ducatipaso.org

Hi team!
I have a split in the pressed steel brace across the frame to which the gas tank bolts at the aft. I am going to have it welded tomorrow. Directly under the brace there is a black plastic box which I cannot identify. My Italian translated service manual refers to it as a balancing tank. There is a line- probably oil- which leads from the black box to the crankcase, I believe.

I have to remove this "tank" to do the welding. Any idea what it is? Is there any magic to removal or cautions I must exercise?

Thanks in advance for your knowledge and help.
Please direct a reply to my email as well as here if you don't mind. smseigel@shaw.ca.

Thanks again,

Pasophist

no special precautions required to remove that box. It`s part of the crankcase breathing system.

G.

When I took mine out the bolt and nut had seized. Being that the nut was captured or kind of heat welded into the plastic tank, it required prying the nut/bolt upward and prying the box downward to get them apart. It can now be repaired with a wellnut, if I ever want to return it to use.

Everyone removes this box when they convert to individual carbs like Mikunis or Dellortos. Because there is no longer a way to pipe it into the stock airbox which is no longer used. You can install the little black box back if you wish or you can install a crankcase breather filter directly on the hose from the engine.

check out this thread http://ducatipaso.org/modules.php?name= ... pic&t=1513

Thanks everyone.
I learned from your replies and my investigation that it is an accumulation tank for oil which splashes or is atomized in the crankcase. The oil travels through a PCV valve to the tank, then the tank has the long breather hose which exits (in my case) along the port side of the bike- to the rear. I have no original airbox and two Dellortos with K&Ns. Its a lot of plumbing for not much utility. I also found the "captured" bolt receiver in the box to be corroded to the nut and had to force it out of the tank. I was concerned about the large size PCV valve being replaced, so I decided not to substitute this system with the crankcase filter as one of you suggested. I guess I could have put it in after the valve. I replaced the tank and hosing after my welding (epoxied the tank top closed and switched the bolt for a stainless self tapping screw). The tank had almost nothing in it- about 20cc of oily liquid- probably from condensation.
As for the weld, the pressed steel "bridge" to which the fuel tank bolts at the rear was split and I had it arc welded up. As I could squeeze the bridge together somewhat I believe the part contributes some minor degree of rigidity to the frame, so I am looking forward to a test ride when it stops raining to beat the band!
Thanks again. Next operation- locate replacement fasteners for the fairing. Any ideas?
Pasophist.

Look here for some info on body panel fasteners.

http://ducatipaso.org/modules.php?name= ... pic&t=1468

Thanks Tim.

I'll look into that.

Pasophist