Discoloring of fuel tank - Norge 8V

[canuguzzi]

I discovered a spot forward of and to the left of the filler on the tank that has discolored. It looks like a grayish tinge and when you look at it, it looks like a bump. There is no surface deformity though, to the touch it is smooth.

I do not leave gas in the tank unused as I ride frequently enough that fuel doesn't sit for more than a few days, a week at most before it is gone and the bike is refueled. I use premium gas from Costco and the location seems to get fresh gas every other day. California gas BTW.

I'm at a loss to explain what is going on but you'd swear it was a raised bubble by just looking at it. I'm hoping this isn't a sign of things to come with regards to it.

There is another one just above knee height on the right side when seated, very small, about 1/8" diameter that is almost like it wasn't painted but is also smooth to the touch and wasn't there when the bike was brand new. It appeared a few months ago but being so small I brushed it off as an anomaly which now it appears is not the case.

Has anyone else seen this type of thing?

[MotoGoosy]

You're not alone.  Just discovered a bubble right at the neck ring of the gas filler.

[canuguzzi]

You're not alone.  Just discovered a bubble right at the neck ring of the gas filler.

Is yours actually a raised bubble that you can feel? Mine is smooth to the contours of the tank.

I'd consider this something warranty should address as it could be more than cosmetic, relating the strange fuel gauge going ons (now nearly useless, stuck at full) so maybe something is degrading from inside the tank?

My Norge is going in soon to deal with the leaking seal on the CARC and I'm going to inquire about the tank at the same time. My thinking is that maybe it degrades from inside and causes the discoloring, perhaps resulting from thinning of the tank material?

I'd take the tank off to check but fear I might not get it back on. I've removed it once and it was a bugger to get back on and would rather not have it off unless it was somewhere that no matter what, it could be handled via the dealer since it's only about 7 months old.

[Larry_77084]

We've replaced a few tanks due to deformity.   Is it still under warranty?  You can blame Ethanol.

[canuguzzi]

Yup, under warranty, just coming up on about 8 months into the 2 year warranty. I've been careful not to let gas sit in the tank very long and use only the local Costco gas or on trips, Chevron.

When I had the tank off, it almost did not go back on. Managed it but figured tight is better than loose.

[Jerryd]

I remember this issue when the Norge first came out. Although neither of my '07's which both had close to 30K on them ever had that problem, and they sat all winter with gas and stabilizer in them. Although, it was tough getting the tank back on and installing the rear screw! Mine were both red, what color is yours? Probably just the color ::)

Seems like the thought back then was that expansion of the tank due to ethanol was the culprit?

[molly]

I can't believe Guzzi are still fitting gas tanks that are not ethanol proof. The problem as been around for years starting with a spate of fuel filters deforming. Could be just a poorly primed paint job that should be hopefully fixed under warranty.

[Gerry]

If it is deforming or bubbling it is most likely due to ethanol has Larry mentions.  This has been a issue with certain models of Ducati tanks for some time.  You can read all about it here
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/77-sport-classic/54586-out-warranty-spreading-tank-problems.html

I have had my 2007 Ducati GT1000 Sport Classic tank replaced 3 times under warranty.  The current tank when new I started using a product called StarTron on every fill up and I empty the tank during winter storage and this tank has held up well.  If I had it to do over again I would send the new tank to a guy on the Ducati forum called JCPac Bikes.  I have read that he does an excellent job of priming and sealing the new tank to make it ethanol proof.  You could email him and see if he would be into doing a new Norge tank, but I think he has a jig that he uses to rotate the tank while it is being sealed and cured?  so not sure if he can work with the Norge tank?
Gerry

[Dean Rose]

If it is deforming or bubbling it is most likely due to ethanol has Larry mentions.  This has been a issue with certain models of Ducati tanks for some time.  You can read all about it here
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/77-sport-classic/54586-out-warranty-spreading-tank-problems.html

I have had my 2007 Ducati GT1000 Sport Classic tank replaced 3 times under warranty.  The current tank when new I started using a product called StarTron on every fill up and I empty the tank during winter storage and this tank has held up well.  If I had it to do over again I would send the new tank to a guy on the Ducati forum called JCPac Bikes.  I have read that he does an excellent job of priming and sealing the new tank to make it ethanol proof.  You could email him and see if he would be into doing a new Norge tank, but I think he has a jig that he uses to rotate the tank while it is being sealed and cured?  so not sure if he can work with the Norge tank?
Gerry

http://jcpakbikes.com/

[pingjockey]

The tank on my 2011 Norge was replaced under warranty for those bubbles. It has been almost two years since and I have not seen bubbles in the new tank.

