what is the correct way to remove a fuel tank?

[David-Z]

I thought one gallon of fuel in the tank = no big deal. Rags a small catch basin etc., no problem. Being the newb that I am, I unbolted it, lifted it up, saw what was "holding it down still" and imediately took a wrench to the petcock. Once I started, I was screwed, lol. Fuel was going everywhere. I figured hey, one gallon, I can wait this out with my little catch basin.... I was wrong. That **** got everywhere...lol.. I know, Im an idiot, you dont need to remind me.

I discarded the fuel (what I managed to catch anyway) into a proper jug that I will bring to the local garbage place (they take fuel, and other chemicals), and cleaned up the bike and the floor with what rags I had in the garage. That is until I couldn't breathe (even with the door open) and I got cold due to lack of heat. I currently have the garage cracked about a foot and will air it out for the next seveal hours.

If you get nothing out of this other than a laugh, or an, "Ive been there before" then great. But what Im really interested in learning is the proper way(s) to do this. Do I run the tank empty (or damn near) first? Is it possible to loosen a particular hose to do this in an orderly manor? If so, which one?

Truely a learning experience that I am glad I "pre-though" to turn my heater off for..

Go ahead and laugh, I deserve it. If I didn't have the beginings of a bad headache I'd be laughing with you.

[Guest]

You should be able to just pull the hoses as long as your petcock is working properly it won't run fuel out the petcock is vacuum operated. I think I may have do that when I was 10-11 but now I'm 50 so I have learned

[bccap]

The way I do it is. Put the petcock in the normal operating position { straight down } disconnect the fuel line. Get a piece of tubing long enough to go from the petcock to a gas can. One end to the petcock, one end to the gas can. Switch to prime, open beer, and drink while it's draining.

[David-Z]

My motivation for taking off the tank is/was to replace a faulty petcock (as well as get better access to the carb for cleaning), so that option wouldnt have worked for me. But thanks.

[Guest]

The way I do it is. Put the petcock in the normal operating position { straight down } disconnect the fuel line. Get a piece of tubing long enough to go from the petcock to a gas can. One end to the petcock, one end to the gas can. Switch to prime, open beer, and drink while it's draining.

I don't think he wanted to drain the tank just remove it

[koolaid_kid]

I'm sorry, I am shaking so hard from laughing that I can barely type.
Thank you so much.

Put petcock in RUN or RES mode,
Unplug both hoses at petcock.
Unbolt or unstrap tank.
Lift tank and unplug fuel level wiring.
Slide tank back and lift off bike.
A tank breather hose will come along with the tank.

OMG, I'm still laughing, sorry.

[tkent02]

It's only funny until someone's house explodes, then it's hilarious.

Keep airing it out, or vapors could be at the explosive level in the garage for days or even weeks.

[koolaid_kid]

DP, I wrenched on my first bike in 1966. I have made more mistakes and had more OH SHIRT! moments than any 10 people deserve to have.
That is why the visual had me falling out of my chair.
Since he only had a gallon of fuel in the tank the 2x4 is not really required, but it does not hurt, I guess. I prefer a towel so it does not hurt the paint.

[spyug]

have made more mistakes and had more OH SHIRT! moments than any 10 people deserve to have.

There has been more spilled fuel on my man cave floor than has gone through the carbs on my bike. As long as there is no bare flame or spark you should be good but as mentioned, don't leave rags wadded up in a pale or you will get a Poof!!!!!!!!!!!!

Replacing the petcock is likely the best thing to do if it doesn't work properly as the rebuild kits seldom work and you'll have continuing issues. The petcock is an important part of the fuel system and if you are having erratic running problems or other issues with carbs always be suspect of the petcock as about 90% of the time it has something to do with it.

Thanks for the laugh but don't beat yourself up about it. As mentioned, many more have done it too and not owned up to it.

Cheers man,
Spyug

[Vmass]

How about lifting the tank up slightly and then use a small clip (file folder type) on the fuel line?

Remove the tank. Once off, you can safely put the tank on the bench and drain.