Leaking Gas Tank!!! HELP!!!!

[kibdog]

Just got my new Roadster 250 today and took it for a spin, assembled and check everything before starting it up and all looked good. The hoses all seemed secure and most of the bolts were good as well. All the fluids were ok and the tires great. First I put a little bit of gas in and it started after a few tries. Rode for a few miles around the block a few times and then put more gas in it and rode some more. I then parked it in the garage and about 20 minutes later I noticed gas leaking directly from under the gas tank. Spent the the next 2 hours taking all the body parts off to find that there is a bolt at the bottom that mounts the tank to the frame that has been rung off or stripped or something, from what I can tell the tank itself is leaking from the seam. The problem is that I can't get that bottom bolt out. I guess I am going to siphon the rest of the gas out tomorrow and let it dry and try to beat the bolt of to get the tank out so I can get a replacement. Any other suggestions??

[airnerd]

I dont suppose you have some pics to look at?

I would like to know how hard it was to gain accses to the motor, or tank.

[A J]

kibdog said:

Just got my new Roadster 250 today ........

there is a bolt at the bottom that mounts the tank to the frame that has been rung off or stripped or something, from what I can tell the tank itself is leaking from the seam. The problem is that I can't get that bottom bolt out. I guess I am going to siphon the rest of the gas out tomorrow and let it dry and try to beat the bolt of to get the tank out so I can get a replacement. Any other suggestions??

Yes. A picture or two sure would help.
Depending on the location, obstructions, angles, Etc. It may be easier to drill out the bad bolt.
If the bolt head is intact and it just turns but doesn't back out when turned, a sharp instrument wedged under the head while turning may exert enough pressure to "help" the threads move the bolt back out.
What brand is your Roadster 250 ?

[kibdog]

I'll have to take a picture today. I have tried your suggestion with no luck but I have yet to siphon all the gas out so I am afraid to put to much pressure on the tank yet.

[kibdog]

AJ,

Drilled the bolt out this morning using a very long drill bit that I got at Lowe's. Worked great and it appears to me as though the tank is leaking in the seam! When I turn the tank towards the back and the gas runs to that part it leaks very badly right at the seam. I am going to call allnewsports today and see if they can't get me a new one. Also if that becomes a problem do you think a tackweld might seal the tank or JB weld or something, any ideas?

Thanks

[scooterollie]

Best solution is to replace the tank. Hopefully, your dealer will stand behind you. You have already done the diagnostic work. All they need do is supply the tank. If they don't, chalk it up to the usual lack of support from many of these "dealers" and buy a new one yourself. Check with "ScootersGeorgia".

[kibdog]

ollie,

Thanks for the info and the website, with these scooters I am sure I will need a part in the future. As for the new tank, I called my dealer and they are supposed to be shipping it priority mail today which means I should get it about July! HaHa. Hope your not a mailman. Has anybody here every heard of anyone having a problem like this before (gas tank leaking at the seam)?

[kibdog]

AJ,

forgot to include the brand for my roadster in my previous reply. Mine just says roadster 250. It say on the little tag above the gas cap that it was manufactered by JMstar. When taking the thing apart it seemed put together pretty well, no loose bolts or hoses and line unlike what others on here have experienced with their chinese scoots. Other than the gas leak and the headlights being aimed to low I have no complaints what so ever. It is really fun to ride as well.

[cloudaz]

Kibdog,

Just in case, JC Whitney sells a Gas Tank Sealer (1quart) for $41.99, and yes it works, I had a motorcycle some years ago that was hard to get parts for and the fuel tank leaked, I used this stuff from JCW and it never leaked again.

later
Wendell

[scooterollie]

Kibdog;
Yeah, 2 day "Priority Mail" always takes a week to get here for me!

Good news about your dealer sending a tank. Have not seen a post on any of the sites about a leaking gas tank on Chinese scoots. While everything is apart, apply as many zip ties as needed to various wires/hoses. Look around thoroughly for any potential future problems.

