| Author | Message | ||
     Redridergr |
Does anyone have a fix for Westwind fuel tank leaks? I would like to keep my original tank, not buy a replacement. Thanks | ||
| 89rs1200 |
I and others have not found one. Ten years ago, the recommended procedure was to roll the tank with a hand full of sheet metal screws and Acetone or some other solvent. After a few seconds, the epoxy of the fiberglass dissolves and what is left is a "furry" inside tank. those fiberglass fibers will never allow a new coating to seal. Besides, the old coating will not be completely removed in this short time of agitation. One poster cut his tank in half to sand and clean the inside. He never posted if that was successful. For the sealer/liner to adhere properly the tank must be clean as new. No hint of oil, gas, prior liner material, of fiberglass fibers sticking up. Loose fiberglass fibers will create holes through the liner, and the fuel and ethanol in it will seep between the liner and the fiberglass of the tank, lifting the liner and further destroying the tank. How do I know all of this? Personal experience! All attempts failed. To reuse your old tank, the only people I can think of who may be able to do it right would be fiberglass boat restorers, maybe, because I believe boat fuel tanks use an internal rubber bladder. POR-15 now has a de-greaser which is not solvent based but water based and should not damage the fiberglass; "removal of light distillates, mineral oils, heavy grease, degreasing all metal surfaces, plastics, wood, fiberglass, painted surfaces. POR-15® Cleaner Degreaser is a water-based product."; https://por15.com/products/cleaner-degreaser Then you will need to find a way to remove all of the old liner. Sandblasting maybe? POR-15 makes a fuel tank sealer kit, but I would recommend an epoxy sealer which will seal against the Ethanol; https://por15.com/collections/fuel-tank-restoratio n/products/motorcycle-fuel-tank-repair-kit Only real fix is to buy a new tank, with the epoxy sealer installed at the factory. Cost me just over $1000.00, which included the cost of new paint and decals. It was worth the $100.00 spent. See these threads; http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/832065.html?1528569231 http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?47623/811179 New decals made by the original manufacturer, "Signs & Lines by Stretch"; http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/805150.html?1495724347 | ||
| 89rs1200 |
FYI: airtech-streamlining has a mold of my tank, and a previous RSS1200. In my opinion, tank from my 1989 RS1200 is better. It does not have the imprints of the decals and fits better at the back; https://www.airtech-streamlining.com/buell-fairing s-seats-fenders-parts/RS12001989-93.htm Please be patient with them, it will take a few months to get it made correctly. Please read the previous Badweb posts I posted. They really do want happy customers! | ||
| Court |
This problem has existed for years . . AirTech is likely the best hope . . . this is exciting to know they are working on it. | ||
| Hootowl |
Plumbers seal old sewer lines by inserting, inside out, an uncured epoxy hose inside the old pipe, then use compressed air to blow the hose through the pipe, which turns itself right side out as it goes in. Perhaps something similar could be used to line a fuel tank. Blow a bubble inside the tank and let it cure? | ||
| Hootowl |
Anyone tried this one? http://damonq.com/techsheets/red-kote.pdf | ||
| Hootowl |
https://caswellplating.com/epoxy-gas-tank-sealer.h tml Epoxy liner. I’m sure everyone has seen this stuff. I only hear about people trying por15 though. | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Key before adding liner is to clean the tank completely of all previous liner, oils and fuel first. That is where the real problem lies. | ||
| Normthenomad |
Lived aboard and cruised my own sailboat for 14 years. Once fiber glass has wicked a liquid into the laminate you're pretty much screwed. With boats it was water and you had to grind out the affected area and let dry for months then go through a 3 step epoxy barrier coat. To do this right you had to grind all the gel coat off to start. Buy the Airtech tank that's the most cost and time effecient.You'll never get the petroleum out of the laminate. All the liners mentioned above are temporary solutions at best. Ask me how I know. | ||
| Redridergr |
Thanks everyone that posted..... Looks like a new tank it is, for Me. I was fearing not getting replacement decals and paint matching issues. Special thanks to 98rs1200..... links to original decal manufacture and using His tank for mold at Airtech! | ||
| K12pilot |
