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Message started by Tocsik on 05/09/23 at 17:41:27

Title: Another broken tank bracket
Post by Tocsik on 05/09/23 at 17:41:27

Seems like it's always something. Vibrations broke one of the belt guard mounts a long time ago. And destroyed my license plate.
Just put in the new battery and rode it to work. Heading home I heard a loud sound with every bump. Found the tank bracket has given up.
I do have the front of the seat and the back of the tank raised so I reckon that contributed to the stress.
Irritating to have this stuff happen right at the start of the best riding weather.

I've heard varying reports on the success of JB Weld and finding a local brazer/welder will be time consuming when ya work M-F 7-5. I suppose I'm lucky since there's no gas leak. That I know of. Haven't removed the tank yet.

Any of our guys in the Denver area have a welder to recommend?

Title: Re: Another broken tank bracket
Post by Tocsik on 05/10/23 at 10:33:09

I know a guy who says he can stick weld it for me. Any thoughts on that? I asked if there's a way to weld a strip of steel to join them rather than relying completely on the rod, but it's not my area of expertise.

Title: Re: Another broken tank bracket
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/10/23 at 11:35:39

People don't respect the strength of a well done brazing job.

Title: Re: Another broken tank bracket
Post by Tocsik on 05/10/23 at 12:25:36

Is brazing something that can be done by someone without experience? Using a plumbing type torch? You say "well done".
Like I said, not my area of expertise.

Title: Re: Another broken tank bracket
Post by Tocsik on 05/10/23 at 12:37:57

In 2015 KennyG forewarned that when I lifted the back of the tank to match the lifted seat it could be putting undue stress on the tank bracket. darn.

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Title: Re: Another broken tank bracket
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/10/23 at 15:57:33

Toc , I have a torch, IDK if the Mapp gas with the blowtorch will allow proper focusing of the heat. I'm pretty sure not. It's really not hard. It's like soldering,only hotter. I think it's better at not cracking from vibration. Like everything else, preparation is crucial. Paying attention to edges. A radius can be helpful. Depends on the location.

Title: Re: Another broken tank bracket
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/10/23 at 16:10:22

I'm not there. IDK how good that welder is. I'm not saying you should have it brazed. Just saying I would consider it. Welding might be the answer. Some fine frames have been brazed and they don't fall apart.

Title: Re: Another broken tank bracket
Post by Surviving Philly on 05/11/23 at 16:13:17

I just attempted this fix with JB weld, then PC-7 after the JB weld failed. neither product was able to fix this to any lasting degree. I think having it either braised/welded is the only way to go given the nature of the break, the nature of the material, and the inability to actually compress/clamp the epoxy and part together, preventing strong adhesion.

My plan is actually to replace the tank with a sportster tank mounted to channel riveted to the frame. Not a fan of the stock tank.

Title: Re: Another broken tank bracket
Post by Tocsik on 05/14/23 at 08:12:27

The bracket broke right at the tank. When (if?) I can get this welded, does it go at about 90 degrees at that point? It feels like the edges want to "lock" there.

Title: Re: Another broken tank bracket
Post by TheSneeze on 05/20/23 at 09:19:18

The main key to any welding/brazing operation is surface prep. All of the surfaces in the HAT (heat affected zone) must be thoroughly cleaned. I can't stress enough that it must be CLEAN. Once you have it cleaned thoroughly, clean it again. No paint, no oils, no dirt, no fuel residue. I certified four of my welders for aerospace welding, and we were welding on Patriot missile parts for Raytheon. We had to go through bend tests, tensile strength tests, x-ray tests, to prove our weld processes were producing the correct fusion and penetration. If it were my bike, I would get another tank. But that's just me. Another tank may be cheaper than having that bracket PROPERLY welded by a professional that knows what he is doing. It sounds like raising the tank for looks may not be such a good idea, either.

Title: Re: Another broken tank bracket
Post by Tocsik on 05/24/23 at 10:01:01

I've reached out to a few welders but getting quotes for ~$200. I guess it's better than a full replacement. The tanks I'm finding online are in bad shape and way overpriced.

Title: Re: Another broken tank bracket
Post by TheSneeze on 05/25/23 at 11:29:53

I have two tanks available. Both are not pristine by any means - dents, bad paint, etc. You pay shipping and I can send you one. I can send detailed picks if you are interested. Won't cost you much, but the labor to fix it up.

Title: Re: Another broken tank bracket
Post by Scottwerty on 05/25/23 at 14:58:16

If the paint is still nice. A good welder can fix that thing up good. Just do everyone a favor and clean out the tank really good. [ch128165]. I bet the sneeze had those welds tested on the machines and or coupons my company makes. Lol.