Swelling plastic fuel tanks
Printed From: rsvr.net Forums
Category: V4 Tuono
Forum Name: V4 Tuono.
Forum Description: Anything connected to the new Aprilia Tuono models
URL: http://www.rsvr.net/forum_posts.asp?TID=29041
Printed Date: 26 Mar 2026 at 22:55
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.07 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Swelling plastic fuel tanks
Posted By: Gremin
Subject: Swelling plastic fuel tanks
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2021 at 19:32
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Hi, I've got a 2015 Factory Tuono and I've been reading lately about the Ethanol in fuel swelling tanks over the winter. I've laid the bike up over winter with the tank brimmed with Super Unleaded (so low ethanol) and full enough so there's no air gap. I've also added Stabil to the tank. Is this a good strategy to avoid tank swelling or do I need to drain the tank to avoid any swelling and/or damage to fuellines? Cheers.
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Replies:
Posted By: wigginsjp
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2021 at 19:40
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Hi I’d say do the opposite and drain it. Can always store the fuel in a can. Plastic = empty Metal = full Other materials = take your pic perhaps? Brimmed metal tank is good for a for rust was a reason I read I may be dated on my knowledge but the vid Griff has on the other thread will cover it. ------------- Aprilia RSVR Factory 2007 V2 1060cc Big Bore Aprilia RSVR Factory 2004 Race Bike Kawasaki ZX10R 2007 Race Bike Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory 2020 www.apriliaperformance.co.uk www.apworkshops.co.uk |
Posted By: badapple
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2021 at 19:43
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Personally I empty plastic tanks and brim metals but I never use additives I'm not a believer. Always worked for me. On my carbed trackbike I turn the fuel tap off after brimming and run it until it dies to empty the carbs.
------------- I started out with nothing and I've still got most of it left |
Posted By: Gremin
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2021 at 21:36
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Is syphoning the tank enough of do I need to remove it and get every bit out or run the bike till all the fuels gone?
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Posted By: wigginsjp
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2021 at 21:57
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When I’ve done it (I haven’t this year but all bikes are practically empty) a syphon seems to of done the trick. The swelling is mostly noticeable at the headstock in my experience. Tbf it does seem a little weird as all summer we keep them brimmed and used and just put up with the swelling 😅 ------------- Aprilia RSVR Factory 2007 V2 1060cc Big Bore Aprilia RSVR Factory 2004 Race Bike Kawasaki ZX10R 2007 Race Bike Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory 2020 www.apriliaperformance.co.uk www.apworkshops.co.uk |
Posted By: Stevex
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 10:15
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The ethanol absorbs moisture and this water is then absorbed into the nylon tank which causes the expansion and if you're really unlucky, bubbling under the paint or decals at the surface. I drain my tank when it's laid up over winter. ------------- People say I don't know Jack Sh1t; but I do, he lives next door. |
Posted By: Gremin
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 21:05
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Tank now completely drained. Thanks all for the advice :-)
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Posted By: Vee60
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2021 at 10:17
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Empty tank is better as after a few weeks, moisture evaporates from Ethanol which is 10% water being bioethanol, and this moisture is easily absorbed by nylon and other plastics and resins that our tanks are made off, causing the swelling. There was a recent test on additives which concluded that most do little to nothing to stabilise fuel, and some even make the situation worse. I must get round to draining mine before I lay the bike up. ------------- Ducati 950S Supersport |
Posted By: Bladerunner919
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2021 at 12:30
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I'll be draining mine this week, but mostly because I need the petrol for my commuter bike and I can't get any from the filling station! |
Posted By: spiceweasel
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2021 at 22:28
I may have had bad luck but I dried stored my falco tank with filling cap and pump removed (wrapped in bubble) after fitting a carbon one to get away from the swelling issue and paint/lacquer lifting only to move the stored one the other week to find excessive bubbling around lower edges and partial side wall, am I pissed off?..yes as I thought I'd caught it early when I did the swap... ------------- www.apriliaperformance.co.uk www.apriliaforum.co.uk www.apriliaownersclub.co.uk |
Posted By: IanG
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2021 at 00:27
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It can take many months of being in a warm environment with circulating air for a soggy tank to give up all the water absorbed in it. I had my Mille tank stripped and in the airing cupboard next to the hot water cylinder and surrounded by hot copper pipes for about 4 months,then followed that by a vigorous session with a hot air gun inside and out and it still didn't shrink back totally. I think someone on the yank site said their tank was back to original size after about 6 months in their attic but I think they lived somewhere super hot most of the year. Water and nylon tanks are bad news,we're soon going to be moaning as much as the yank's with the new 10% brew,never mind the expensive 5% sh*te,how about giving us the choice of proper petrol? Bring back leaded 5* ( and the 60's prices)  ------------- www.apworkshops.co.uk www.apriliaforum.co.uk www.apriliaownersclub.co.uk Looking forward to the next track day |