Metallic Flecks in the Fuel Tank

[jfslater98]

I have started what will be a drawn out 24K maintenance on my R. And something has happened today to give me pause. When looking into the upended gas tank, I saw tiny metallic glitters on the inside of the tank. I wiped my finger on them, and they moved. So I have tiny metallic flecks in my tank. Is that "normal"? Something I should be concerned about?

The cheap siphon I used to draw out the gasoline has also left some small plastic shavings in the tank. How much damage could that cause?

I can post pictures if that will help any.

[boxermania]

Have you looked inside the tank with a flashlight? Did you remove the pump? Are you planning to change the fuel filter?

There could be a minute amount of rust inside the tank, which might have formed during the winter months. Any small particles shoul be removed by the filter. It would be good to change the filter and cut out the old one to see the make upof collected material.

Let's find out what is the source of the particles, pictures always help.

[jfslater98]

Have you looked inside the tank with a flashlight? Did you remove the pump? Are you planning to change the fuel filter?

Yes. Yes. And Yes!

Let's find out what is the source of the particles, pictures always help.

You can click on the picture below, and go to the full version, zoom in using the magnifying glass in Picasa.


Right on the lip of the assembly hole, you'll see a string of plastic that was left behind from the siphon I was using to remove the gas. I removed some other smaller pieces, but wonder if I got it all. If you look inside the tank you can see those very fine flecks. When I removed the thank vent hoses, they were not coming easily, so I snipped the clamps. Could that have put those flecks in there? Seemed like a lot for two clamps.

...cut out the old one to see the make upof collected material...

Will have to dig that one out of the trash, will post up once I have it disgorged and recorded.

[Boxer]

If I had to guess, Id say those silver flecks are indeed from the "wrangled" clamp you took off. Just try to wipe out what you can get to, and get that plastic crap out too. You may want to pour some gasoline in and slosh it around then pour it out one of the holes.
That hole sure looks rusty to me. I don't recall that mine has ever looked that red inside. Did your bike set idle and empty for a long time?

[jfslater98]

You mean the inside of your bike's gas tank doesn't match your color scheme? Loser! I bet you don't even wear matching BMW riding clothes either.

Kidding aside, it's been that color since the day I got it. That color is consitent all the way up to the filler neck. So unless it's rusty from the factory...

I had reinstalled the fuel pump assembly, but I guess it will have to come out. How do I get gas out of that hole? Or do I take the filler cap out?

[SLEDGE]

What Boxer said Just clean it up best you can,a new filter will take care of the rest. My tank is that red inside.

[Boxer]

My tank is that red inside.

I'll have to take better notice next time I change out that filter...Which won't be for a while. I just did it not long ago at the 72,000 mile service.

[owldaddy]

My tank is that red inside.

I was under the impression that BMW coats the inside of the tank to prevent rust. I think that red color is the coating that you are seeing.
Don

[NoRRmad]

My tank is unpainted inside. I ride an '02 Roadster.

[Boxer]

My tank is unpainted inside. I ride an '02 Roadster.

Ahh! We may have just discovered yet another difference in the earlier and later models! I'm almost certain mine is not that red color inside (mfg date 7/02)...but I'll have to check for sure next time its opened up.

[owldaddy]

My 04 does have the red/brown coating inside. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones.
Don

[jas]

Another '04 (Rockster) with coated tank here.

[CycleRob]

My 2002 (06/2001) model has the rusty looking maroon colored coating. You can see it by looking thru the gas cap opening. Just don't use a match to lite the way.

[jfslater98]

My 2002 (06/2001) model has the rusty looking maroon colored coating. You can see it by looking thru the gas cap opening. Just don't use a match to lite the way.

I assume it is the original tank. So much for consistency

I cut open the old fuel filter, casing seems pretty stout. The insides don't look particularly beat up. Of course the hacksaw dumped a lot of metal particles in there now. Anyone see anything out of place there?



Here's a another view of the "pixie dust"


So I think I will take the advice of swirling some gas around the tank to rid it of these nasties. Is the best way to empty the tank to remove the filler neck assembly and turn it upside down? Not sure it will come out of the fuel pump portal very well.

[jfslater98]

So after a few hours of wrestling with the filter/pump assembly, the filler neck and dumping gasoline all over me, this is what the inside of the tank looks like

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j1 ... directlink

At least the sparkly bits are keeping each other warmer, now that they have huddled together. You can also see the new gasket that's not cooperating.

Can I put the gasket in the freezer for a bit to get it to shrink?

[snowprick]

So after a few hours of wrestling with the filter/pump assembly, the filler neck and dumping gasoline all over me, this is what the inside of the tank looks like

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j1 ... directlink

At least the sparkly bits are keeping each other warmer, now that they have huddled together. You can also see the new gasket that's not cooperating.

Can I put the gasket in the freezer for a bit to get it to shrink?

Get a new gasket period.

[jfslater98]

Wish I had listened to you Rod

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eu ... directlink



In my bullish rush to get everything done, I tweaked the pump assembly. What a dope! Thankfully Beemerboneyard had a used assembly for sale, so I knocked over $300 off my "tuition" in mechanics school.

I think I got a lot of the flecks (and other garbage out) due to a number of siphonings of gas out of the tank. But without a boroscope, who can be sure?

At any rate, I completed just about everything (except TB sync) on the 24K service, just got it in today under the wire. So I'm ready for a New Year's ride. I have some observations to post on my efforts, but think I need to live with the bike (and what I've done to it) for at least a month so I have some perspective.

Thanks to all who posted their advice here, and Happy New Year!