Drivers side fuel tank removal

Hi Jim,

It sounds like removing the studs would be the easiest route to gettingthe tank out. Double nut them and get them out of the way. IIRC, this washow others have done it. Try a search if others who have pulled the tank don't respond.

While you are in there with the tank out, you might consider replacing the vacuum booster and heater hoses.Wouldn't hurt to do the filler neck and cross over hoses too. What the heck, might as well do the pesky evap hoses as welll.

hth,
chris

 

I managed to get the tank out w/out removing the trans cover. If I am not mistaken I un-bolted the fuel pump so I was able to change the angle of the tank and she just dropped out. It's a little tricky but it works. I don't think removing studs is a good approach unless you have no other way

 

I have never pulled that side, but does dropping the motor mount bolts and jacking the engine improve the clearance at the lip?

 

I needed to remove the trans cover and at least 3 studs if I recall correctly. Just about scraped out. (Also removed fuel pump and top A arm and rotor). Was good fun.

 

I took mine out with the engine out. Made it super-easy.

I second the motion to replace the vacuum and heater hoses that run down the driver's side to the front, as long as you have the tank out. It's almost impossible to do it with the tank in, and it's an easy job with the tank out. As you'll see, the old ones are kind of bent around the frame in a couple of spots near the tank. I snaked those out, then connected the new hose to the old (put in a short piece of metal pipe to join the butt ends of the hose, wired them, then covered with duct tape) and pulled it through. Did one at a time, not both together. It helped having a second person to feed the hose through as I pulled it. Nice to know I don't have to think about it for another 30 years.

 

Very good advice, did the same in my 328. I know that the shop that did the work (while the car was there to be painted) just had to remove the koni shock, and the tank came out. But my 328 has the oil radiator below the expansion tank and it doesn't get in the way ...

 

In addition to the suspension I had to remove the transfer case cover but not the studs that hold it on. I also moved the oil cooler out of the way but I did not need to disconnect it. The fuel pump was not in the way. It was tight but when it came out there was no stressing anything it is just sort of a puzzle which way it comes out. Some rotation of the tank one way or another and then it just slipped out.

 

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While you are in there with the tank out, you might consider replacing the vacuum booster and heater hoses.Wouldn't hurt to do the filler neck and cross over hoses too. What the heck, might as well do the pesky evap hoses as welll.

hth,
chris[/QUOTE]

Sounds like the classic "while you are there", yes do as much stuff as you can while the tank is out.

 

Here's a picture just prior to pulling it out. You can see the trans case nut just touching the tank. I may have pushed it up and back first since it has a slight taper. It is possible mine had more wiggle room. Also, make sure ALL of the vent hoses are removed at the top of the tank, they will also hang it up.

As you can see I did this when the entire left rear assembly was off. Doug is right....do the two hoses at this time, it makes a BIG difference when the tank is out. There is an access panel in the door jamb under the carpet tin. Remove the rivets and you will see the bend the hoses need to make [3rd picture]. It's not an easy task, even with the tank out.
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I've pulled a few of these out of different 308's. I've never taken apart the xfer case. Fuel pumps, and suspension. Possibly the evap can (I can't recall that). I recall a lot of careful rotation. Also, when the tank finally clears, it's almost a surprise. How we love them so!

 

Sounds like giving birth to a baby

 

Actually, it's called "shipwright's disease." Well known among boaters. You start out to fix one tiny thing on the boat, and before you know it, you've rebuilt the whole boat, because this leads to that, which leads to something else, and so on. I've experienced that with cars as well. When I got the 308, I was just going to "clean up" the engine compartment a little bit, change the timing belts and a few suspicious hoses. The next thing I knew, the engine was out of the car, it was stripped down to almost the bare block, and I was doing everything, including detailing the engine compartment and converting the ignition system over to Electromotive. Shipwright's, it's a very dangerous bug. Be careful, it is almost impossible NOT to get bitten. LOL

 

It's about time you got that mother out.

Great job Jim.