I'm Probably in Trouble

[ConnerVT]

I'm probably in trouble... when my wife finds out.

But I know you guys will have my back. Found this on eBay the other day, and now it is on its way to me -- a brand new, 42 year old Candy Jackal Blue gas tank -- that has never seen gasoline before. It way not be the only one in existance, but I'm sure there ain't to many of these left in the world.

My tank still has the original paint, but also has a pinhole that developed at the top rear (between the solid white and pinstripe). Been fighting with the decision -- Fix and try to paint the repair? Where will it leak next? Buy another tank, and try to match up the paint? (and the 1971 T500 decal set can't be bought in reproduction).

I figure that obtaining another tank (in what condition?), and painting all the parts, was going to set me back more than the $399 + 25 shipping I paid for this 100% correct beauty.

T500 CJB.JPG

I knew you would understand. Now, to explain it to my wife so she understands also...

[titan performance]

Sweet find........I dont think the price was unreasonable really. As you say, it could be the only one in the world.

[Alan H]

Sorry, but if it has one pinhole, it will have others - or nearly so.
I wouldn't like leaky fuel soaking into my bollocks, and they're quite mature!!
Sort it out with proper repairs and a tank seal before you sit near it with fuel in.

[ConnerVT]

The one currently on my bike has the pinhole -- not the one I just bought.

One of the reasons I'm using to justify the need to buy a new tank.

[Insaniac]

If it had just a pinhole, I'm sure using something like por15 tank liner would fill it and prevent future leaks. You can't go wrong with NOS, and I found out that suzuki parts are alot harder to come by then honda, if you're happy with your purchase that's all that matters.

[ConnerVT]

If it had just a pinhole, I'm sure using something like por15 tank liner would fill it and prevent future leaks. You can't go wrong with NOS, and I found out that suzuki parts are alot harder to come by then honda, if you're happy with your purchase that's all that matters.

It was during the POR-15 cleaning phase where the issues began. The tank clean cleared whatever was sealing the hole, and then undermined the paint that was covering the spot. I covered the hole as best I could, in hope that the POR-15 lining would plug it. Made a bit more of a mess on the outside of the tank, which I still need to address.

The lining came out very well. But the first fill-up brought a surprise - a nice little water fountain from the hole! Fortunately, I was less than a mile from home, which I rode while trying to put my finger in the dyke as best I could! Siphoned out enough gas (~1.5 gal Sunoco premium) to get it below the hole. Has a temporary patch (Seal-All) on it now, but looks like crap.

The new tank arrived yesterday, and it sure is pretty. A couple of very small scratches, and the interior has a very light surface rust, from sitting on a shelf for 40+ years. This boy is *very* happy.

[Insaniac]

Aw that's a shame. How big was the hole? I heard that it fills them if you put some support on the outside.. which you did, sorta makes me second guess what I've read. I bet the new tank would be a good candidate for electrolysis.