I have a problem with the gas tank. (update 03/03/10 with pic)

[xwarp]

This weekend, in an effort to get the gas tank prepped to line, I found that the tube that runs from the petcock valve nipple to the back of the of the tank is seperated at the fitting for the petcock.

My best guestimate is that the bike will run out of fuel while still having 1/4 tank of gas in it.

I don't see any work arounds, i.e., adding a fitting at the back end of the tank, that would work without impairing the fit of the tank on the bike.

Should I live with it and pay attention to the gas level, cut the tank open and fix this, or add a fitting at the back end?

Other than this, the tank is in good shape.

Thanks again,

Bill

[TLRam1]

Bill, I would go with the best solution.

[xwarp]

Bill, I would go with the best solution.

LOL......Love the "non-committal" response there.

I think I will put another fitting in the rear of the tank. Looks to be just enough room there to do so.

Will let you know how this turns out.

Bill

[lragan]

Hey, I recommend the best solution, too!!  Just haven't a clue what it is!!

[guywheatley]

Hey, I recommend the best solution, too!!  Just haven't a clue what it is!!

   

[hootmon]

We don't have that set up on the Gen 3'a, so I don't even know what you are talking about...
So I have no idea what the "best" solution is..
Whenever I am in that situation.. I always do what Terry suggests.. So do what Terry suggested and you will probably be OK..

[dgc67]

I am not clear as to what is going on with it.  pictures?

[TLRam1]

We don't have that set up on the Gen 3'a, so I don't even know what you are talking about...
So I have no idea what the "best" solution is..
Whenever I am in that situation.. I always do what Terry suggests.. So do what Terry suggested and you will probably be OK..

and that is exactly why I suggested it.

[TLRam1]

I am not clear as to what is going on with it.  pictures?

You're in good company!

[xwarp]

On my 85 magna, and I will assume on the 84's also, as the gas tank seems to be the same, (it may be on other models also), the petcock in on the left side and bottom of tank, about halfway between the front and back of tank if you are looking at the side.

Now, the fitting that the petcock attaches to, on the tank, has a tube attached to it on the inside of the tank. This tube runs from that fitting to the rear of the tank to supply fuel.

Unfortunately, this tube is broken off at the petcock fitting inside the tank on my tank.

In other words, I could live with this, BUT, this would mean that as soon as the fuel level in the tank dropped below the level of the opening of that fitting, I would essentially run out of gas.

Bill

[dgc67]

I think I get it now.  No, a 1982-84 is not that way.  On mine, and the 82 parts bike I have, the petcock is not attached to the tank.  It is mounted on a bracket with a rubber fuel line going to the tank.  Thinking about it, you don't have the 2nd tank under the seat do you?  My petcock is under the right side cover.  Thinking further about that, I am not sure our side covers are even the same from 84 to 85.  I know the rear fender and the rear frame are different.

[xwarp]

No, there is not a secondary tank on this bike.

I think what I will do in the meantime is to put a new fitting on the rear/bottom of tank and get a new petcock to work.

[xwarp]

PROGRESS!

Today, I spent time on the tank. I was able to get that previously mentioned tube and its' bracket out of the tank. But since this involved DRILLING  three holes in the tank. I drilled through the spot welds for the brackets that hold the tube.

After getting the tube out, I was then faced with 3 new holes in the tank that needed to be closed. Hmmmmmm.... How to deal with this?

Well, 30 cents later and VOILA!!!!!!! Tank is sealed up again!

Now the tank is sitting in the garage, with 3 gallons of white vinegar in it. The rust isn't as bad as I thought it would be, but I'm going to get as much out as I can.

Enjoy the pic!


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