Removing fuel tank on R5GTE

Level 1 User Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Posts: 39

Today I tried to remove the tank so I can fix/replace it.

Unscrewing the bolts was the easy part, tricky only because of car position - being lifted on jack stands isn't the most convinient way for the job...

I've disconnected the fuel lines, found out that the car has 2 fuel pumps, and then the first problem occured.

The auxiliary tank is connectes to main tank with a short hose above the rear suspension.

I first thought that it's possible to separate the tanks but the guy at service told me that the only way of removing the tank is to remove complete rear suspension.

So I almost gave up, but then I loosen the auxiliary tank, and pulled it apart from the main one.

I've noticed that the aux one has a non return valve.

And now the real trouble began. I was now hoping that I'll get the job done, because the main tank jiggled freely and I thought the only thing left to do is to flex it out...

I've been "flexing" it left and right, up and down, and in all possible combination, but it wouldn't go down...

So my question is, after this short intro - how to remove the main tank?

I'm 100% sure that all the bolts are unscrewed (4 main ones and 2 that are part of fuel pump holder), and the only thing that I see from my poor position under the 20 inch lifted car is that heatshield on the tank rubign against the exhaust pipe...

So is the removal of the rear exhaust pipe the only way of doing the job?

Thanks for the answers and sorry for not keeping it short and most of all wihout the pics...I didn't have the will to take any photos today...

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

you need to lower the end opposite the exhaust down first, ti shoudl drop out, have you removed the pipes fromt he top of the tank and wiring?

Level 1 User Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Posts: 39

OK, I'll try that out tomorrow...

All the pipes are disconnected, the feed from aux, the lines and wiring under back seat, everything...

I'll give it a try tomorrow, it must go out, better yet - it will go out. Smile