oil tank cracking?

[cals400ex]

i was wondering where exactly the oil tanks tend to crack on the 400ex? it is right where you screw the drain plug in isn't it? mine is leaking down there now (thank god i saw a few drops of oil on the floor before i drove it). i haven't looked if it was just coming from the drain plug or if it was cracked. i know i need a new washer down there so that may be it. can you use another washer that size or do you need a special honda washer? thanks cal

[4TraxRider]

My first EX cracked right around the drain bolt.

[quad_62]

mine broke completely off, had a local machine shop weld it back on and it's better than new. shops that i talked to about finding a used tank said they'd seen it before.

[cals400ex]

so what about that crush washer. can i just use a regular washer or do i need one of the stock ones?

[plkmonster2]

Sorry, you can't use a regular washer! The metal is just too hard!

[ewalker302]

Mine was cracked when I got it. It looks like the threaded part on the bottom of the tank is just like epoxied in there. I took mine to a local radiator shop, so I knew they had exp welding thin stuff.....$15. I did have to take the dremel tool and smooth the weld down, and take a little off the bushing so it would fit right.

I've never changed the washers, and no leaks.
:bandit:

[cals400ex]

i was hoping an aluminum washer would work, but maybe not. i just don't want to order a new one and wait for it to come in. i guess i will see if my tank is cracked or not first off.

[PHIL_B54]

the washer is a special washer that crushes when you get to the correct torque( like the washers on spark plugs) and thats why they say you are supposed to replace them every time. there is one on the tank and on the drain bolt on the engine.

http://www.exriders.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=84863&highlight=crush+washer

in this thread Woodsrider gives the honda part number as they reference to car part #'s.

[Pappy]

cals....

the 03 and newer oil tanks have a reinforced area so if you happen to see one on ebay double check the year.

[cals400ex]

thanks guys. i couldn't remember if it was 02 or 03 that they were reinforced. i actually just sent mine to get welded. if that doesn't work, i will get another one.

what did they change in 04 with these tanks?? service honda has a different part # for the 04's than it has for the 99-03's.

[Woodsrider]

Napa has an aluminum crush washer that will fit. The Honda washer is aluminum.;)