I wonder if the tanks that I am seeing hither and tither are factory replace bunk tanks being recommisioned by nefarious service departments. I think that a used tank may be a difficult purchase without knowing just exactly why it is not connected to a motor. anybody know if there is a distinguishing mark left to beware the unsuspecting pubic here?

It certainly looks to be the case on a few of the ones I have seen. It would not surprize me to think this may be a great way to circumnavigate suspicion. No-one knows how many tanks this salvage yard has sold. The old "i'll buy your old tanks and resale them for you" switcheroony.
I have a spare tank I bought some tyme ago, and now wondering if it was not from a questionable source.
This was well before the mass histeria over the ethanol vulgarity. Why cant they leave the smell portion of the corn in the ethanol? Can you imagine PopCorn Wheelies?
I have a bad habit of falling in love with my rides and buying spare parts to ensure that If something were to happen, this is not a real big IF, if you have seen me ride, that I can put Humpty Dumpty back together again. I have more Duke II parts in the rafters than you could shake a stick at. I may have should have kept ahold of that one, she is so dearly missed. Now the parts sit in wait of a repurchase. Someday someday someday.