Removing fuel tank

[Wiz]

After seeing a leak from the sender unit and the fuel hose looking a bit old, decided to take the tank out and clean it up.
Removing the nuts and bolts to the chassis was quite difficult as the frame must have been jacked up at some point one side was very awkward to get a socket lined up through the holes in the carrier.
Finally loosened the carrier. Now the hose to the filler is proving a bit awkward.
Have pulled back the carpet inside the boot glued round the filler neck and undone the jubilee clips. Was going to lever the tank between the top and body but thinking that might damage the body.

Any one with experience have any tips?

[Russ35]

When we finally got my tank out we discovered that a fair amount of silicon sealer or equivalent had been used around the filler pipe to tank connection.

I had the advantage of access to a 4point lift, so we took the exhaust off, although that took a while separating from the down pipes.

[mep12345]

You just need to use a stanley knife to steadily cut away the silicon style sealant around the filler neck. If it hasn't been out before there will be lots of it and it'll take ages, just take your time and take care not to apply too much force, or cut the filler pipe.

When putting mine back I used a different semi setting sealant (made for guttering) to make removal next time easier

HTH

Mark

[phillpot]

Bit of gentle levering shouldn't do any harm but use something wide like a tyre lever rather than a screwdriver or similar, you'll hear if fibreglass starts to distort !
Don't recall having a problem with mine, dropped down quite easily but if you sort of pull down on the opposite side to filler won't it kinda use the tank itself as a lever ??

Used cap head (allen key) bolts to re-fit, saves that hassle you had getting socket on

[Wiz]

Good advice as allways

There is quite a bit of sealant around the large hose going through the bodywork but the hose comes through.
So cut the sealant and try to lift the hose away from the tank neck?

Did put a large screw driver in to start then thought better.
Will have an other go later in the week, different day different approach!.

Was going to replace the nuts and bolts with S/S guess it's not under strain so should be ok.

Excellent idea with the Allen bolts will make it a lot easier to get a socket on.

[tozerman]

Having just done my tank I had the same problem, what I did was remove the carrier first and left the tank hanging there by the filler neck (partly supported) I found it much easier to wiggle the tank and it just dropped after a few seconds wiggling. I had more problems getting it all lined up as I refitted it, when you come to refit the tank my tip is to leave the tank straps clamp bolts loose so that as you are raising it all up you can line the filler neck up spot on with out affecting the lining up of the cradle bolt holes. Good luck
Cheers.....Tony..

[aero340]

when you remove your fuel tank frame check it over for corrosion ,mine looked fine on first inspection but a poke with a screwdriver had shock horror results

[tinks v8S]

YES mine had a hole in it to £80 for a new 1
why patch it up for that

[Wiz]

Just been out in the garage got the carrier off as Tony suggested.
Then worked the tank loose. It came down no problem. 10 mins work (couple of hours yesterday though!)
The carrier and tank look in excellent condition, wonder if they have been replaced in the past.
Will clean every thing up and get some S/S clips, nuts and bolts etc. Might replace the straps with stainless as well.

If a jobs worth doing .....