Gas leak!

Hey everyone,

I picked up my bike a couple of days ago, and ive just heard that she's leaking petrol...apparently the tank has been fractured, and may need replacing. Does anyone know how much it would be to replace it, and also what can cause this problem?

The guy told me when i bought it said that she was fine, so i feel quite cheated about it, and he isn't cooperating... So any advice would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks

Chris

If you bought it privately there is not a lot you can do. If you got it from a dealer insist they sort it out. If they refuse then Citizans Advice will help. The bike is not safe for the road and is not fit for purpose under the sale of goods act so they do not have a leg to stand on.

I have read a few posts on here about tank leaks. I know in the US Suzuki have done a recall. If it does seem to be a common problem then we as users should put pressure on Suzuki to change the tanks free of charge. We need people to report their leaks though. Also if it is a common problem then multiple complaints to the VCA could get Suzuki's type approval for the SV suspended. Obviously this is drastic action and should only be used if there is a genuine concern and Suzuki do not take it seriously.

If car manufacturers made cars with tanks that were prone to leak they wouldn't get away with it. Bike manufacturers shouldn't either.

Kind regards
Tim

tanks cost about 600 quid as far as i know

not off ebay

Thanks for your advice, I purchased it privately, but the guy reassured me that the bike was in 'perfect' condition. I noticed in my papers that there was also a recall in the UK for the sv650, but there was no information concerning what work they had actually carried out. Will give Suzuki a ring in the morning and see what they say.

600 quid! Crap! I'm only 19 and still a student, and have just spent all of my money on this bike + insurance etc.....looks like i won't be riding for a while now


Thanks again for your help

Chris

Found information about the recall in the US, I gather that this also applied to UK models

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE MOTORCYCLE CRANKCASE DESIGN ALLOWS THE CREATION OF AIR POCKETS NEAR THE OIL PUMP INLET DUE TO SLOSHING OF THE OIL IN THE CRANKCASE. IF THE OIL PUMP DRAWS AIR, INADEQUATE LUBRICATION TO THE ENGINE OCCURS, CAUSING SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE AND RESULTING IN ENGINE FAILURE.

http://www.recall-warnings.com/auto-content-20259.html

[northwind]

The recall only affects very specific models...

I got my spare tank for £20. It's a little dented, but it'd tidy for about a tenner, and a respray needn't be massively expensive. Might be worth dropping Big Al a PM if you look down that direction.

I'd offer you the spare, but I need it at the moment Maybe someone else has a damaged but servicable one you could borrow though? It might also be worth lookign into Creeming or Petsealing the tank.

[Red ones]

Under a ton for a 2nd hand on on ebay, or £325 for a new one

Well the AA guy came around today to see what could be done, and he didn't mention petsealing, i think the cracks might be a little too big for it; but im gonna head down to Halfords tomorrow and pick some up anyway and see if it helps.

Has anyone used it before?

Chris

[northwind]

Yup, I used it for some minor rust pinholes. Worked a charm, though I didn't do a very good job of it If it's cracked, though, I would replace it. Holes are one thing, but cracks tend to get bigger.