[Bill Hagan]

I remember this issue when the Norge first came out. Although neither of my '07's which both had close to 30K on them ever had that problem, and they sat all winter with gas and stabilizer in them. Although, it was tough getting the tank back on and installing the rear screw! Mine were both red, what color is yours? Probably just the color ::)

Seems like the thought back then was that expansion of the tank due to ethanol was the culprit?

My 2007 Norge had the dimples and swelling. 

I say "had" because the dimples have disappeared, I presume because I have been lucky enough to find -- for the most part -- fuel made from dinosaurs instead of corn.  Lordy, I do miss Wisconsin and 93 octane "recreational fuel." 

Anyway, while the blisters have gone, the tank doesn't seem to have "reshrunk."  No visible deformity but, while I haven't tried lately, I can't get the seat fastener back through its hole.  I figure my fighting weight makes that a nonissue.   ;D

But, as it's near nekkid on the lift just now, I give the screw another chance after I swap out the fuel filter.  Replaced that in 2011 while on the tundra, but am curious how that has fared over time, too.

Bill

[blackcat]

My 07 has also swelled but no dimples or any other noticeable defects. I can no longer bolt the tank in place. If it gets worse I will just install the new one I purchased about three years ago on eBay.

[MotoGoosy]

Mine is a raised bubble, about the size of my thumbnail.  It's an '02, so no warranty.

[Gliderjohn]

No problems as of yet anyway on my 2011. Where is that knock on wood icon?
GliderJohn

[canuguzzi]

My 13 is white, you know the attention getter. I am wondering if it isn't better to wait in trying to get it replaced under warranty and doing so just before the warranty expires or push for now. If it is a time in service thing I'd rather get it later.

Maybe it is a luck of the draw or they just have a bunch of tanks in inventory and grab whatever they have close by and stick it on? Either way it isn't like you can just repaint it, who knows if the tank is getting thinner in those spots and will eventually leak.

I had an Aprilia Pegaso 650 that had a fuel tank leak that just sort of happened, there was no damage and it wasn't cracked or anything. Aprilia replaced so I guess the Norge isn't the only bike with the problem.

[MotoGoosy]

Mine's white too.

[MotoGoosy]

Born in Hutchinson.  Family still has a business there.

[bratman2]

My 09 has been fine, bought new a little over three years ago. I only use ethanol free gas unless I am on a trip. I found that the tank is easier to install if the filler cap is open.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Rosie started getting the alcohol bubbles on her tank. I lined it with Caswell's epoxy, and I think she's cured. I stuck a pin in each and worked them back down with a pencil eraser. They're not so noticeable now..
My old Centauro tank grew so much, I couldn't get it back on.. :o ::) I've read here that if you leave them empty long enough to where they completely dry out they'll return to size. If so, then maybe you could line them with Caswell's epoxy. (?) Just a thought.

[canuguzzi]

Mine's white too.

I really like the white on the Norge. Keeps clean real easy and doesn't show road grime much.

I used some car mask stick on in white to cover all the fasteners on the plastics and it really made the bike look smooth, no holes with screws of bolts in them.

Chuck:  I think I'll ride it just a bit more and see if I get more blems and if so go for a warranty replacement. It nearly new so it isn't something I'd be happy with just fixing, things costs plenty and it was saved cold hard cash.

If they go for a replacement I think I'll have it coated before it ever goes on the bike, just so I don't have to worry about it later on.

If it was a beater I wouldn't care but now every time I climb on I see the blems. Today I looked a little closer and the tank has mishapen a bit. Soon as my schedule permits and I can line things up, to the dealer I go to make my case.

[Gliderjohn]

Yes, the white is beautiful and this photo does not do justice to the paint.

GliderJohn