1971 Gas tank issues

bsanorton · Dec 19, 2023

So, my 1971 (registered as a 72') Norton came back to me after 30 years. It has sat for a while. After I had it shipped, I noticed the Caswell liner had failed. The liner was flaking off on the top inner sides and underneath just forward of the petcock it was soft, and gas was seeping very slightly through (couldn't see it, felt it). In my search for a steel tank, I happened upon an inexpensive fiberglass one. I bought it to get me by until I could decide what to do. Once received the tank actually looked pretty nice both outside and in. I was thinking about using it permanently until I noticed on this tank it places the petcock about 1/2 inch closer to the engine. Also, the inside of the tank is blue, not a liner, but blue (is it plastic). Any information on this tank would be helpful in my decision making and if anyone can offer a better steel roadster tank it would be appreciated.

Torontonian · Dec 19, 2023

Don't even bother with fiberglass tanks . That said , I'll get chaff.
Search for steel or even aluminum .

texasSlick · Dec 19, 2023

The liner is probably HDPE. HDPE is rated for most flammable liquids, including gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. According to chemical compatability charts, HPDE is nearly inert to 95% ethanol.
I suspect you have a functional ethanol proof plastic tank.

Slick

Onder · Dec 20, 2023

If true looks like a lot of currently useless tanks may be resurrected!
Further info on the process?

bsanorton · Dec 20, 2023

Thanks Slick and folks. So far, no leaks and no gas smell in my garage after days fill of ethanol free gas (Which I run in all my older bikes) and running it a few miles. Were there different dimensions to the spigot hole positions as models developed?

B+Bogus · Dec 20, 2023

I've lined fibreglass tanks with Caswells at the request of a couple of customers, and with no complaints; but it's worth mentioning that if the tank has ever previously been exposed to ethanol fuel it's a lost cause.

Jdub · Dec 20, 2023

Is the failed liner Roadster tank steel or fiberglass? If steel, you can have it fully paint and line stripped and then rust removal dip, for $100. From there you just need to find a painter.

Many used steel OEM tanks available out there - I have never had a problem finding one.

bsanorton · Dec 20, 2023

It is the original fiberglass tank. I think any chemical to remove the caswell liner will turn it to mush. GrandPaul offered me a tank, thanks!

APRRSV · Dec 21, 2023

bsanorton said:
So, my 1971 (registered as a 72') Norton came back to me after 30 years. It has sat for a while. After I had it shipped, I noticed the Caswell liner had failed. The liner was flaking off on the top inner sides and underneath just forward of the petcock it was soft, and gas was seeping very slightly through (couldn't see it, felt it). In my search for a steel tank, I happened upon an inexpensive fiberglass one. I bought it to get me by until I could decide what to do. Once received the tank actually looked pretty nice both outside and in. I was thinking about using it permanently until I noticed on this tank it places the petcock about 1/2 inch closer to the engine. Also, the inside of the tank is blue, not a liner, but blue (is it plastic). Any information on this tank would be helpful in my decision making and if anyone can offer a better steel roadster tank it would be appreciated.

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1971 Gas tank issues

bsanorton

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Torontonian

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Onder

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