Not unusual for the headlights to be adjusted low. After adjusting mine up, high beam, along with my fog lights, now does a good job of illuminating to the sides and down the road. Still not certain it is as far reaching as auto headlights, though.

[monty57]

If you don't receive your tank in timely manor, most radiator repair shops can boil the tank clean and silver solder or braze the seam. I have had several tank repaired in this manor over the years and it is permanent.

[A J]

kibdog said:

AJ,

Drilled the bolt out this morning using a very long drill bit that I got at Lowe's. Worked great and it appears to me as though the tank is leaking in the seam! ..............
Also if that becomes a problem do you think a tackweld might seal the tank or JB weld or something, any ideas?

Thanks

I see you have a new tank on the way. That should solve the problem. I see many others have made good suggestions also as far as salvaging the leaky tank. Hope the new one arrives soon.

I'm still curious about the scoot brand. My Viva roadster is made by JMStar. Did you get a MCO or Certificate of Title ? What is listed on that for the Manufacturer and model ?

Although the Viva is manufactured by JMStar, the brand is listed as Viva on my title.
A J

[kibdog]

AJ,

I am still waiting on the title work to be sent via US mail, I just got the scooter 2 days ago and I suspect the title work should arrive in the next week or so. My scooter is manufactured by JMStar, but as for the brand on the title I do not no for obvious reasons. I will post back when I receive the paperwork.

[kibdog]

Scooterollie,

How exactly do you go about adjusting the headlights up on these scooters? I tried twisting a screw on the headlight housing behind the front cowl and it seemed like the headlight was moving, but I really couldn't tell a difference when I turned the headlights on in my garage. Maybe I need to road test it to get an acurate idea.

Thanks

[scooterollie]

Kibdog;
That is the one. From other postings, it doesn't always work. The setup is really fragile and I have seen reference to the gear stripping. I didn't think mine was working either, but When I put it up on the center stand in the middle of a straight road at night, I could see the difference. I actually had to push/pull on the headlight module to "encourage" it to move.

[kibdog]

Thanks Scooterollie for the info I will have to road check out the headlights at night once I get the new gas tank put back on and get it on the road again. By the way, what part of WV do you live in? Also do you use regular oil or synthetic, I have about 17 miles on mine and am getting ready for the first oil change and I have read somewhere on hear that you should not use synthetics during the break in period. Any siggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[scooterollie]

kibdog;
In the Eastern Panhandle, Berkeley Co. Just about the fastest growing area in the state!

Most are recommending the Dino oil until full break in, around 1K miles (about 1,600 KMs). My recommendation is 15W40 diesel grade oil, as you may have read elsewhere on the forum. IMHO, best suited for our hard working engines. Recommendations vary as to how many times to change until break in. I did a change at 100 KMs, 300 KMs, 500KMs and 1,000 KMs. Then every 1,000 KMs or once/year if less than 1,000 KMs/year. Out of curiosity, for my 2,000 KM change, I used Mobile 1 5W40 diesel blend synthetic. With the frequent oil changes, I don't really think synthetic is necessary but might be better for Winter starting if your scoot is kept outside. At the next oil change, I may just go back to 15W40 Dino or Blended.

[kibdog]

Thanks again ollie, The need for checking your chinese scoot over good after receiving it has been well documented on this board, so I thought I would apply my 2 cents regarding tire air pressure. This is almost unbelievable!! I checked the air pressure in the tires on my scoot. I am going to go with 22 in the front and 26 in the rear just to help soften up the ride. The first time I rode the scoot it was very rough over any little bump. anyways I get out my tire gauge and check the front and it has 15.6 psi, no big deal I hook up my compressor and get it to 22 psi. Then I go to the rear tire and check it and wow 70 psi in the back tire!!!! I couldn't believe it, I actually checked it numerous times to make sure my tire gauge wasn't screwed up!! Goes to show that many of these bikes must be looked over meticulously before any serious riding.

[scooterollie]

Wow, that is a big difference in pressures! When tires are mounted on the rim, they are often inflated to very high pressures to properly seat the tire on the rim. They should then be bled down to a more acceptable level. I wouldn't trust tire pressures even from a reputable manufacturer/dealer. We should be able to do so but I always like to verify.