Caswell works awesome!! it is ALL in the PREP. | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Cleaning recommendations are the problem! The recommended cleaners will dissolve the fiberglass resin almost immediately! I tried this cleaning method. It has not changed in decades! Would think someone would have come up with a better cleaning method! Until they do, relining a fiberglass tank is not possible! From Caswell site; Application Instructions All traces of oil and gasoline should first be removed by pouring about 1 pint of acetone or lacquer thinner into the tank, and rotating the tank several times to thoroughly sluice the sides with solvent. Dispose of the contaminated solution. When recoating your gas tank from failed Kreem or POR-15 tank sealers, remove the old, failed coating using a paint stripper containing Methylene Chloride. Place a hand full of drywall screws into the tank and shake them around vigorously for several minutes. These will dislodge any loose particles of rust. In the case of Fiberglass and plastic tanks, this will rough up the tank interior, improving adhesion. Rinse out the tank with about 1-pint of acetone or lacquer thinner, then set aside and allow to dry. Use an airline to blow air into the tank to aid drying. | ||
| Victory |
You cant buy stripper with Methylene Chloride anymore. You can buy Methylene Chloride by the quart or gallon on Amazon. I bought some a few months ago to mix with the wimpy paint stripper that is on the market. Reports are good that this combination will work great like the old aircraft stripper. Since we are not kids anymore we need to be extra careful about breathing this stuff. DONT No I have not gotten to the stage to use that stuff. Planned for X1 tail section and swingarm. I got some great sand and clean up kits on Amazon too for the polishing prep. Should be kinda quick. (Message edited by victory on September 26, 2021) | ||
| Redridergr |
Well I sent email to Airtech after the above posts.... no reply for several weeks. So today I, after waiting, I decided to reach out to them by phone. Called #'s on website 760.598.3366 but the recording says "the number you dialed is unallocated"? So does anyone have another number? Perhaps more information on Company? Live close & can stop in to check? Thanks to anyone with more help! | ||
| 34nineteen |
I just ordered a pulley cover from them a few months ago. I wound up having to call them, as their contact form was not working at that time. I think they shut down for lunch, so be aware of that if calling around that time. | ||
| Brother_in_buells |
I have no personal experience with Airtech ,but have read enough through the years that they are always trouble to deal with and orders taking long times! | ||
| 34nineteen |
When I finally decided to call after waiting for a reply than never came(why have an online contact form if youre not going to reply to it?), it went pretty simple. However, there were no definite answers in either price or ETA. In the end, the deal was fair and not out of line. It did take them about 4 weeks to get me the part, but I imagine they had to build one from scratch, as when I received the part, it reeked of fiberglass resin curing, so it must have been freshly made. I'd deal with them again, but just bear in mind that you will have to take the initiative and be proactive to be successful. | ||
| 89rs1200 |
 34nineteen My experience also. They make every order from scratch. Almost no stocked items, so be patient when ordering. | ||
| Redridergr |
I assume You Guys used the same numbers I listed then? I never herd a recording of non allocated before? So as someone has said before, "never give up"! I will try to call at various times to reach them. Thanks | ||
| 34nineteen |
I called the number anyhow, and they are open. (Message edited by 34nineteen on December 20, 2021) | ||
| Redridergr |
Good news.... made contact today! The girl that answered phone had my email in a file & read my email back to me....so why no replies then I asked? She said it's flagged for boss. Wow! The good news, have one tank in stock?! Hopefully I can get a price soon for shipping? Mary Christmas to Me, from Me! Lol Never give up!! Then I am on the hunt for decals? Anyone have a set for tank? Bike is blue. Decals are white. "Buell motor company inc." I did read the above link for original manufacturer, but trying hear first. Thanks again to 89rs1200 for help! Will be great to get her running some day! She is #5 of 7 made that model year. (Message edited by Redridergr on December 20, 2021) (Message edited by Redridergr on December 20, 2021) | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Get the decals from the OEM who made them originally. See contact information in; http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/805150.html?1497906623 If you have the Marzocchi forks for 1989 Westwinds, I have a couple of sources for those decals. (Message edited by 89rs1200 on December 21, 2021) | ||
| 89rs1200 |
I hope you ordered with the anti-alcohol epoxy tank liner optional extra?! If not it will need to be added with the order or before fueling up! If the tank is not right, let airtech-streamlining know right away to get it fixed, or remade. Please do realize you will need to fine tune the fit and drill all the mounting holes. I had them use their fuel cap. Only you and I would know the difference. Besides, I can immediately see which tank I installed that day, original or new. | ||
| Redridergr |
PM sent to ya 89RS1200. Yes, the tank in stock has liner installed. Working on shipping details now. |
