Fuel Tanks and Fire

Static can also ruin a computer however I cannot count the times (and I can count to ten) I have overlooked the need to be careful. A little reminder for us older types might be a good idea.

I've had have my frame wielded a couple of times . If the tank is full and there are no leaks than all should be good. As long as the tank is full there less vapor to ignite.

That is a myth. Be very very careful. Even with a full tank the vapors are present and can and will ignite. You've been lucky...don't push it. If you must weld on the bike remove the fuel tank and drain the carburetor.
Tom

__________________
Age and Treachery Will Always Triumph
Over Youth and Skill

I was changing a fuel pump in a Buick century for my neighbors sister and it was about 3/4 full and she wanted to see what the inside of the tank looked like after I pulled the pump out. When she leaned over she dropped her cigarette right inside the tank and nothing happened.

It did freak me out and I took a big jump back but all it did was put the cigarette out. But my friend Alex, like a idiot when we were out riding our quads he used his lighter to see how much fuel he had left in the tank and the thing lite up. He had flames shooting out of the tank and we smothered it to put it out.

__________________
Interested in Alternative Energy? http://nature2energy.com/

The conditions for combustion have to be right. Too much air, too much fuel or too little of either will prevent ignition (just like in our engines) but get the mixture right and you've got the makings of a bomb. A cigarette dropped into a fuel tank encounters a very rich mixture. Too much fuel and not enough air but hold it at just the right heigth away from the filler neck and at some point you'll find that sweet spot...guaranteed!
Tom

__________________
Age and Treachery Will Always Triumph
Over Youth and Skill

I was sitting on my 250 yamaha enduro fueling up and the shutoff didn't work on the pump...the thing was real hot like 100 degree day just got off the freeway. A big cloud of fumes came off the engine to witt I jumped off the thing. The guy inside watching me was laughing at me when I went in to pay...realy tested my religion. Never sat on my bike fueling after that one skerred me!