Author Topic: Gas Tank Woes (Read 2211 times)

Dennis · « **on:** August 16, 2019, 10:19:48 AM »

I was having a great evening cruise last night on the Smithers XS650 when I had to stop in traffic and noticed smoke rising from my engine. My XS650 engine is tight with no known leaks, so smoke is an anomaly.

I quickly realized I had a leaking gas tank; not just little drip but a steady flow spilling onto my hot engine. I whipped home and mopped and drained the tank.

I've had some unopened Caswell Gas Tank Sealer on my shelf collecting dust since 2013. Seems like a good time to use it.

I got the tank off and it will dry for a few days while I'm out of town. Visually, there is no obvious crack or hole, but from where the gas was coming out, I am pretty sure there is a crack in the weld. The Caswell Gas Tank Sealer literature claims to seal exactly these types of cracks.

Peace and Grease, Dennis

Dennis · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2019, 10:25:25 AM »

Club members came by for a Garage Night after their Tuesday ride. Theme was using Gas Tank Sealer. Many members have sealed gas tanks before, but others haven't so it was an accuse for everyone to observe what is actually a pretty easy, and not infrequently, a necessary repair. Plus we had some beers.

The sealer is two part, like epoxy, Bondo, or automotive paint. Once mixed, its poured into the tank and slowly swirled around until the entire inside is coated. Drain the excess and let harden.

After about 30 minutes, the leftover in the mixing jar was only slightly thicker than when I started. The instructions say curing takes 24 - 36 hours, but I thought it would thicken up quicker. In any event, by this morning (12 hours hence), the leftovers were solid.

I want to be back riding the Smithers XS650 soon, so I hope this works.

Peace & Grease, Dennis.

Dennis · « **Reply #2 on:** August 23, 2019, 10:32:58 AM »

Peeled off the Saran Wrap which was supposed to protect the paint.

The Good: It appears the Gas Tank Sealer penetrated and oozed its way through and filled the leak. You can see where it oozed out and hardened around the seam where the gas was leaking out.

The Bad: I was not careful when the acetone was being swished around. It obviously got between the Saran Wrap and the paint, because it pretty much started peeling off.

The saddest part is the pin striping done by Cam McLeod will be lost.

I only insured this bike for three months, so I want to get it back on the road a.s.a.p. Stripped to the metal. It will get a spray bomb semi-gloss black quicky paint job to see me through the riding season.