Sorry guys a search I did ref fuel tank removal. It seemed to yield only ref handlebars and wiring jobs which involves moving the fuel tank BACK a few inches.

In my case I want to install a SE Ventilator air cleaner kit on my Road King.

The instructions say to "remove the gas tank" to access two screws that hold a steel bracket in place to the heads which holds the OEM air cleaner in place. The fuel tank is in the way to remove these two screws.

My manual doesn't say it clearly as far as whether I can just LIFT up the rear tank a few inches to get a ratchet under there to get those two allen screws out. I think all I need is a few inches to get at those screws.

My question is: can I just remove the seat and then loosen the rear fuel tank bolt and lift up the rear end of the tank a few inches to do this? I don't want to have to depressurize the tank, remove the console, etc as this appears to be unnecessary if I just want to lift the rear of the tank a bit. Am I missing something or can I do it this way?

I don't want to start the job and then find out I can't do it that way. That determines how long it'll take to do the job and therefore when I can do it this week or if I have to do it on the weekend with more time.

Thanks!

 

Short answer.... yes you can just lift the tank a little.

 

Yup, not a big deal. Disconnect your fuel line at the quick disconnect, remove seat, remove rear retaining bolt, loosen two forward retaining bolts, and wedge a small block of wood or something similar under the rear of the tank. That should give you ample access.

 

Pay attention, and you don't even need to remove the quick disconnect.

 

I used an allen wrench socket. slide it in the head and turn the head of the socket with a channelock wrench. The 2-bolts should come right out. I didn't have to remove the tank ...not even move it. P.S. I need to update my bike photo w/s.e. air cleaner on.

 

Removed mine with a set of "L" handle Allen wrenches...I did not remove my tank....just have to be real careful or apply a few layers of masking tape to the tank to protect it.

 

I installed mine without doing a thing to the tank. You just have to be patient with it and you can get the bracket off WITHOUT removing the tank. This is my second bike I've added SE A/C without having to remove the tank.

 

You guys are AWESOME! Thanks that means I can do it this afternoon with a little luck. Will report back when finished...

 

I didn't remove the tank on my wife's UC even though direction tell you to do so.

 

I remember lifting it about an inch. I didn't disconnect anything else.