Gas tank swap options?

danw · 07-22-2014, 03:29 AM

Hi all,

I've just picked up my second GIO Beast and have decided to get to modifying them. Has anyone had any success swapping in another gas tank that has a petcock with a fuel reserve?

I'm pondering something like the tank from a YFZ450 [random on-line store link]. i don't have a problem with cutting the plastic. Has anyone attempted this or am I just wildly crazy?

Thanks guys!
Dan

bogieboy · 07-22-2014, 08:08 AM

i would think you could just swap out the petcock if it has a somewhat standard petcock... if you could post pics of what your petcock looks like and how it mounts that would help greatly!

Weldangrind · 07-22-2014, 11:23 AM

Welcome Dan!

Bogieboy, the Beast has no petcock at all. On mine, I installed an inline petcock, but that still does not provide reserve. I've thought about welding a small plate to the bottom of the tank, so I could drill and tap to suit a standard petcock; that would provide reserve. Since it's a steel tank, I'm sure I could get it clean enough to weld on.

That said, I do like the idea of using a plastic tank that already has reserve.

danw · 07-22-2014, 12:33 PM

I've pulled the tank off of one of my beast and I'm going to drive by a few dealers on the way home today to see if I can identify a tank that is a close fit.

Fingers crossed.

Edit: spelling

Weldangrind · 07-22-2014, 09:46 PM

Which Province do you live in, Dan?

danw · 07-23-2014, 12:52 AM

I'm on Vancouver island. Haven't gotten a good look at any tanks yet, but this week I should have time.

Weldangrind · 07-23-2014, 01:26 AM

You're a little far for me to take on a project. Do you have access to a welder?

danw · 07-23-2014, 07:02 PM

I have a Lincoln Electric 110v Mig with argon. But I'm hesitant to weld on a gas tank if I can get a plastic one from something else.

Weldangrind · 07-23-2014, 09:14 PM

I agree, although tanks like that are inexpensive, so you could waste one and it wouldn't hurt much.

Dave_D · 07-23-2014, 11:02 PM

Another islander. I'm on the island aswell

If you are going to weld the tank I'd fill it with water
I've never welded a gas tank. But always heard to fill with water

Where on the island are you ?

Dave

Weldangrind · 07-23-2014, 11:29 PM

Filling it with water is one way, but you can also clean it successfully with CLR and lots of water. I expect that Castrol Super Clean would also work well.

danw · 07-25-2014, 12:37 PM

I'm in Victoria.

I just cleaned out the carb from my older Beast and it was full of what looks like rusty gunk. I think I'm going to order the tank from a YFZ 450 and see if I can make it work.

Weldangrind · 07-25-2014, 02:30 PM

A fuel filter is a good idea. Just choose a good quality unit, so it doesn't come apart on the trail and pour fuel on a hot engine. Made in USA is a good sign.

FLASHLIGHTBOY · 07-28-2014, 12:06 AM

somewhere I saw a product for cleaning tanks out... CTC or ??? you can just wash it out good with water & soap to get all the gas fumes out... so then there is no exploxing products inside.. you can not weld with water inside... it will take the heat away... and not let the weld stick... if you can get a new tank some times they are very cheap.... I needed a tank for a KANDI 150 DD DUEN BUGGY... THE REPAIR shopwanted $100.00.... a new tank from CALIFORNIA WAS $24.00 & SHIPPING.... I bought 2 of them $48.00 _+ fedex ground.. $57.00... less than $120.00 one for a spare..

midlifekrisiz · 07-28-2014, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLASHLIGHTBOY

you can not weld with water inside... it will take the heat away... and not let the weld stick... .

uh yes you can weld with water inside......I have seen many a welder fill a tank with water and weld a crack or hole.

07-22-2014, 03:29 AM	#1
danw Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 8	Gas tank swap options? Hi all, I've just picked up my second GIO Beast and have decided to get to modifying them. Has anyone had any success swapping in another gas tank that has a petcock with a fuel reserve? I'm pondering something like the tank from a YFZ450 [random on-line store link]. i don't have a problem with cutting the plastic. Has anyone attempted this or am I just wildly crazy? Thanks guys! Dan
	0

07-22-2014, 11:23 AM	#3
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Welcome Dan! Bogieboy, the Beast has no petcock at all. On mine, I installed an inline petcock, but that still does not provide reserve. I've thought about welding a small plate to the bottom of the tank, so I could drill and tap to suit a standard petcock; that would provide reserve. Since it's a steel tank, I'm sure I could get it clean enough to weld on. That said, I do like the idea of using a plastic tank that already has reserve. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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07-22-2014, 12:33 PM	#4
danw Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 8	I've pulled the tank off of one of my beast and I'm going to drive by a few dealers on the way home today to see if I can identify a tank that is a close fit. Fingers crossed. Edit: spelling Last edited by danw; 07-23-2014 at 12:51 AM.
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07-22-2014, 09:46 PM	#5
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Which Province do you live in, Dan? __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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07-23-2014, 01:26 AM	#7
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	You're a little far for me to take on a project. Do you have access to a welder? __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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07-22-2014, 08:08 AM	#2
bogieboy Join Date: May 2013 Location: finger lakes NY Posts: 2,045	i would think you could just swap out the petcock if it has a somewhat standard petcock... if you could post pics of what your petcock looks like and how it mounts that would help greatly!
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07-23-2014, 12:52 AM	#6
danw Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 8	I'm on Vancouver island. Haven't gotten a good look at any tanks yet, but this week I should have time.
	0

07-23-2014, 07:02 PM	#8
danw Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 8	I have a Lincoln Electric 110v Mig with argon. But I'm hesitant to weld on a gas tank if I can get a plastic one from something else.
	0

07-23-2014, 09:14 PM	#9
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	I agree, although tanks like that are inexpensive, so you could waste one and it wouldn't hurt much. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

07-23-2014, 11:02 PM	#10
Dave_D Join Date: May 2014 Location: Vancouver Island BC Posts: 264	Another islander. I'm on the island aswell If you are going to weld the tank I'd fill it with water I've never welded a gas tank. But always heard to fill with water Where on the island are you ? Dave
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07-23-2014, 11:29 PM	#11
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Filling it with water is one way, but you can also clean it successfully with CLR and lots of water. I expect that Castrol Super Clean would also work well. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

07-25-2014, 12:37 PM	#12
danw Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 8	I'm in Victoria. I just cleaned out the carb from my older Beast and it was full of what looks like rusty gunk. I think I'm going to order the tank from a YFZ 450 and see if I can make it work.
	0

07-25-2014, 02:30 PM	#13
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	A fuel filter is a good idea. Just choose a good quality unit, so it doesn't come apart on the trail and pour fuel on a hot engine. Made in USA is a good sign. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

07-28-2014, 12:06 AM	#14
FLASHLIGHTBOY Join Date: May 2009 Location: SASKATOON Posts: 1,161	tank rust somewhere I saw a product for cleaning tanks out... CTC or ??? you can just wash it out good with water & soap to get all the gas fumes out... so then there is no exploxing products inside.. you can not weld with water inside... it will take the heat away... and not let the weld stick... if you can get a new tank some times they are very cheap.... I needed a tank for a KANDI 150 DD DUEN BUGGY... THE REPAIR shopwanted $100.00.... a new tank from CALIFORNIA WAS $24.00 & SHIPPING.... I bought 2 of them $48.00 _+ fedex ground.. $57.00... less than $120.00 one for a spare.. __________________ DEALER FOR ZSTAR & GIO PRODUCTS, TAOTAO ABIBABA ATV ETC
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