OzSTOC

Honda ST1300 Section => Honda ST1300 General Questions => Topic started by: Jack Abbott on October 13, 2013, 06:34:18 PM

Title: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Jack Abbott on October 13, 2013, 06:34:18 PM
I filled the tank with 26 litres of diesel but noticed before I started the bike. The RACQ brought me back yesterday from Goondawindi to Murrumba Downs so now I have the bike sitting in my garage. Can anybody advise me how best to drain it out or can suggest a competent mechanic in the Brendale/ Strathpine/Lawnton area that I can take it to.


Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Pocket STocker on October 13, 2013, 06:38:36 PM
Today is your lucky day we have an expert here on the forum who has just the solution you seek.

He or someone who can help will be along very soon  :thumbsup



Pockey  :wink1
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Cerebral Knievel on October 13, 2013, 06:57:21 PM
The sound of a cape swooshing should herald the entrance of our superhero "Diesel" .
He has some experience in this area of expertise  >:()
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Sean on October 13, 2013, 07:47:06 PM
Does that mean he is now "Son of Diesel"?
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Bikebear on October 13, 2013, 08:00:20 PM
I did this with 2 bikes at one pump. Just got a hand pump and pumped the tanks out into a jerry can, refilled them with unleaded and headed off. Sure there was a litle smoke but the amount of diesel once it was diluted with unleaded was tiny and it didn't affect the bikes at all.
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Gadget on October 13, 2013, 08:14:31 PM
I've heard nothing but good reports about these guys in Lawnton.

http://www.northsidemctyresandservice.com/ (http://www.northsidemctyresandservice.com/)


I personally have used Brisbane Motorcycles in Windsor and Caboolture with no complaints.  :thumb

You live nearby to me in Kallangur, so hopefully when you've reduce the Diesel in your tank.

One of our founding members sports the Nickname "Diesel" for a similar "stunt".   :grin
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Biggles on October 13, 2013, 08:41:22 PM
Yeah, seems Diesel is keeping his counsel to himself- or jealously guarding his Copyright.

Sorry, not a very original stunt, obviously.  As already noted, just siphon it out into a jerry can and fill the tank with petrol.  It will be a bit smoky, but you could fill it with petrol again when it's half empty to dilute it even further.

The  ST13 has a lower tank holding 5 litres.  This isn't readily accessible without taking the top off it (with the seat removed for access).  Thinking about it, you'll need to go there and empty it because that's the source for the engine, and it won't mix with the main tank.  You could have a look at the on-line Manual before you start.

Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: gaz on October 13, 2013, 09:37:57 PM
cazy  :runyay
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: saaz on October 14, 2013, 10:38:05 AM
Draining it as much as possible then filling up should do the trick. Did the RACQ offer to draing the tanks? as I thought they had the equipment as it is a more common problem these days, and more dangerous for diesel cars filled with petrol.  Petrol engine will just smoke as little, diesels will blow up.
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Shiney on October 14, 2013, 01:39:27 PM
To answer your question regarding a good mechanic...
I recommend and use:

Des Roberts
www.desrobertsmotorcycleperformance.com (http://www.desrobertsmotorcycleperformance.com)
Ph 3205 7911

He is located in Brendale and is the most honest mechanic I have ever met.
I have gone to him many times over the years and if the issue I have is an easy or basic fix he will just instruct me on how to fix it at home (no charge :thumb)

The other bonus I have found after trying all the other mechanics in the area is that Des is always the cheapest.

Cheers
Shiney
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Biggles on October 14, 2013, 01:47:20 PM
Sicman has corrected a misapprehension I had regarding the tank quantities.
From 2008, the top tank holds just 5 litres, and the bottom tank is the big one.
So from now on, when I know I have to prop the tank up on my fast red 2009 model, I don't have to wait until the fuel is low.  Even if it was full, I can just about lift the weight of 5 litres of fuel, although I'd prefer not to.
Since I installed bar risers, it's a struggle getting the tank past the bars.  Even the GPS cradle has to move forward.
Anyhoo.  Just shows to go ya.  There's  always something you can learn in here.
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Sicman on October 14, 2013, 02:10:49 PM
Bill - I had the same issue with the risers when  lifting the tank cowel. I filed down the two bolt flanges on the front of the cowel and they no longer catch the riser allowing for easier lifting.
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Marcus on October 14, 2013, 03:19:56 PM
I think everyone is waiting for a certain someone to make a contribution to this thread...
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Brian on October 14, 2013, 05:11:28 PM
Hey Jack.... It happens to the best of us.... Hope it all works out in the end.....is this the way to Amarillo ...cheers Brian
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Biggles on October 14, 2013, 05:15:45 PM
I think everyone is waiting for a certain someone to make a contribution to this thread...

