Removing/Lowering a Fuel Tank

[soonernation]

This weekend I plan to finally install my Pitbull motorcycle restraint system so I can bring my street bike with us on camping trips.

In order to install it, I'm almost certain I will have to drop the fuel tank in order to have access to the underside of the garage floor. I was planning to use a couple of floor jacks to drop the tank as I'm assuming that it is pretty heavy even if I empty it.

Anything I should be on the lookout for when doing this?

[Airstreamer67]

Yep, always drain the tank as completely as possible. The extra explosive weight moving around on you is to be avoided. Kind of like saying, don't hit your thumb when hammering a nail.

[soonernation]

TucsonJim wrote:
Do not let vapors release from the tank and drift through the garage, especially if you have an ignition source nearby such as a water heater. Tightly plug up hoses and openings in order to prevent vapor release. Make sure all electrical devices are shut off and unplugged or removed from the area. This could include items such as CD players, clocks and radios. Disconnect the negative battery terminal before you get started. Have a couple of fire extinguishers available that are rated for Class B fires. Do not use a garden hose to fight a gasoline fire, it will just spread the flames. Just remember, if you have a fire in this situation, you'll not only lose your vehicle, but also potentially your house.

Keep the tank level when bringing it down to prevent spills. If you do have a spill, have a plan on how you'll react to contain the spill.

When we were changing fuel pumps or tanks when I was a mechanic, we'd frequently tie a rag around our wrist. When you're working under the vehicle, this was a real help if gas started to run down our arm. As long as the run off is not too heavy, the rag will keep if from running all the way down your arm to your arm pits and torso.

Wear eye protection with side shields. If you should happen to get fuel in your eyes, I'd recommend that you have a method to wash your eyes available for immediate use. Remember, that you will not be able to see where you are going in order to deploy the eyewash.

Good information. Thanks.

[SCVJeff]

I dropped one on a class A once, and it wasnt too much of a problem with weight, its just bulky. Trying to drop it with any fuel in it is rather a challenge with the sloshing weight transfer. You can easily lose control.

Neighbors loved it since they got the gas that was left in the tank.

[dave17352]

TucsonJim wrote:
Do not let vapors release from the tank and drift through the garage, especially if you have an ignition source nearby such as a water heater. Tightly plug up hoses and openings in order to prevent vapor release. Make sure all electrical devices are shut off and unplugged or removed from the area. This could include items such as CD players, clocks and radios. Disconnect the negative battery terminal before you get started. Have a couple of fire extinguishers available that are rated for Class B fires. Do not use a garden hose to fight a gasoline fire, it will just spread the flames. Just remember, if you have a fire in this situation, you'll not only lose your vehicle, but also potentially your house.

Keep the tank level when bringing it down to prevent spills. If you do have a spill, have a plan on how you'll react to contain the spill.

When we were changing fuel pumps or tanks when I was a mechanic, we'd frequently tie a rag around our wrist. When you're working under the vehicle, this was a real help if gas started to run down our arm. As long as the run off is not too heavy, the rag will keep if from running all the way down your arm to your arm pits and torso.

Wear eye protection with side shields. If you should happen to get fuel in your eyes, I'd recommend that you have a method to wash your eyes available for immediate use. Remember, that you will not be able to see where you are going in order to deploy the eyewash.

You must have been a boy scout. Always prepared! You thought of everything. Great Post.

[TucsonJim]

Do not let vapors release from the tank and drift through the garage, especially if you have an ignition source nearby such as a water heater. Tightly plug up hoses and openings in order to prevent vapor release. Make sure all electrical devices are shut off and unplugged or removed from the area. This could include items such as CD players, clocks and radios. Disconnect the negative battery terminal before you get started. Have a couple of fire extinguishers available that are rated for Class B fires. Do not use a garden hose to fight a gasoline fire, it will just spread the flames. Just remember, if you have a fire in this situation, you'll not only lose your vehicle, but also potentially your house.

Keep the tank level when bringing it down to prevent spills. If you do have a spill, have a plan on how you'll react to contain the spill.

When we were changing fuel pumps or tanks when I was a mechanic, we'd frequently tie a rag around our wrist. When you're working under the vehicle, this was a real help if gas started to run down our arm. As long as the run off is not too heavy, the rag will keep if from running all the way down your arm to your arm pits and torso.

Wear eye protection with side shields. If you should happen to get fuel in your eyes, I'd recommend that you have a method to wash your eyes available for immediate use. Remember, that you will not be able to see where you are going in order to deploy the eyewash.