Fuel Tank Problems
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING:
Poor Running?
Blocked Carburettor Jets?
Leaking Fuel?
All of these are caused by corrosion in your fuel tank.
So how is this corrosion caused?
When unleaded fuels were introduced, additives based on ethanol were included to improve performance. Unfortunately, ethanol takes in water from the atmosphere and the combination of ethanol and water is highly corrosive. When any bike has been standing for a period of time, the tank is likely to have incurred considerable corrosion damage. We have even seen such damage in bikes less than ten years old. The increase in ethanol from E5 to E10 is likely to exacerbate these issues.
Corrosion leads to rust flakes which block the carburettor jets and injectors, while corrosive residue in the fuel invitably leads to perforation of the tank at its lowest point. The tank on a classic bike, especially a rare model, can be very expensive to replace and it may take a long time for you to source a replacement in decent condition.
Devon Bike Tank Restorers have successfully undertaken work on tanks dating from the earliest days of motorcycling, such as the Brough Superior and the big Triumph tanks to the miniscule Honda SS50 racer. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and let us put the heart back into your cherished bike!
A Rogues Gallery of Corrosion and Damage
Tanks in the condition that we receive them and what we find inside!
Drew at Metal Magic can effect the repair, and then we line the tank, prior to paintwork so that it doesn't happen again! This project is ongoing.
This one had a minor leak, but a big rattle - we decided to remove the bottom to investigate and found 6.5mm of hard resin from a failed attempt at repairing the leak.
This shows the fibreglass resin that had to be removed from the top.
This is what the owner said when he phoned us. We blasted the bottom and this is what we found!
This needed Drew's attention before we lined it.
Previously lined by the owner, who hoped to stop a leak. The liner was 5mm thick, the tank had not been prepared well prior to application so after a year, it detached and broke up.
This is what we found inside - you can see how thick that liner was!
This tank had been heavily filled with fibreglass and by the time we removed all of it, we found that the filler was only just still attached.
Another DIY attempt by the owner to repair large leaks in steel tanks - as you can see, it didn't stick!
Meet the Team
With many years experience in Metal Finishing and Chrome Plating within the aerospace and automotive industries and with a keen interest in classic motorbikes, Kevin has brought together the Tank Restorer Team to undertake the restoration of classic bike tanks.
The team has successfully restored tanks such as the iconic Brough Superior and classic British, Italian, American and Japanese bike tanks, ensuring that these bikes are running many years from now, without the ethanol-induced fuel problems.
To undertake welding and metal repairs, Kevin has created a unique working relationship with Drew Roberts at Heritage Motorworks. Drew can undertake dent removal, permanent welding, seam repairs and tank fabrications, and pressure-test tanks before sending them to Kevin for lining.
Kevin and Drew combine their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for classic and contemporary bikes to ensure that their clients' projects are completed to their exacting standards.
Contact Us
It will help us to assess the amount of work required if you could send several good-sized photos of the inside and exterior of your tank, taken from a distance of 25cm, to your initial enquiry.
Please email photos to tankrestorers@gmail.com
OPENING HOURS:
Monday to Friday
Our core hours are between 10am and 4pm, but you can telephone us from 9am 'til 5pm should you need urgent advice!
We are closed on Saturday and Sunday but our email is monitored and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Our contact number is:
07585 606433
Our contact address is:
Devon Bike Tanks
Surrey Cottage
Chilsworthy
Holsworthy
EX22 7BQ
PLEASE READ OUR FAQs FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SENDING YOUR TANK. ALSO, ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS CAN BE FOUND THERE!
If you are bringing us your tank in person, please telephone to arrange an appointment and please do bring it in a good, sturdy box.