Fuel tank Removal

[krs09]

Reading the manual it looks very straight forward but I wanted to see if there are any tips or tricks to getting the sob out. I was hoping it would pull right out but the coolant pipes are in the way. Any previous experience?

[David T]

Reading the manual it looks very straight forward but I wanted to see if there are any tips or tricks to getting the sob out. I was hoping it would pull right out but the coolant pipes are in the way. Any previous experience?

It can be difficult to remove. You can stand on it and push it out with your foot. The pipes are in the way and need to be moved aside or removed. You do not need to remove the tank to clean it. You only need to remove the tank if you are going to work on the frame to clean, repair, or paint it.

[Mark D]

I'm pretty sure I posted a similar thread when I was trying to get mine out. I had the coolant pipes completely removed and it was very difficult to budge. The foam on the sides of the tank gets stuck to the frame and the friction holds everything in there.

I ended up using a small wedge of wood and working it around the edge of the tank to break the friction bond of the foam to the frame. Then I worked from the rear part of the tank (the skinny end) and started pulling downward. Eventually I could get the rear part of the tank down low enough and get my hands on top of the tank and pull it down completely out.

I don't think it would have been possible with the coolant pipes still installed. It was difficult to get any leverage working through the trunk access panel, but I've heard of people wedging 2x4's in there to help push down on the tank also.

It'll eventually come out, just keep working at it.

EDIT:

Found that thread I posted about a year ago
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?2302-Fuel-Tank-Removal-!

[DMCMW Dave]

I don't think it would have been possible with the coolant pipes still installed. It was difficult to get any leverage working through the trunk access panel, but I've heard of people wedging 2x4's in there to help push down on the tank also.

It'll eventually come out, just keep working at it.

]!

You can leave the coolant lines in place but take the rear bracket off the frame so the pipes can move out of the way. If the lines are not in great shape though, you may pop a hose off (messy) in the process.

The back end of the tank has to come out first, so pushing from the top doesn't help a lot.

[jackb]

I wrote a how to a few years ago for the .com site, reposted it here 2 years ago...
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?2306-How-to-remove-and-install-the-fuel-tank