PDA

View Full Version : what kind metal oil tank?


Miami_Vice454
10-28-2010, 05:03 PM
the title says it all. what kind of metal is the oil tank? can it be welded?
CJM
10-28-2010, 05:33 PM
Pretty sure its aluminum and yes it can be welded.
rubbersdown
10-28-2010, 06:16 PM
Well considering the oil tank isnt billet and is welded together of course it can be welded. Stick a magnet to it, if it doesnt stick its aluminum, if it sticks its steel. They sure as hell didnt use any special metals on the 400ex so its one or the other, no magnesium, titanium or stainless on that mo!
Thumpin440ex
10-28-2010, 07:15 PM
The stock 400 tanks are cast aluminum. Do your self a favor and buy a nice used OEM tank or just spring for a aftermarket tank.. Welding cast is a PITA, esp if your not exp...


John
Miami_Vice454
10-28-2010, 07:22 PM
wow ive gotten like 3 different answers, all from people i would think they know but i trust you guys more. i need a magnet....can somebody please test it for me? and a new one is $75 and i have $0. lol
CJM
10-28-2010, 07:25 PM
Just nabbed a magnet and it didnt stick, its aluminum.

What happened to yours? Oil drain bolt go?
Miami_Vice454
10-28-2010, 07:45 PM
thanks man, and yea the part where the oil drain bolt goes basically twisted off. i guess i tightened it too much :confused: :rolleyes:
Thumpin440ex
10-28-2010, 07:51 PM
Originally posted by Miami_Vice454
wow ive gotten like 3 different answers, all from people i would think they know but i trust you guys more. i need a magnet....can somebody please test it for me? and a new one is $75 and i have $0. lol

EBAY EBAY EBAY :D

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-TRX-400EX-400-EX-Engine-Oil-Tank-Cooler-Reservoir-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3361efb178QQitemZ22068 6430584QQptZMotorsQ5fATVQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

John
CJM
10-28-2010, 08:07 PM
yea, ebay or ask someone parting one out in the classifieds here.

Next time be more careful!!!
Miami_Vice454
10-28-2010, 08:12 PM
yea but even on ebay i see them for at least 40 bucks (for decent ones anyways) looks like im gonna have to try and outbid someone, i see a couple that have no reserves... and im gonna get a torque wrench ;)
CJM
10-28-2010, 10:02 PM
being a mechanic I like torque wrenches, but for the quad if I dont need to torque it (IE unless its critical engine parts kinda deal) I dont.

Snug is the key and being gentle is another.
Thumpin440ex
10-28-2010, 10:09 PM
Yah, seriously a TQ is def def not needed for a oil plug. Don't hog it on there, infact next time just use a 1/4 ratchet, snug it with that. You will be good to go..


John
CJM
10-28-2010, 10:28 PM
Originally posted by Thumpin440ex
Yah, seriously a TQ is def def not needed for a oil plug. Don't hog it on there, infact next time just use a 1/4 ratchet, snug it with that. You will be good to go..


John

Good advice! I use a 1/4 on the plug and the oil filter cover too!
Miami_Vice454
10-29-2010, 05:10 PM
yea i guess i just was paranoid because ive heard of people not tightening it enough and it falls out when riding, then next second BOOM lol.
250x_kyle
10-31-2010, 11:25 AM
pull the oil tank drill the drain plug heli coil it and flush it throughly and re install. or send me a pm i have a tank that doesnt have lines id let go cheap.
CJM
10-31-2010, 11:40 AM
I wouldnt helicoil it, it needs to have a solid bushing like a timesert in it. Reason being is the amount of times you remove the drain bolt will eventually cause the helicoil to come loose.

Even so get a good tank and fix this one and keep it as a back up imho.

http://www.helicoil.com.sg/HeliCoil-Thread-Repair-Kits.htm
250x_kyle
10-31-2010, 01:36 PM
im not going to disagree with that. just saying a quick fix to get you back riding untill you can replace it. you could have a welded insert tig welded into where the old one is.
99400esex
10-31-2010, 01:48 PM
I had a lot of shops turn me down when I wanted mine welded, but someone finally did it and it works fine.
99400esex
10-31-2010, 01:50 PM
Originally posted by Miami_Vice454
thanks man, and yea the part where the oil drain bolt goes basically twisted off. i guess i tightened it too much :confused: :rolleyes:

Thats what happened to mine, its not really that hard to do. But if you get that part welded back on your gonna have to shave some rubber out of the round piece the drain goes through, mine didnt fit right when I put it in.
250x_kyle
10-31-2010, 02:03 PM
the best way to get a shop to weld it is flush the tank out untill there is no oil left in it. and clean up the edges. saves them time and aluminum has to be CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN for a good weld.
99400esex
10-31-2010, 02:07 PM
Originally posted by 250x_kyle
the best way to get a shop to weld it is flush the tank out untill there is no oil left in it. and clean up the edges. saves them time and aluminum has to be CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN for a good weld.

Yeah of course you have to clean it first. Most places I asked wouldnt touch it because its so thin and they were afraid they would just weld right through it.
250x_kyle
10-31-2010, 02:11 PM
Originally posted by 99400esex
Yeah of course you have to clean it first. Most places I asked wouldnt touch it because its so thin and they were afraid they would just weld right through it.

must not have had a tig welder on hand. ive turned a few stock tanks into over sized tanks for people back in high school with no problems with good penetration and not even close to burning through.