Finally Happened To Me....Oil Tank Crack

[4strokeluvr111]

Well, it happened to me too. After 17,000 miles of nothing but trail riding....no jumps....no ditch bangin'....my oil tank developed a ever so small leak. I didn't think it would happen to me....sound familiar! LOL!!

At the beginning of this season I saw a very slight oil residue on the plastic underneath and just to the right (when looking at it) of the tank. I thought that the lower oil hose was just getting "tired". My plan was to get a different hose and Hibsham's Oil Tank Saver Kit and do the work in the offseason.

I got the parts and before I started doing the work inspected things much closer. The stress crack is very small but still noticeable. Maybe it got worse in the ~1000 miles put on the sled this season. I dunno!

A local classic car restoration business is going to TIG weld the crack as well as inspect the backside of this area for any deformation. Going to cost me about $40 for the repair. If I like the job they did I'll ask for their permission to post their contact information on this thread for anybody else that might need their services. Mods - is this allowed?

 

[4strokeluvr111]

USD31.05 later and it's fixed and back on the sled. Both sides TIG welded.

Should have put the Barnofparts.Com oil tank saver kit on years ago!

 

[DGZRT]

I must be really lucky Jim, So far In 8400 miles no leaks ! But I will take your hind site and I'll be putting BOP kit on before our BIG trip next year .

 

[4strokeluvr111]

Just a few clicks shy of 17,000 here......but mine are gentle trail miles.....unlike your ditchbangin', drift jumpin' style of riding.

Through the years whether it's been on this board or others, I've read about the tank leaks leading to catastrophic engine failures. Somebody sees the red/orange/? light on the dash and wonders...."what is this?.....must be nothing.....I'll keep riding".....and the engine seizes due to lack of oil.

For the cost of the kit ($50?) to me it's cheap insurance that a trip won't end prematurely.

 

[stevieu1]

Here's mine . JB weld fix

1800 mi, no leaks

 

[SAB1]

I saw this kit at Barn of Parts. I don't see my 2010 Vector listed as needing or the RS Venture. Are you guys thinking it should be done to all years?

 

[4strokeluvr111]

Here's mine . JB weld fix

1800 mi, no leaks

I am happy for you really. Years ago, when I threw a stud thru my front heat exchanger, I tried JB Weld as others suggested. It lasted about 400 miles and decided to fail while 75 miles from home on the first day of an overnight bag trip.

Never again will I try to take the cheap way out. The cost of a catastrophic failure, not to mention a ruined trip, is not worth risking.....at least to me.

p.s. you have not corrected what caused it to crack in the first place

 

[4strokeluvr111]

............

 

[stevieu1]

Not worried

 

[hibshman25]

I saw this kit at Barn of Parts. I don't see my 2010 Vector listed as needing or the RS Venture. Are you guys thinking it should be done to all years?

The rs venture would benefit from the kit. It's got the same style tank as an apex and o5-07 vector.

Your 2010 has a different style tank. We considered a kit for them but found it not to be needed as the lower mount is not a rigid mount. It's formed aluminum and will give during chassis flex.

 

[4strokeluvr111]

The rs venture would benefit from the kit. It's got the same style tank as an apex and o5-07 vector.

Your 2010 has a different style tank. We considered a kit for them but found it not to be needed as the lower mount is not a rigid mount. It's formed aluminum and will give during chassis flex.

What about my 2014 Vector Travis?

EDIT - just asking...your listing of sleds on your website is current and correct for the Oil Tank Saver Kit?