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Sun Nov 16, 2014 8:59 pm

I was wondering how you can remove a tank without dropping the engine. I need to replace mine in my 1978 bay window automatic bus. Its fuel injected. I've seen it done and was wondering if it would be easier because i don't have a lift and many tools to remove the pancake engine.

Sun Nov 16, 2014 10:02 pm

It can be done. I've stripped my engine down to a short block and changed pistons, while still mounted. You just have to get everything out of the way of the fuel tank and be ready to crawl over the engine to get all the connections. If you can't get in-fit inside- the engine hatch, not a good idea. Don't expect it to be easy, you may have to remove much of the FI stuff and the front tin, top and fan house to get it out.

Mon Nov 17, 2014 9:25 am

The border patrol did it and so can you.

Mon Nov 17, 2014 9:40 am

BTW, don't install it back the way that it was done in the preceding photos. Having those steel cables rubbing against the steel tank with no padding for protection is a bad idea. Use some of those heavy felt pads that you can get for furniture to protect floors. They are adhesive on one side, making installation easy.

Mon Nov 17, 2014 9:46 am

This guy did it.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=1216459
Search his post.

Mon Nov 17, 2014 9:52 am

In the grand scheme of things it will probably be easier to drop the motor first.

It can be done with a cheap floor jack and some plywood, although a motorcycle jack is even better. It can be done solo, but better to have a helper. You only need the helper for about five minutes each dropping and installing, and he/she doesn't need skills.