Fuel tank removal & refit

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Topic author
MT2+2
Posts: 18
Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2015 8:34 pm
Location: Shepperton, Middx

#1 Fuel tank removal & refit

Post by MT2+2 » Sat Jan 13, 2018 12:36 pm

Hi everybody,
Before attempting this job I searched the website forums (incl this good one!) and picked up some very useful tips. As there seemed to be no single source to collect them all together, I decided to video the job with commentary.
The job split down into 7 steps with approx. 2mins of video on each one, so the sequence and approx. index to the video is:-
1. Preparation
2. Tank bolt release
3. Bulkhead bracket removal
4. Sump & Sender removal
5. Filler tube release
6. Tank out
7. Refit
I hope it helps!

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christopher storey
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Location: cheshire , england
Great Britain

#2 Re: Fuel tank removal & refit

Post by christopher storey » Sun Jan 14, 2018 10:05 am

Very useful indeed thank you. Two additional points I would make are that

1. instead of cutting a hole in the bulkhead flange, a thin magnetic wand ( I use the end section of an old telescopic wand ) will enable you to position the left hand bulkhead bolt above the captive thread

2. Unfortunately, the dimensions of individual cars do vary so that sometimes there is insufficient clearance between bulkhead and rear valance to get the tank out without scraping something

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cactusman
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Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 11:09 pm
Location: Hertfordshire
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#3 Re: Fuel tank removal & refit

Post by cactusman » Sun Jan 14, 2018 2:27 pm

I took mine out to fix a leak...it was a job invented by the devil....quite how Jaguar ever fitted them on the line I shall never know....I admire those people who did it for a living....as after a day doing it I would be devising a plan to murder who ever who came up with the fuel tank design bit :banghead: :banghead:
Julian the E-type man
1962 FHC
1966 MGB....fab little car too

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MarekH
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#4 Re: Fuel tank removal & refit

Post by MarekH » Sun Jan 14, 2018 6:30 pm

Once you have the tank out, take a look at how much sheet metal exists on the lip going all of the way around proud of the spot weld holding the two halves together. You may be able to shave up to a centimetre from the depthwise dimension of the tank without compromising the seal in any way. That'd make refitting a breeze and will also make taking it out a second time much easier.

kind regards
Marek

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cactusman
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#5 Re: Fuel tank removal & refit

Post by cactusman » Sun Jan 14, 2018 6:38 pm

Thanks Marek....next time it is out I will look at that. Worst bit was reconnecting the fill hose and vent hose in the wheel arch...
Julian the E-type man
1962 FHC
1966 MGB....fab little car too

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MarekH
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Location: Surrey
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#6 Re: Fuel tank removal & refit

Post by MarekH » Sun Jan 14, 2018 8:00 pm

Use a tiny amount of vaseline for the hose.

kind regards
Marek

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Topic author
MT2+2
Posts: 18
Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2015 8:34 pm
Location: Shepperton, Middx

#7 Re: Fuel tank removal & refit

Post by MT2+2 » Mon Jan 15, 2018 11:58 am

Thank you all for your constructive feedback. Im glad that the vid is proving useful.
Regarding the point Christopher makes about drilling a hole in the bulkhead flange to fit the LH bolt:-
I found that I could position the bolt and even rotate it, but it would not take up on the thread, without vertical pressure from above. I did try various methods, but in the end decided I had to go nuclear and cut the hole! Once I did this and applied my weight from above, it engaged straight away.
I guess its the luck of the draw on how tight the threads are, in each individual case.
Best regards!

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ralphr1780
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Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2012 4:29 pm
Belgium

#8 Re: Fuel tank removal & refit

Post by ralphr1780 » Mon Jan 15, 2018 5:38 pm

You should try it once on an OTS and see what a joy it can be...
Ralph
'69 OTS + '62 OTS - Belgium

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Cheddarhead
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United States of America

#9 Re: Fuel tank removal & refit

Post by Cheddarhead » Fri Apr 06, 2018 7:25 pm

I wanted to give you a long distance (Yank) Thank You! I have been searching for some simple instructions on how to remove the fuel tank from my 66 Coupe. The 7 steps and the video were perfect! About an hour and the task was complete. Keep up the Great Work!

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E-by'eck
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Joined: Tue Mar 20, 2012 9:53 am
Location: Norfolk UK
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#10 Re: Fuel tank removal & refit

Post by E-by'eck » Sun Apr 29, 2018 8:26 pm

Currently struggling myself with a repro fuel tank in a M. Robey repro shell.. not a great combination!! BUT my tip is you can be spanner free for this job. Just buy a small 1/4 drive socket set with a 6"extension bar which is suitably narrow and delicate to access all three bolts. You will then need a 1/4 drive 9/16" AF hex socket off Ebay like this one ..... 252467420190. 1/4 drive sets do not usually have the 9/16" socket but with this combination no more struggling turning one or two flats at a time with spanners, even the tricky rear left one. SImples :bigrin: :bigrin:
Regards Graham
E type renovation .... 1962 3.8 Ser1 RHD DHC
If you're going through hell, keep going. ~Winston Churchill

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