Can't remove gas tanks

[richter372001]

Hi
I wanted to remove the gas tanks for a thorough cleaning and removal of the crap from the bottom which tens to clod my fuel injectors on the Suzuki DF60. Imagine my surprise when I established (after I cut off the belt with the rusty buckle that holds the tank in place) that the tank cannot be pulled out from under the seat? The edge catches on the pedestal and the whole tank is so wide there is no way to twist or turn it in any direction in order to pull it out.
Is this possible without removing the pedestal? Any advice/similar experiences?
The boat is a 2002 X.

Thanks

[opie]

picture please? Size and make of tanks?

[richter372001]

Sorry, no pics; the boat is in Croatia. Tanks are red, 12 gallons size; there are two total, each situated in the opening under the seats, on both sides. Hopefully that helps.

[Kelly Hanson East]

You might have to empty them, remove the caps, and then tip them at angle to work them 1/3 of the way out, then rotate and pull out behind pedestal

Since they were not stock, someone put them in, ergo, they must come out!!!

[nail49]

I have those 12 gallon tanks too, and they are a real pain to remove from under the seats. I have to remove the caps and work the tanks out a little at a time. They will come out, but you'll have scrapped knees and mashed fingers the first few times ( Mac bites). It's also not much fun to get them back in the boat and under the seat when filled. I'm seriously considering replacing them but haven't owned the boat very long so will give it some time. Good luck!

[SkiDeep2001]

I too had a hard time getting my tanks out. It seems that the caps are what keeps you from sliding them out. If you get front started you then have to tilt it up so I cut a notch in upper part of opening to correspond to where cap is. Works ok now but may look at adding gas filler doors so I don't have to remove them all the time. It is a bear getting them back in when full.

[Don T]

Hello,
I too have the 12 gal tempo tanks. If you make sure the tank is not pressurized or even with a little vacuum inside, they come out pretty easy. Might have to remove the steering wheel to get the proper angle. Raising the front as it comes out helps clear the pedestal. Make sure you are not gouging the edge seam as it comes out. It will want to catch and as you work it, the sharp fiberglass creates a burr that makes it more difficult.

[Kelly Hanson East]

BTW, i did put in a deck plate above my 12 gallon tank for filling - works great!!

[SkiDeep2001]

KHE, is your filler stainless and do you have any concerns about static electricity while fueling? Rob

[delevi]

Mine come out really easily. Just lift the hinged seat and up they come. No scrapes, no bruises. I guess it's one of the nice little changes on the Sorry, just couldn't resist

[Kelly Hanson East]

Its just a deckplate that lets you access the fuel tank from above, not a full up filler neck or anything.

I think I took some pix of the mod a couple of years back??

[richter372001]

Ok, so I'm not the only one with this $%^&* problem. Small comfort. I do have the deck plate for access, but I wanted a thorough cleaning. Since this might be to much trouble, does anyone have any experience with a reverse pump for emptying the tanks where they are, without taking them out? What liquid should I use to rinse the bottom and then pump out everything, including the rinse and the dredge?

[Don T]

Hello,
You can use a fuel hose with the engine fitting removed. Flush the tank with alcohol (not denatured) to absorb water and clean the gunk if there is any. Fill with fuel and what alcohol is left will just be fuel. I siphon the tanks empty every fall and they are squeeky clean.

[ALX357]

What is with these 12-gallon tanks ?? Four tanks of 6 gallons each carry the same amount, and are easily taken out for filling, cleaning the tanks and lockers, are easier to keep track of fuel levels, easier to dispose of gas from (at the end of season, or if not using for awhile, allow the removal of fuel weight aft when trailering, put less fuel at risk than in a large single container, and are more easily replaced if damaged or worn. One-hand quick disconnect on each tank to match the hose.

[pokerrick1]

What delevi said

Rick