Petrol tank rusted inside

[Neil]

Just had to have a new tank on my 2008 model. The filler pipe had rusted inside. Kawasaki paid half but it still cost 500 quid. I wondered if anyone had heard of this problem?

The bike is stored in winter and Kawasaki effectively said I probably had crap fuel in, but i doubt it. Even if I did, I have been storing bikes for years in this way with no problems.

Very disappointing, but still enjoying every minute on the gtr especially with the flies removed and the PC.

I can't see any mention on uk or us sites which means I can't fight Kawasaki and tell them it's a quality problem.

Thanks Neil

[Lonewolf]

How did Kawasaki come to pay 50%, surely not as a good will gesture? That would almost be like admitting there was a problem! I've heard tales before that you are supposed to drain off surplus fuel if you are not running the bike for a while otherwise it can sort of 'gel' and block fuel lines and carbs etc up in addition to causing rust.  However I've never drained a tank off ever so I dont know how much truth is in this theory.
Sorry you've had to experience this, hopefully things will be plain sailing, I mean riding from now on and you can continue to enjoy the GTR.
We'll see if anyone else has had similiar issues.

[Neil]

Hi lone wolf - yes a good will gesture based on the fact even if the fuel was bad the tank should have lasted more than three years. It was a strange conversation, blaming me for the problem, but paying half.

They were quite supportive after I complained, but I could not get them to shift from 50%. I got them to agree to rethink if there was evidence of similar problems on other bikes, but I have not found anything.

I have to admit, having walked out of the dealer and ready to buy a Honda I rode for a few miles and remembered why I bought the gtr...

[Kwikasfuki]

Don't think I've heard of that before. I assume you didn't have extended warranty?
You might have had a case to argue under 'fit for purpose' consumer law as the tank should have lasted more than three years. Quote this to most companies and they balk. Some require a bit more encouragement so its a good idea to fill in the legal paperwork and send it to them with a note to either resolve the issue or the paperwork will be submitted.
Most companies will weigh the cost of legal fees and decide its not worth it.

[Rusty]

I have to agree with the boys here .... most strange .... why say it's your fault and then pay half the cost ? £500 is still a lot of money ! A chap at work stores his bike up from October through to about March and it's quite a job to do properly, .... removes battery into the warm house and keeps it charged, runs the bike till it's running on vapour then just leaves the tank open to everything evaporates, ACF all over and covers with old bed sheet to keep the shite off ... after of course he's given it a good wash !
Still, whatever the problem, at least the dealership was supportive and you can now get back to riding two wheels !  ;D

[Boomer]

When storing a bike you are better off filling the tank to the brim and adding a fuel stabiliser.
Any exposed metal in the tank will form condensation unless you have an air conditioned or de-humidified garage.
This condensation then sinks to the bottom of the petrol tank (petrol is lighter than water) and rusts the bottom of the tank.
The sludge from this clogs fuel filters and pumps.

What do you mean by the fuel filler pipe? The shiny bit inside the filler cap?

[ChrisB]

Hi All
My son had exactly the same problem on his suzuki SV 650. The pipe was blocked through crap getting down the vent, next to the filler cap
filling with water then rotting through. This caused petrol to empty from the tank into the coroded pipe and then onto the floor, via the water drain tube.

[Kawdolph]

Another reason as to why i ride bike all year round.

[The Oil Baron]

If Kawasaki have paid you any form of compensation (i.e. half) they have inadvertantly admitted liability and probably now have no case should you decide to fight it.  ;)

I'm no lawyer but I do a lot of industrial accident investigations and the first thing our lawyers say in the office is once we pay anything out, before an insurance claim is completed, it automatically is an admission of liabilty regardless of who is at fault. :o

[Kwikasfuki]

Another reason as to why i ride bike all year round.

+1