Found the Leak

Oil tank, bottom mounting bolt. The weld around the threaded portion had a barely detectable hair line crack. This is the bolt that is inserted vertically into the bottom of the tank. Became even more apparent and easier to find when I changed oil. Rode to the British bike hospital yesterday. Removed tank and will have welded tomorrow. Should be ready to pick up Tuesday .........

On Peel I put a rubber cushion with hole in center to let bottom problem bolt sit clear of any loading. I used another Harley Davison item, their bit more robust version of Lords mount at front and a bolt with rubber washers/hose to more firmly affix at the tight quarters at rear mount tang. While tank is out might consider placing a temp probe to education your self on how little the oil heats up unless taking many repeated risks powering around in public places.

steveyacht said:

Oil tank, bottom mounting bolt. The weld around the threaded portion had a barely detectable hair line crack. This is the bolt that is inserted vertically into the bottom of the tank. Became even more apparent and easier to find when I changed oil. Rode to the British bike hospital yesterday. Removed tank and will have welded tomorrow. Should be ready to pick up Tuesday .........

Click to expand...

Multiple fixes for this. Don't put that bolt back in or you'll be right back to the hospital.

swooshdave said:

steveyacht said:

Oil tank, bottom mounting bolt. The weld around the threaded portion had a barely detectable hair line crack. This is the bolt that is inserted vertically into the bottom of the tank. Became even more apparent and easier to find when I changed oil. Rode to the British bike hospital yesterday. Removed tank and will have welded tomorrow. Should be ready to pick up Tuesday .........

Click to expand...

Multiple fixes for this. Don't put that bolt back in or you'll be right back to the hospital.

Click to expand...

Allowing the surgeon to come up with correct treatment program. He has been very good so far...... It only took 38 years and 17,000 miles for this problem to manifest itself. If the treatment lasts that long, it will out last me.

steveyacht said:

swooshdave said:

steveyacht said:

Oil tank, bottom mounting bolt. The weld around the threaded portion had a barely detectable hair line crack. This is the bolt that is inserted vertically into the bottom of the tank. Became even more apparent and easier to find when I changed oil. Rode to the British bike hospital yesterday. Removed tank and will have welded tomorrow. Should be ready to pick up Tuesday .........

Click to expand...

Multiple fixes for this. Don't put that bolt back in or you'll be right back to the hospital.

Click to expand...

Allowing the surgeon to come up with correct treatment program. He has been very good so far...... It only took 38 years and 17,000 miles for this problem to manifest itself. If the treatment lasts that long, it will out last me.

Click to expand...

Once it's cracked and welded the metal will be even more brittle than before.

I had the upper rear mount on my tank brake off and did not even know there was a problem until I was looking in the area during a general inspection. I sent it off to Colorado Norton Works for their treatment which involved a stronger rear mount and the elimination of the bottom mount and replacement of the bottom mount with a reinforced plate that is supported by a piece of black foam. They also did a nice glossy black powdercoat job and returned the tank ready to install complete with stronger front & rear rubber isolators. Altogether, a great job that seems to have completely solved the problems.

The only issue I have is the the tank seems to have a slightly different sit that makes installing the side cover tough. I had to use more murphy than I like with the old fiberglass.

Vintage Paul

Spoke to Doctor Frank today. Tank was brazed not welded, this kept heat down, greatly reducing the chance of making the steel brittle. Used a rubber mount of some sort for the bolt and bracked allowing some shock absorbtion. While he was at it he adjusted the valves, retorqued everything, put on a SS brake hose, didn't like something about the rear brake so he fixed that (Have no idea what he meant by that), Washed it and will be riding it for next couple days to be sure he got it all and that it is up to HIS standards. What a guy!

Used a rubber mount of some sort for the bolt and bracked allowing some shock absorbtion.

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If that means there is still some pressure by the cushion on the bottom bolt them no no Joe Joe, or you or next inline will have to do it again. Re do the bottom cushion of some fairly stiff stiff, almost tire case level to *surround* the bolt and hold tank up via wider contact on sheet metal bottom only.

Yup,betchadyad on that one , the use of rubber grommet or even foam under oil tank will get roasted and go hard sooner or later.Peter.