fuel tank removal, what have I missed?

rudy sanchez · 12-30-2003, 08:01 PM

stole a few moments today to remove the gas tank from the 73 911s. I drained all the varnish, removed 3 metal tabs (two from the topand one bolted from tne front bottom) I disconnected the two lines underneath and also the filler and the vapor on the top.

still it did not pop out how I had hoped.

am I missing anything? how much pull/push should be required? it's plastic so I was hesitant to start tugging from the top and jacking it up from he bottom

pic is before I went to work on removal

paul schuster
santa cruz

Chuck Moreland · 12-30-2003, 08:50 PM

I'm guessing the tank to tub gasket is sticking and holding you back. Try lifting from one corner.

BTW, did you decide to restore or part it out?

Dutchie · 12-30-2003, 08:51 PM

Rudy not sure about the early models but the steel tanks has a foam strip under them. I had to push it up from under the car to get it out. I lifted it up a bit and then used a plastic knife to cut away as much foam as i could and it came out in the end.
This is for a steel version ! not sure if the plastic tank had one but i,m sure others will chime in.

k9handler · 12-30-2003, 10:55 PM

agree with Ed and Chuck, that seal is pretty sticky and holds the tank down pretty well. I used a piece of wood and a jack to lift mine out...the seal was so strong that the front of the car actually lifted about .5" before the seal released.

Sunroof · 12-31-2003, 04:39 AM

Their is a foam strip under the tank and let me suggest that you DO NOT replace it with the incredibly expensive Porsche OEM strip, but save yourself $$$$ by using a self-adhesive backed foam insulator that is found in any Home Depot or Lowes for weather stripping. Its the same stuff!!!!

I have yet to remove the tank on my 73T, but their was a thread that discussed removal last year and the owner had the same problem you have on removal.

The solution I recall was placing a board large under the tank for support with a jack under that. By gently jacking up on the board, the tank came loose without damage. Their are no adhesives or seals, but whats on the foam strip (flimsy stuff anyways) acting as a moisture barrier. I am sure you already removed the metal tabs (3 or 4) that hold it in-place.

Thats what I will try (large board and jack) when I exchange mine out this winter. I hope this works for you.

Bob
73.5T

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

you can attach something to the fixture for the spare tire bolt
then pull gently up and forwards, simultaneous lift on the filler

you can put a wedge between the edge of the tank on the front of the car to unstick the foam strip

worked for me

vash · vash's Garage

i had the same problem! i used a big flat board to distribute the stress and used a floor jack to gently press it up. i agree with using cheap weather stripping to replace it.

rudy sanchez · 12-31-2003, 08:55 AM

GREAT! I had the board and jack under it yesterday, but hesitated once the moment came and the lift started.

I don't think I will restore the car, but I'm not sure it will get completely parted out. I have a buyer for the tank.

what I may try doing is just listing it on ebay. if I can get enough $ out of the body w/ the engine and trans intact ... I'll use that to do a nice rebuild on my 911t 2.2

another scenario is I sell the roller after I remove the engine. I think somebody can use the body and I really don't want to cut it up into small pieces and carry them to the dump.

rudy sanchez · 12-31-2003, 11:12 AM

as everybody suggested, just a litle more pressure from underneath... and it popped right up.

thanks!

paul schuster
santa cruz