is
88 750
90 906
92 907ie
User avatar
higgy
paso grand pooh-bah
Posts: 3325
Joined: Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:50 pm
model: 907 I.E.
year: 1992
Location: Hilltown,Pennsylvania
Contact:

Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by higgy »

The 907 has a support plate welded in place. I have often thought of doing the same to the 906 and the 750. Tanks can be welded but must be cleaned with soap and water thoroughly and air dried then filled with argon to prevent explosive reactions.
Not a big deal for some welders, others won't touch it
Ducati,making mechanics out of riders since 1946
There's no problem so bad that a little fixing can't make it worse! : )
If it ain't broke keep fixin it till it is
88 750
90 906
92 907ie
Mc tool
paso grand pooh-bah
Posts: 1873
Joined: Wed Dec 05, 2007 12:35 am
model: 906 Paso
year: 1990
Location: Newzealand

Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by Mc tool »

I have fitted such a support plate to my 906 ( piece of cake ), pix if you want . Mine was leaking via a crack that was close around the base of that support tube thing .
:lol: Higgy , I saw that image too , agonised for , oh about 2 seconds which one to post :D
I wish I was young again............Id be heaps smarter than last time
jjw
Posts: 27
Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2015 5:18 am
model: 907 I.E.
year: 1990
Location: Netherlands

Re: Fuel tank leak

Post by jjw »

Yes please, pictures of the front mounting boss repair would be great. (the tank that is, not yours)
Cheers J
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