He's already made his weekly appearance.  Besides, he took the tow to workshop option, so might not know how they resuscitated his poor STella.
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: StinkyPete on October 14, 2013, 05:25:31 PM
Besides, he took the tow to workshop option, so might not know how they resuscitated his poor STella.

Is STella crook again?  >:()
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Jack Abbott on October 14, 2013, 07:29:37 PM
Thanks all for your helpfull comments. I am getting a free RACQ Tow in the morning and as I work around the corner I am getting Northside motorcycle centre in leiches road to do the job. I will let you know how they go. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Biggles on October 14, 2013, 11:30:08 PM
Is STella crook again?  >:()

No- I was referring to the diesel incident, and the fact Dave had it fixed at a workshop and hence wouldn't know exactly what they did.
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Jack Abbott on October 15, 2013, 08:04:15 PM
All fixed. Should get me to Maudys on Dunday now.
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Skip on October 15, 2013, 08:28:20 PM
 :clap   :thumb
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Sabie on October 15, 2013, 08:56:24 PM
Diesel 2 ....... The new and improved Diesel.
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: gaz on October 17, 2013, 11:22:42 AM
I think everyone is waiting for a certain someone to make a contribution to this thread...

not me
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: StinkyPete on October 17, 2013, 11:33:29 AM
All fixed. Should get me to Maudys on Dunday now.

Good news Jack.   For future info and reference for OzSTOC members, what did it cost to get sorted at Northside?
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Jack Abbott on October 17, 2013, 01:13:28 PM
4 hours labour at $80 per hour + GST
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Biggles on October 17, 2013, 01:17:32 PM
4 hours labour at $80 per hour + GST

Erk!!  Sounds like they were extremely thorough.    :eek

But then it takes 2 hours for the fairing off and on when you don't know what you're doing.    >:()
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Couch on October 19, 2013, 10:30:05 PM
Wow, that's an expensive tank of fuel!   It happened to my wife many years ago. She filled up my old short wheelbase Landcruiser with diesel then started driving home, after a few kls the vehicle started coughing etc until it finally stopped and she then called me to tell me the cruiser had broken down and I better get there and fix it. Well after arriving and checking spark and anything else that could be preventing it from running, I noticed the fuel in the carby seemed very oily so I rang her only to be told she'd recently filled up with petrol.......not!!  I finished up towing it home and draining the tank, filling it up with petrol, and away we went. It was a little smokey for a while, but no damage done. :grin
EXCEPT MY BLOODY PATIENCE! :cuss

4 hours labour at $80 per hour + GST
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Jack Abbott on October 20, 2013, 05:25:27 AM
 >yes very expensive but I feel better knowing all is better as it has only done 9000
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: StinkyPete on October 20, 2013, 06:01:02 AM
A work colleague accidentally put petrol in a diesel van and then drove it a short distance.    It cost over $7,000 to repair the damage. :eek :eek

That incident prompted me to fit a "diesel misfueling cap"  ute.     http://www.raa.com.au/shop_products.asp?SecID=56&SCatID=159&CatID=158 (http://www.raa.com.au/shop_products.asp?SecID=56&SCatID=159&CatID=158)   It won't allow a smaller diameter petrol nozzle to fit into the filler neck.
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Couch on October 20, 2013, 07:49:27 AM
Yes Pete, the opposite way around is a total disaster >:() I've had numerous diesel vehicles and always been particularly careful when refueling. :grin
Title: Re: Diesel in the tank.
Post by: Bikebear on October 20, 2013, 10:19:05 AM
I accidentally filled a diesel 60 series cruiser with petrol one day. Got about 20kms before it stopped. It was towed to the mechanics where they drained the tank and checked the compression, no problems with it and it did another 100000kms after that without a hitch. I guess it depends on whether the motor is a crappy toy or a proper truck motor.. bwahahahahaha
 :crackup