Fuel Tank: Removal
WARNING:
Do not allow smoking or the use of open flame in the area where work on the fuel system is taking place.
- Ensure that fuel level in tank is less than 1/4 full. If necessary, drain fuel tank to at least this level. Refer to FUEL TANK DRAINING
.WARNING: Make sure vehicle is properly supported and squarely positioned. To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle on the opposite end from which components are being removed.
- Position vehicle on hoist.CAUTION: Any time the fuel system is being worked on, disconnect the negative battery cable, except for those tests where battery voltage is required.
- Disconnect negative battery cable.NOTE: Fuel supply lines will remain pressurized for long periods of time after the engine is shutdown. This pressure must be relieved before servicing the fuel system.
- Relieve fuel system pressure. See Figure . Refer to FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELIEF .
- Raise vehicle to a comfortable working position.
- Remove exhaust system intermediate pipe (with muffler).
- Remove rear heat shield retaining bolts.
- Remove fuel filler pipe lower bracket attachment screw. See Figure
.CAUTION: Whenever fuel lines are removed, place fuel in an approved container. Container opening must be a minimum of 300 mm (12 in.) diameter to adequately catch fuel.
- Disconnect EVAP canister vent hose.
- Loosen fuel filler pipe hose clamp closest to fuel tank.
- Disconnect quick connect at recirculation line.NOTE: If there is more than three gallons of fuel in the tank, insert a suitable siphon hose into tank filler neck and remove remaining fuel into a certified fuel handling cart.
- Disengage filler pipe hose from fuel tank.
- Remove tank grounding strap attachment nut located near the fuel filter.
- Remove fuel tank strap bracket (fuel line stone chip guard) protecting fuel line connections between fuel tank and chassis fuel bundle. See Figure
.CAUTION: Whenever fuel line fittings are loosened or removed, wrap a shop cloth around the fitting and have an approved container available to collect any fuel.
- Disconnect fuel feed line after fuel filter.
- Disconnect fuel return and EVAP canister purge lines between tank and chassis fuel bundle.
- Disconnect fuel tank electrical connections.
- Loosen front tank strap bolts, but do not remove.
- With aid of an assistant, remove the two rear tank retaining strap bolts.
- Lower rear half of tank and slide the fuel tank down and out rearward.
- Remove fuel tank from vehicle.