| March 18th, 2009 by admin |
|---|
Your Car’s Gas Tank Draining Removing And Installing
Your Car’s Gas Tank: Draining, Removing, And Installing
Gas tank repairs are sorely overlooked, but when it comes to years of leaks, corrosion, and general wear and tear, avoiding this important fix can be expensive and dangerous. Luckily, the procedure is relatively easy and it’s easily accomplished by even a novice gearhead. In this article, I’ll provide a quick blueprint for draining and removing your old unit from your vehicle. I’ll also explain how to install a replacement.
General Safety Tips
When replacing a gas tank, removing the old one can be dangerous due to vapors or left over gasoline. For this reason, always work in an area with plenty of ventilation and wear a grounding strap, a device used to dissipate static electricity. Also, make sure that the workplace is well-lit and organized, as unnecessary clutter can cause accidents. Lastly, have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of a fire.
Draining the Fuel
In order to install the new tank, the old one must first be drained. Find a container that is large enough to hold the fuel remaining inside. Methods of draining the tank can vary by vehicle, but some have a drain cock (a removable plug) located at the lowest point. If you’re unable to find a drain cock, then one of the fuel lines will need to be removed. Aim for the tube exiting at the lowest point of the unit to completely drain the reservoir.
Tank Removal and Installation
If the fuel lines were not removed previously, now is the time to remove them. Besides the supply line that heads toward the engine, the vent line and fill tube need to be released.
Next, depending upon the car, the rear suspension may need to be dropped, but check first to see if the reservoir can be removed without doing so. To remove the suspension, first disconnect the bottom fitting on the rear shock absorbers and expose the shocks. Then, disconnect the rear brake lines and remove the nuts suspending the rear beam assembly.
To dislodge the tank, the holding straps need to be removed. Each tank is suspended by two straps; each strap is bolted at one end. Removing the unit is simple. Unscrew the bolt, pull down the strap, and unhook it at the other end.
To install the reservoir, simply perform the above process in reverse. Insert the assembly, replace the straps, reinstall the rear suspension (if necessary), and reconnect the fuel lines. Lastly, fill the reservoir with the previously-drained gasoline and check for any leaks. As an added precaution, be sure to wipe up any traces of gasoline that may have spilled during the procedure.
Part Of Your Automotive Education
I realize that we went through the above procedure quickly. In truth, it is an easy job to perform (though novices will likely be intimidated). You can take your car to a mechanic to have him perform the entire process. But doing it yourself saves time and money while increasing your knowledge about your vehicle.
For all your used Chevrolet engines and used Chevrolet transmissions needs consider the leader in parts, http://www.everdrive.com
Subscribe to this Car Parts Plus feed
Other Interesting Car Articles
Posted in Car Maintenance, Car Tips | No Comments »
