#&*% Fuel Tank Removal(?)

[tvrscotty]

Well I have met my match. Darned if I can get the filler side fuel tank out from the car (86 280i, LHD).

I've removed everything I can - swing arm, swing arm rubber/big a$$ bolt, expended blood and sweat - even taught the neighbors some new French words...

The darn nipples on the filler end are just short of clearing the holes in the body.

Does the tank actually come out without shifting the body on the frame???

I am about to start cutting fiberglass or live with who knows what in the tank - any help would be greatly appreciated. Even some new cuss words would help!

thanks,
Scott

[jmorgan]

Sure there was an article in Sprint many moons ago on that and it involved cutting a bit of body away to make it possible and replacing with a bit of alloy. Indicating the tanks went in before the body? I'll have a shufty for the issue to see what it said until someone says don't do that and comes up with a better idea.

[tvrscotty]

Thanks! At least I don't feel so stupid, as the blood from my buggered thumb drips down into the keyboard...

[djc1001]

Havn't done this but 90% sure previous comments confirm either cutting or body lift is required.

David

[jmorgan]

Found it. Issue September 1993.
An article by Robin Fellows. Might be easier to scan but not sure on the copyright etc. Upshot précis. 87 350i, tank leaking near the filler pipe. Dealer say remove body or cut near filler pipes at the inner wheel arch.

Must ad that just reading from the article so not done this my self. Only taken the other side off. The next article is by Ralph Dodds on the fuel sender replacement issues.




Then the next article is a re print of a 420 SEAC road test,,,,,, Dark Star...... I may be some time :drool:

[jmorgan]

I need a life

[tvrscotty]

Thanks guys! I knew you would have the answer.

Someone sure had their head "wedged" in a dark place when they thought of this design! I believe I will pass on removing or whacking upon the body unless all else fails.

[jmorgan]

Must add that I just read from the article. Not saying its gospel. Might be someone along with a better solution if its not urgent. Don't take my word for it...

[SEvans]

Did this a few years ago on mine so can't remember exactly how I did it. I seem to remember that even with the body lifted by a few inches I still had to cut out some fiberglass from around where the filler goes through the body. Not an easy job as you say and because of the agro I decided to splash out and replaced both tanks with new stainless ones on the basis that I didn't want to go through this ever again. Cheers Steve

[James MK]

Had this job done on my fhc a few years ago by Tower View. They had to take off the back axle but am pretty sure there was no bodywork cutting. But then again, there are bound to be variations from one car to the next.....