Sports: [DucatiST] Re: Debris in Fuel Tank

Final report:

The fix was simple once the disk was located. I took one of the old breather lines from a previous tank service (about a foot long), jammed a Phillips scew driver in one end of the line and sharp sewing needle in the other end. This rig allowed easy access to the bottom of the tank in order to 'stick' the disk with the needle.

The first attempt brought the disk to the top of the tank, but when confronted with the surface tension of the fuel, the disk came off the needle began its erratic path to the bottom. Luckily it settled in the very same spot. I got to relive the whole 'OH NO' experience! The second attempt was a success!!

Jumped on the bike and scrubbed in the new Angel ST rear tire. What a fun ride. Thanks to all who commented. I WILL learn from this mistake.

Mike

--- In st2_owners@yahoogroups.com, "Michael" <mrudolph@...> wrote:
>
> Hello ST riders,
>
> Before a ride Sunday morning, I decided to add some fuel system cleaner to a full fuel tank. The fuel tank lid was up. I was opening a bottle of cleaner near the tank and... as you may have already guessed... the little paper disk (1/2" dia.) from the bottle cap flittered its way right into the tank. I watched the gentle floating of the disk in disbelief. Time was suspended. "Is this really happening", I thought? Milliseconds turned to seconds. Ker flit! Now imagine the ensuing rant. Wrong! I kept myself from a tantrum. I had done the tank service only a few hundred miles ago, an I knew this was not the end of the world.
>
> OK, are you done laughing at a poor shmuck? Time to sieze this opportunity for problem solving!
>
> QUESTIONS:
> 1. How large is the fuel intake hole on the pump? Does this disk in the tank even pose a danger to the fuel system -- can it get sucked into the pump?
>
> 2. Any thoughts on how to locate that paper disk WITHOUT siphoning the fuel, removing tank and pulling the pump?
>
> The plan is to purchase an inspection mirror tonight and take a look see inside. I suspect the disk has 'stuck' itself to the roof of the tank in the small 'air gap' at the top of the tank. I gave the bike a good shake hoping to see the disk floating, but nothing.
>
> October riding in Wisconsin is a blast. Time to get on this.
>
> Mike
> 2002 ST4S
>