Gas Tank Removal (Again)

[RJ80]

I'm planning to install my Abarth bumperettes this weekend and after reading various accounts on gas tank removal (to get to that rear bumper shock bolt on my '79) I've still got a couple questions. My tank is about 1/4 full according to my fuel gauge. Is that low enough to move the tank to the side without issue? And regarding moving (rather than REmoving) the tank, do I just loosen the mounting bolts and fuel filler hose to get it out of the way? Full removal isn't necessary, is it?

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom.

[pope]

A 1/4 is about 4 gallons, because there is always a little more than the tank registers.

We are probably talking about 45 to 50lbs. here with tank. You be the judge.

[mbouse]

six pound per gallon.
.25 x 11 x 6 = 16.50 pounds, plus the weight of the tank itself.

[So Cal Mark]

the filler hose goes into the bottom of the tank, when you remove it the remaining 4 gallons will escape and run away

[azygoustoyou]

You don't want to take a chance of it getting into your trunk. Do you?

[kilrwail]

You don't want to take a chance of it getting into your trunk. Do you?

Don't worry - it will be all over the floor. ask me how I know

[mbouse]

well, that will save mopping up the trunk, 'eh? gasoline on the concrete floor will evaporate!

[baltobernie]

The large diameter filler hose Mark refers to is a real bear to install, even when new and flexible. You might want to order one beforehand, because the one on your car will probably be ruined by the time you get it off.

With the tank out, here's your opportunity to clean out all the sediment and rust that has accumulated over the years. Examine the fuel pickup filter, which keeps crud out of the fuel pump. It's a mesh "sock" which often deteriorates over time. And be gentle with hose fittings attached to plastic nipples on emissions and fuel system components. Leave them intact whenever you can.

When I removed and reconditioned my tank, I'm sorry I didn't weld in a bung to enable draining the tank for the off-season. You probably won't need one in SoCal, though.

[RJ80]

Bah, looks like I'm not going to be able to take the easy way out on this one then. Thanks for the responses guys, guess I'll be searching for a local shop to clean and coat the tank while it's out.

Rory

[azygoustoyou]

I just did that to my tank. It was a pain but I've done worst. It's possible to do that job yourself for about $45.00. The worst part of the whole thing was doing the last step. Getting the coating everywhere in the tank was easy. Trying to get the left over out wasn't. Your not suppose to let it puddle inside, so you have to just keep turning it.

[launieg]

Yeah, that was my experience too (getting all the coating out). I sure wish I'd installed a drain cock (hee hee) too! My son's BMW has one, and it is easy to drain the tank and put in fresh gas, etc. Take this as a strong recommendation!