fuel tank removal

[silversport]

From what I can see I have a seam leak in my fuel tank. Da maintains book that I have does not cover removal of the tank. Would like some input on the dues and don'ts. The coach is a 4106.
Robert

[Tom Y]

Bump

[Paso One]

You don't really mention what type of bus you have so I'll give you a answer based on a GM bus.

If you look on page 2 or 3  Mikewarmblood  started a thread Fishbowl vs flxible.

In that thread you will see pictures of the fuel tank and the hold downs, those brackets and the fuel lines is what is used on most buses.

Hope that helps you somewhat. 

realized why not post picture here dah

[Busted Knuckle]

Paso,
Isn't it a little drastic to turn the bus on it's side to remove the fuel tank? 

I must say it makes me appreciate the problems I DO have with my Setra's much more knowing my fuel tanks slide out from the side, instead of the bottom! 
  BK 

[RJ]

Paso -

Gotta laugh at BK's comment about turning the bus on it's side. . .

Your comments, tho, only apply to the transits, the parlor models are different.


Robert -

I think there was a thread about pulling the fuel tank on a 4104/4106 several years ago over on BNO.  Might do a search thru the archives for it.

IIRC, once you disconnect everything, you actually have to lift it up slightly so that the drain on the bottom of the tank will clear the bay floor.  I believe the poster said he used 2x4s lined up parallel to the baggage bin bulkheads on either side of the tank, wide enough apart so that the drain clears, then slid the tank across them.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[Utahclaimjumper]

Removing the tank from an 06 isn't that difficult, just nasty. Be sure to inspect all other areas first, I removed mine only to find the leak was my return line at the tank. You will find two strap bolts underneath the tank framework, if your lucky they won't be buggered and rusted beyond description.  The front "door" has to be released at the bottom, and all lines disconnected,, it will be clumsy and heavy.>>>Dan

[Paso One]

Paso,
Isn't it a little drastic to turn the bus on it's side to remove the fuel tank? 

  BK 

The real amazing part of rolling the bus over on it's side was when I put it right side up again you couldn't see any damage caused by the easy roll.  Love them GM'S

It sure was easy to strip standing upright

[silversport]

The tank is out, so much diesel and oil no problem loosing the nuts, one stud is bent big time. not sure if I what to try and straiten it, (sometimes you are opening a bigger can of worms). Both fuel lines have been replaced (do not like were they ran one of the lines, under the coach) so that will change, also, it works, but they pick up the fuel for the genset from the drain hole (did put in an internal pipe) but what a bitch, can not drain tank of the last 18 gals with out unscrewing the valve, so that will be changed. Not sure if  that pick up tube was high enough anyway. If there is 20 Gals of unusable fuel for the engine and I drain only 18 gal, I think there could be a problem. I now need to plug all the opening of the tank get some air pressure in to see were the leak is coming from.

[Len Silva]

Be very careful with the air pressure, no more than 3 or 4 pounds.

[silversport]

Have not looked for the leak yet, the tank has been repaired before I think it is leaking at the repair. There was a 1/4 in. ply and carpet under the tank, I am assuming this was done to help buffer the tank from the metal supports or did the tank always have plywood on the bottom side?:. As I was cleaning the fuel lines I noticed they are air lines, fuel and return lines on engine and genset are made of air lines. Is this doable and right?
Robert

[robertglines1]

I would use fuel rated hose. to stop any possibility of failure or seperation or colapsing is short the right hose for the job. Sometimes short cuts come back on a fellow in the middle of no where in the middle of the night.  Good luck Bob