Finally fed up with my takn swelling

[gts455]

So i've reached the point where my tank will barely fit on my bike.....it's ugly and it bothers me quite a bit. i have a spare tank, but honestly i just don't feel like bothering with this anymore. Thinking of Swapping over to an earlier metal tank. I know i'd need the side panels and rear seat as well. Anything else i would need?

Does anyone have a better suggestion? different tank or fix for the swelling. If i keep the plastic tank, would using strictly race gas eliminate the swelling? i am seriously at the point where i will pay the extra cash for race fuel to ride this bike and not worry about my tank not fitting or constantly warping.

[Diablo1]

Any type of gas without alcohol will do the trick. You likely don't require very high octane (90 should be OK) because you're at high altitude.

[Micah / AF1 Racing]

I do have a spare steel tank that needs some re-brazing I was going to use with E85 on my bike I just parted out. It needs paint and brazing work...like I said...but it will never have ethanol issues. Keep an eye on ebay for one. If you see an SP tank for sale they are alloy and while weighing nothing carry even more fuel than the steel tanks! They are far from common and far from cheap in addition to requiring some creativity with the front mounting bolts/bracket on a non SP frame.

[gts455]

cool thanks for the info guys. I would go with a lower 90 octane, the issue is the only place near me that sells anything without ethanol is a petroleum place, and its 110. Really my only non ethanol option. I may just do the swap over to the old steel tank, i'm just getting tired of dealing with it.

[DanV990]

Do you have a local airport that sells 100LL?

[gts455]

Good idea Dan, i'll have to check out one of the local FBO's. see if i can make friends with someone.

[naimchase]

I have a spare tank that has been hanging for a few years.
When I get around to it, I have some Caswell's to coat it before install.
Then I'll hang the original tank to dry and shrink for more treatment.

Will advise.

[Micah / AF1 Racing]

Most FBO's just need you to confidently tell them "your" tail number. We used the one on the plane hanging in our shop for years to get easy access to AvGas. People shot talk AvGas for use in bikes "on the track" of course, but it works excellently. It usually makes a little tiny but less power than low octane pump fuel but it is always the same..:no matter where you go...and racing that can be a big deal. Read between the lines and apply to your situation. It is total BE ethanol is being pushed on us like it is. The TEL or lead in even 100LL AvGas will in time cause problems for your o2 sensor if you are using one for tuning on your bike.

[gts455]

Any issues running Avgas? does it mess with the injectors or anything like that?

Yeah, normally when i was back home in NY FBO's had no issue selling it if they new it was for a race bike or car. The Race gas might actually be more convenient for me.....the only station in town who sells it, is literally about 2 miles away....if that.

[Micah / AF1 Racing]

I have had zero issues of any negative sort with AvGas.

[gts455]

ok good to know. Thanks Micah. Looks like both Apes will be running high octane..... and will not being doing road trips. All because of ethanol.

[blu-j]

It was my understanding that Star-tron additive would prevent this swelling.This what I add when storing for the winter.I think it is about $8 a bottle which is enough for 2-3 tanks.

[gts455]

i have heard that as well, but i am pretty skeptical about additives. how long have you been using it and have you noticed any warping or negatives?

[gts455]

ok here is the plan. i have some Caswell on order from Denver. Should be here in a day or two. I am going to seal my replacement spare tank and get it on the bike this weekend. Along with that i am going to run strictly race or avgas. I think between those 2 things i should be good to go and should be able to avoid any warping.....now if warping happens after that, then i will do the old steel tank conversion.

[Micah / AF1 Racing]

I like your style! No reason not to tour on the bike though, just time your second to last fill up to leave you needing fuel when you get home to your AvGas supply. As long as ethanol is not allowed to sit in the tank for weeks or monhs it is not so bad. Storing a bike with a tank full of E10-E15 fuel however...not so good. Just having two tanks, one that stays in the attic drying out and one on the bike is a a workable solution as well. I use the Caswell stuff, it is very good and very alcohol tolerant.