Fuel Tank Removal?!

[Mark D]

Is there some kind of trick to pulling the fuel tank out of the car? Mine is wedged in there like a motherf&%$#r and won't drop down like it so simply states in the workshop manual.

The tank is drained empty and I've got the sender, fuel fill neck, vent hose, and fuel pump hoses all disconnected. The two coolant pipes that run beside the tank are also removed.

The foam strips on the side of the tank are pressed tight to the frame and I'm unable to get my hands anywhere along to sides to try and pull it down. I've tried pushing from the top too and it won't budge at all.

Should I try working from under the car at the back to get the pointed end down first and then slide rearward, or is it possible to push down from the front? The round nub on the front of the tank where it was blow-molded seems to be sitting on the main crossmember so my guess at this point is that I'll have to work from the rear of the tank and pull down and back.

Can anyone help? I want to get the tank out so I can touch up some areas where brake fluid has eaten away through the frame epoxy.

[stevedmc]

Chances are the fuel tank is stuck and just needs a little push to loosen it. Put a jack under the fuel tank and a piece of wood such as a 2x4 between the jack and the plastic tank. Don't use the jack without a piece of wood or something to spread the pressure. Otherwise you will end up popping a hole in your plastic fuel tank. Gently jack the fuel tank up until you hear it crack loose. Lower and remove the jack and you should be able to get the tank out.

[manta147]

I've run into the same thing,wouldn't budge.As suggested,I pushed up on it CAREFULLY with a jack and a piece of wood,got it to budge.Removed the jack,then wiggled the tank out,the back half lowers out first,then the front drops.Just be patient and take your time,it will come.
Carter

[opethmike]

Just be patient and take your time,it will come.

That's what she said.

[Delorean Industries]

That's what she said.

That is definitely what she said.

[Mark D]

Thanks for the help guys, I'll try out the 2x4 method tomorrow and see how it goes.

[DCUK Martin]

Use a pry bar at the pointy end. That end has to come out first, the fat end sits on a little ledge.

[DMCMW Dave]

Use a pry bar at the pointy end. That end has to come out first, the fat end sits on a little ledge.

I was going to say that but I pictured someone poking a pry bar though the tank. Now it will be your fault.

[jackb]

I just did a rewrite of the how-to I posted on the .com site

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?23...-the-fuel-tank

[DCUK Martin]

I was going to say that but I pictured someone poking a pry bar though the tank. Now it will be your fault.