Can't remove the gas tank

[Buttercup]

Well, I am a little stuck - and probably should have started this project much earlier. I am trying to remove the gas tank from our 345LE and it will just not drop.
The tank leaks when I fill it a little too full - actually, it runs off the top and drains down the side with impressive volume if I let it top off normally. I know at least one hose needs to be replaced. But the fuel gage also does not work properly, so I would like to replace the sender also.
I first emptied the tank bu pumping it until the electric fuel pump lost suction. I then loosened the straps and with jacks on both ends started to lower the tank down. The front end will drop about 6 inches and hang but the back will only drop an inch or so and stop. The fill connections (there are 2 of them, the forward one is capped off) collides onto the rail. But even if I keep the fill connections from touching anything it still all hangs.
My question is for those who have dropped the tank, how did you do it? Can you offer any advice on how to get that puppy out?

[Airslide]

If I remember right you were ripping the shower and Lav apart just before the last rally.. you just live for the adrenaline rush huh lol

See you soon..

Vinnie

[FreshAir]

Tim, have another vodka. Tank will ease out then. See you two Friday. Neil

[Buttercup]

You may be seeing us in something other than the motorhome......

[AirRowan]

I just removed mine 3 months ago and it was tricky getting it out there were rubber shims that had to be removed at each strap. Then the tank needs to be leaned to the curb side so that side falls down first (controlled fall that is) the fills will get hung up if you do not remove the shims. I found all the hoses (fuel supply/return) to be rotten to the point of failure.

there are pics of mine coming out on my wife's blog here
Gas tank extracted « s/v rowan

[streamquest]

Buttercup,

Check for a thread regarding tank removal. I know that I've read it in the past, and the procedure was well documented.

[Buttercup]

OK - I looked DEEP! and it took a while, but here is what I found on the removal in case someone else comes up on this and struggles like I did.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...ure-25587.html.

Thanks AirRowan for the link to your site and advise and also Thanks streamquest for encouraging me to dig deeper. I think I will have that bad boy out by this afternoon.

[FreshAir]

Originally Posted by Buttercup

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...ure-25587.html.
I think I will have that bad boy out by this afternoon.

I'm on my way to get the vodka!

Neil

[Buttercup]

This is for the Gas tank, not the heater.....

Originally Posted by FreshAir

I'm on my way to get the vodka!

Neil

[FreshAir]

Originally Posted by Buttercup

This is for the Gas tank, not the heater.....

......could work fer da heater too.

Neil

[FreshAir]

Ok, it's raining here now. I thought it may be a good idea to hook up the trailer today for our departure tomorrow. Since we finally got our driveway paved I no longer have to usr the 4x4 totow the trailer up a gravel driveway. One small 'hitch' though. The trailer 'pad' is level east west at it's axle but not at the hitch. With the car slopping to one side I now have to 'ramp' the driver side r-wheel to be able to lift the WDH spring bar on that side. Not complaining though.........
Neil

[FreshAir]

Originally Posted by FreshAir

Ok, it's raining here now. I thought it may be a good idea to hook up the trailer today for our departure tomorrow. Since we finally got our driveway paved I no longer have to usr the 4x4 totow the trailer up a gravel driveway. One small 'hitch' though. The trailer 'pad' is level east west at it's axle but not at the hitch. With the car slopping to one side I now have to 'ramp' the driver side r-wheel to be able to lift the WDH spring bar on that side. Not complaining though.........
Neil

HMMMMMM, I kinda posted this on the wrong thread.......of course it's my wifes fault...

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by FreshAir

HMMMMMM, I kinda posted this on the wrong thread.......of course it's my wifes fault...

Why's that? Is she the one who BOUGHT the vodka?

[Buttercup]

Oh brother - the Nor Cal rally has already begun! BTW - the gas tank is out, the level sensor has been checked (its still good, it was a loose wire). The tank needs only a new gasket and a few feet of new hose and it will be good as new. Hoping to bring Airtini to the rally!!!
Neil, you will have your heater one way or another..... But we may still need a fitting to cap off the gas supply to it.

[crazeevw]

Originally Posted by FreshAir

Ok, it's raining here now. I thought it may be a good idea to hook up the trailer today for our departure tomorrow. Since we finally got our driveway paved I no longer have to usr the 4x4 totow the trailer up a gravel driveway. One small 'hitch' though. The trailer 'pad' is level east west at it's axle but not at the hitch. With the car slopping to one side I now have to 'ramp' the driver side r-wheel to be able to lift the WDH spring bar on that side. Not complaining though.........
Neil

Neil,
Don't care that you posted this in wrong place, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your old Buick. Wishing my 64 Skylark could tow an old Airstream, but kinda guessing with a 300cid V-8 and 2 speed slush-o-matic, I'm kinda limited.
Thanks again, Derek