Breva 750: Need help align gas tank bolt

[MotoGuzzi750]

Hi all,

2004 Breva 750 IE:

Its pain in <blip> to get the gas tank bolt aligned. I tried multiple time to push it with all my body strength/weight, but still
the gas tank bolt would not align. Are there any tips/tricks to this ? if so, pls. guide me through this.
As a worst case, scenario, I am thinking about shaving off a just enough rubber from grommets to make it fit.
But that would be my last resort.

Someone here mentioned that if ethanol fuel was used, this could gas tank bolt to align.
Firstly, I need to understand how are these two things related? and I do not know if previous owner used ethanol or not.

In any case, will appreciate any tricks/tips/expert comments on this.

[ChrisG]

I had a Breva 1100.  The gas tank had expanded and I could not get the bolt in. I replaced the rubber grommet with two rubber washers at the top and bottom of the tank tab – this effectively increased the diameter of the hole in the tab, and I could get the bolt in.  Others have had to drill the hole out a bit.  Someone here will give you advice on how to do that.  I haven’t had the tank off my Breve 750 yet …..

[guzzisteve]

Do your last resort 1st, gas tank is not going back smaller. Pull bumpers, cut off 1/4" , lube, try again.

[drdwb]

Motoguzzi sorry to hear your having problems, before you shave any thing off, consider lubricant on the rubber front mounts. If the previous owner used ethanol and it sat in the tank for awhile, the moisture from the alcohol was absorbed by the plastic in the tank,which caused it to expand, from what Some of the experts here have mentioned, it takes a long time to exit, like months to dry out sitting empty.  If your absolutely positive there are no obstructions you might try a ratchet strap from the back of the tank going around either side to the front side of the triple tree forks, strap has to be fairly small, slowly ratchet it back .
if it doesn’t move go to plan B, If the hole for the screw is close enough you might try a strong screw driver to try leverage it forward. Don’t screw up the threads in the screw hole.
 Plan C   On my wife’s Breva the alignment was 1/4 inch off, but I used a wood block and a rubber mallet to force it back in after lubing the rubber and mounts with dish soap.
I seem to remember some one say here they used heat or cold to change the shape, but sorry I don’t recall which or the details, ( being in Minnesota in the winter I would try cold first).

But fortunately for you I’m sure some of the experts here will soon chime in with more viable solutions.

Last point, Do Not use ethanol unless your stuck, and if you do as soon as possible refill with no ox gas.

Good luck use a lot of cuss words but don’t break anything

[malik]

It helps if the two round, plastic sliders in front are clean & lubed (rubber grease works) and the rails inside the tank well on which they slide is clean (polishing helps too). I use a lever on each side of the tank, using the frame cross brace to resist against. That seems to give an additional fraction so the bolt can fit.

If this doesn't work, it's likely ethanol has swollen/distorted the tank. It will need to dry out. It sounds like ethanol could be the culprit - it's the only reasonable cause of the fuel leak at the T-piece. Note too, it seems that those fuel lines are a listed service item with a 2 year life. Just saying, tho most last significantly longer that that quite satisfactorily.

While the tank is off (& as ethanol is suspected) I'd be removing the fuel pump & checking the fuel filter. The originals were half plastic & could swell & split, even without ethanol. Replace with an all metal filter - there a several aftermarket ones that fit.

It would be an idea to check & probably replace that section of hose on the pump going from the filter to the base plate. The originals were usually NOT fuel submersible, would get soft & pop off. Use Submersible fuel hose & stainless clamps-for-fuel-hose (no sharp edges). The concertina hose on the other side of the filter is usually fine.

Check too that the water overflow nipple on the underside is not blocked. The aluminium tends to corrode & block up. A fine drill on a hand drill works as does a section of broken clutch cable wire. Blow clean with a bit of air.

[Bulldog9]

Hi all,

2004 Breva 750 IE:

Its pain in <blip> to get the gas tank bolt aligned. I tried multiple time to push it with all my body strength/weight, but still
the gas tank bolt would not align. Are there any tips/tricks to this ? if so, pls. guide me through this.
As a worst case, scenario, I am thinking about shaving off a just enough rubber from grommets to make it fit.
But that would be my last resort.

Someone here mentioned that if ethanol fuel was used, this could gas tank bolt to align.
Firstly, I need to understand how are these two things related? and I do not know if previous owner used ethanol or not.

In any case, will appreciate any tricks/tips/expert comments on this.

Not sure about the 750, but on the 1200 Sport and Norge, there are two holes in the bolt cross member/plate on either side of the tang the bolt goes through. I put a large screw driver in each hole, squeeze the handles together pinching the rear of the tank mount to pry back into place.

I also removed the rubber grommet and then a large drill bit or file to elongate the hole in the tank mount. Easy Peasy.

[Muzz]

and dremmeled the bolt hole longer.  It took a couple of minutes and a fender washer is all.  The tank installed easily and sat relaxed, and I don't think Tex noticed.

I have heard of this fix being done before.

[Bob Wegman]

On my V7Classic the hole wouldn't line up with the bolt.  I ground a dull point on the bolt and that worked.  The point of the bolt catches a bit of the hole and guides the bolt in. Good luck.

[MotoGuzzi750]

Do your last resort 1st, gas tank is not going back smaller. Pull bumpers, cut off 1/4" , lube, try again.

Did this. now its better than before. I may decide to cutoff a bit more next time pull out the tank. Thanks.