11 Jun Acerbis 4.1 Tank // KTM 3-Fiddy
UPDATE 8/1/17 – IMS Gas Tank Version 2 is OUT!
Check out the new IMS Gas Tank Version 2 review I’ve done, which does fit the 2017 KTM 350 EXC-F without the need to remove the thermostat.
ACERBIS TO THE RESCUE!
You may have seen my previous IMS tank woes post that has led me to return the IMS tank and try out the Acerbis 4.1 tank on my 2017 KTM 350 EXC-F. I also spoke with Jeff Slavens over at SlavensRacing.com to make sure the Acerbis would fit on the 17′ 350’s, no need to remove the thermostat and no other parts are needed to be ordered separately like I experienced with the IMS. (Acerbis does require hose clamps if using their fitting) He confirmed none of that is an issue. So I ordered one up from Slavens right here.
UPS delivers a nice brown box.. after opening it I was surprised to see it in very cool & professional packaging.. unlike the IMS tanks. The next thing I notice is all the OEM parts that you must order separately with the IMS tank are INCLUDED with the tank! Score!
ACERBIS Packaging
KTM PARTS!
More Photos. Click to enarge…
ACERBIS vs. STOCK TANK
First impression.. it’s larger BUT SUPER LIGHT!
That’s right… now I did not put these on a scale but if feels like the Acerbis tank WITH the fuel pump installed is lighter than the stock tank without the pump! That’s always a huge plus!
A few more differences…
Stock has the quarter-turn gas cap, which mine, probably cuz it was new, was a pain getting on and off. Acerbis has standard screw-on gas cap. Stock tank has brass threaded fittings on all of the mounting points, unlike the Acerbis where all are plastic threading except where the side panels bolt on the top of the tank. (more on that later!)
The stock tank is much thicker walled than the Acerbis… saftey precautions? EPA? This definitely adds to the weight of the tank.
The stock uses a 90 degree elbow at the fuel pump to the engine, whereas the Acerbis uses a straight fitting, which is included. Jeff Slavens retro fit the stock 90 degree fitting with the Acerbis tank by cutting down the mounting bolt. See the photo on right as it’s too long for the Acerbis install. I did cut mine down but for some reason it still would not secure the fitting, the bolt would just stop as if the threads stopped. Maybe it’s a 350 thing compared to his 500… or I just need to revisit it. I installed the fitting that came with the tank because I had to go riding! I’ll revisit it out probably this hot summer or in winter..
Stock 90 Elbow
Acerbis Straight
ABOUT THE INSTALL
The install is pretty straight forward, but I will share a few things from my install.. including an issue I had with the tank mold that required a TIME-SERT!
First, you’ll need to remove your seat, side panels, unplug the fuel pump connector, unscrew the tank mounting bolt, then disconnect the fuel line. Next, remove the tank and flip it on it’s face to remove the two fittings shown in Photo 1 below.
Now you can unscrew the mounting plate on the back of the tank, this will allow you to feed the pump up through this opening. See Photo 2 below.
NOTE: For easiest removal, once the four mounting bolts are removed, push the threads of the pump inside the tank, then slightly tap the tank on the table or ground to allow the pump to fall into the forward pocket of the tank molding.. see Photo 3 below.
Now you can fish the pump up through the hole, be very very careful!
Time to install the fuel pump in the Acerbis tank… it’s much easier installing than with the stock tank. Here you can see the difference in the stock tank wall vs the Acerbis tank wall.. Acerbis fitting is on the right.
O-rings from your stock fittings will need to be used on the fittings that came with the Acerbis. One on the mounting nut and one on the straight fitting respectively.
TROUBLES ARISE!
After I installed the fuel pump and started to use the screws for the mounting plate, I noticed the top left screw never caught and I could push the screw all the way down touching the plate. The others caught and I was able to tighten them down. So that’s when I noticed the issue shown in the above photo!
This is one concern with the Acerbis tank.. but I read a post from them stating they believe the brass inserts can seize bolts and cause more issues… I don’t buy it personally. I think it’s a manufacturing cost thing.. anyway.. it is what it is. Return to Slavens… or fix it. I determined that ultimately I’d like inserts on all of these holes so I decided to fix it myself.
Using a 6mm Time-Sert insert I was able to fix it. I installed the insert and used some JB WaterWeld to help secure the insert to the plastic.
So far I’ve had no issues with the Time-Sert or other with this tank. It has performed very well and is slim and light. Looks very cool too… here’s some finished photos..
Tank Installed Photos
Top View
Side View
Conclusion
I’m very happy with this tank over the IMS. You shouldn’t be forced to remove the thermostat to use the IMS tank.. and the very POOR customer support they gave me after contacting them directly and speaking to them on the phone. Emailing them and never getting a response, you can read all those details in my IMS post. That sure lost me as a customer and supporter of them from here on out. Shame on IMS.
Glad Acerbis has stepped up to the plate and delivered a quality tank. Yes, the plastic molded threads I’m not a fan of but there is a resolution for that.. two thumbs up!
Here’s Jeff Slaven’s review video on the 2017 KTM EXC-F Acerbis tank:
jeff proctor
Posted at 11:27h, 17 MarchI just had 2 of the bolts pop free from my fuel pump mounting plate. ruined a race day. can you give me the details on the specific time sert you used?
Basher
Posted at 12:16h, 17 MarchHere’s the time serts I uses, they were from my WR250F Oil tank bolt and worked perfectly for me. I added epoxy to the time sert as I set it in place too, just don’t get epoxy on the inside threads!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JK802K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
jeff proctor
Posted at 17:00h, 17 Marchthanks! much apreciated. I may be about to purchase that set. another question first though. do you remember the instructions talking about the length of the screws they provided vs the OEM ones? I distinctly remember the instructions saying to use the provided shorter screws and not the OEM longer ones. I assumed the longer ones might puntcture the tank? anyway I just went out and tried the longer ones on the acerbic tank and they did not seem to be long enough to damage the tank. I put the whole thing back together with all the long screws. they bit great and snugged up really well. Did I totally get this backwards?! was I supposed to use the long screw all along? I threw the instructions away so I have no idea. I think I’m going to run it like this and hope for the best. if not I’ll be getting the time sert kit. thanks!
C L
Posted at 12:29h, 29 JulyGreat write up. I just bought the same Acerbis tank for my 2017 350 EXC-F. How did you re-secure the OEM shrouds to the new tank? My tank doesnt have any holes in the front by the radiator to screw them in.
Chris Lind
Posted at 12:30h, 29 JulyGreat write up. I bought the same Acerbis tank for my 2017 KTM 350 EXF. How did you re-secure the OEM shrouds to the new tank? I dont see any holes in the new tank near the radiators which means the shroud would flat in the wind.
Basher
Posted at 20:02h, 29 JulyThe shrouds bolt right on the tank. I can send you an email showing you if you’d like.
Basher
Posted at 20:05h, 29 JulyOh wait… I believe the Acerbis had little rubber band type attachments that you pull through the shroud hole and secure it down to the radiator mount. With the IMS the shroud bolts right to it.