The ride on these small tires is a little on the firm side. Low profile 13" tires give an even firmer ride because there is less sidewall to flex and absorb some of the shock. Many folks inflate to the pressure listed on the side of the tire but this is not correct. It is only the max safe pressure for which the tire is rated. On a two-wheeled vehicle, it is better to have a little "give" in the tire sidewall to absorb some road shocks and not break your contact with the road. Keep an eye on your tire wear to be certain 22 lbs. in not too low.

[kibdog]

Here's some pics of the scooter with the tank out and most of the body panels off as well as the seat. I will post more pics when I get it put back together, still waiting on the new gas tank right now. Man am I dying to ride!!!! Just thought someone might be interested.






Gas tank is actually just resting on the right side of the frame in this picture, I still have all the lines hooked up and a little bit of gas in the bottom of the tank so that I can start it until I get the new tank.





I also was wondering if there is a correct or incorrect way to install the fuel level sensor? When I first got the scooter and filled it up the first time the fuel gauge went to full and now that I have drained the tank the gauge still reads full.

In this next pic there is very little fuel in the tank, but the gauge is reading full.




I did take the sensor out the back of the tank once and put it back in, I am hoping that I just put it back in wrong. Anybody in the know on this?

Thanks

[rony]

In case anyone wants to know, this bike is made by Jonway. It's a pretty good factory. They designed this bike.

Let's see how long it will take to get the part. Not that I want to scare you but on new models like this it may take some time. Many importers make the mistake of filling the first containers with bikes only, no parts. Parts usually follow later. If this is the case, it may take a while regardless of if you purchased online or from a dealer.

Rony
evosales.com

[kibdog]

Update:

I figured out the fuel gauge sensor thing, I had it in the tank upside down. Still haven't got my new tank, the people I bought it from said they had the tank in stock so I should be getting it this week, still haven't received the title work either, maybe this week so I can get this baby on the road!!

Of course the first three days of this week will be spent recovering from dental surgery , so maybe by the weekend I will be up and running. Will continue to update.

[A J]

kibdog said:

Here's some pics of the scooter with the tank out and most of the body panels off as well as the seat. I will post more pics when I get it put back together, still waiting on the new gas tank right now. Man am I dying to ride!!!! Just thought someone might be interested.

Definitely interested. Your scoot is the same product they market under the VIVA label. It even uses the same model designation MP250RO. My scooter has VIVA on the side where yours has ROADSTER.
I appreciate the pics showing the innards as I haven't opened up mine yet. As soon as the dealer gets all the problems solved, I have a few mods in mind for mine. My fuel gauge hasn't functioned since day one. Part is evidently coming from china on the ___s l o w ___boat. I took delivery on 10 March 07 and am still waiting for a lot of repairs.

Good luck recovering from the dental work, and keep us informed on the scoot progress.
A J

[kibdog]

I think my new gas tank arrived today and I missed, while out having 2 wisdom teeth surgucally removed. I got home and found a DHL paper hanging on my front door saying that they had missed me and would return tomorrow, I checked the DHL website and the package is from allnewsports.com and weighs 5ibs, I am not expecting any things else other than a mso so this has to be it. I also think that they send the paperwork by us mail... anybody know for sure? Thanks

[kibdog]

Update:

Got my new gas tank today and got it installed and everything put back together. Went for a couple short 2-4 mile rides today and everything went well, except for the fact that I had to buy another battery once I got the new tank installed. Chinese battery was good for about a week! I just matched a 12v up from the local advance auto parts store and it seems to be doing the job fine. Also took the scoot for a little ride in some light rain this evening just so see how she would do, and overall I felt quit comfortable on it in the rain. The lower tire air pressures have seemed to soften ride somewhat but the seat is still a little to hard.

I found that my hands and legs were effected the most during my ride in the rain. The temp her is about 60 degrees with light rain so I guess they should have been effected. I will have to look into some rain gear and gloves soon. Will post some new pics in the next few dayswith the bike put back together.