ST4S Tank Leak near latch (pic attached)

craigk said:

Noticed some residue that looked like clean motor oil staining the frame. Traced the problem back to the fuel tank. Is it time for a new tank or is this a repairable problem? Leak is somewhat significant. Not a good way to start the weekend...Craig

Click to expand...

same thing happened to my tank last year.... a replacement tank was the only fix I could feel good about (used on Ebay for less that $200).... Mine leaked in exactly the same spot and there was absolutely no sign of corrosion in that area on the interior of the tank and therefore in my opinion not really "weldable".....

leaking tank

my ss has done the same thing twice after highsides. just clean it up and put some jb weld on it and you will be fine

^ I agree...try a patch first, before you buy a different tank, which is not guarrantied not to leak the same way. Just wondering: were you in the habit of lifting it on the prop when more than 1/2 full?

Thanks for the patch suggestion. I picked up the ST4S a few weeks ago and still going through it to make sure all systems are good. Not sure if the tank has been lifted with 1/2 fuel in it but I can see how that could be stessful on the pivot point. So for the inexperienced does the patch go on the inside of the tank or out? I put about 50 miles on it so far and all I can say that it is a handful compared to my ST2. That 996 engine is like a 944 2V on steriods.

As a follow up I purchased the Caswell Tank Sealer product and will be doing the sealing process next week. Looked in tank and there is no signs of rust. For $39.99 it seems worth the try. Saw some new OEM tanks on ebay in the $800 to $1000 range but not in the color I need. Add in paint costs and it gets very expensive. Craig

Mine was leaking from the seam a little higher up (around the region where the seat rests) when I got the bike. Just the sort of thing you don't notice until after you have bought the bike and then fill it up With the tank off and pump etc removed there is lots of access. I patched inside and out for a belt and braces approach as the outer patch is hidden by the seat. There was no point in sealing the whole inside of the tank as there was no rust.

Good luck! Keith