Community Forums

Jagnweiner · 04-24-2014, 06:10 AM

I have determined I need to drop the tank on my 2000 Horizon to clean it out. I've had problems with crud in the fuel that repeated filter changes won't solve. I pumped as much fuel out as I could and then when draining the rest of the fuel out the bottom, I confirmed my suspicions by finding about a 1/4" layer of slime on the bottom.

I see that the tank is held in place by four bolts. I plan to support it with a jack while dropping it down. Are there any things I watch out for as I lower it and disconnect lines? Is there a fuel pump in the tank or is it external?

Thanks in advance.

Theberrys · 04-24-2014, 08:48 AM

Others have removed the bolts one at a time and replaced them with long threaded rods. Then they could slowly drop the tank supported by the rods.

Dick

Jagnweiner · 04-24-2014, 08:56 AM

Thanks, Dick! That's an interesting idea. I'll take a look at that possibility.

stuhly · 04-24-2014, 09:11 AM

Be sure to put a piece of plywood or something between the tank and jack for support so you don't dent the tank.

Jagnweiner · 04-24-2014, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuhly

Be sure to put a piece of plywood or something between the tank and jack for support so you don't dent the tank.

Yep, on that already.

BransGram08 · 07-27-2014, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jagnweiner

I have determined I need to drop the tank on my 2000 Horizon to clean it out. I've had problems with crud in the fuel that repeated filter changes won't solve. I pumped as much fuel out as I could and then when draining the rest of the fuel out the bottom, I confirmed my suspicions by finding about a 1/4" layer of slime on the bottom.

What did you do to clean your fuel tank out? We are having issues with our '04 Vectra. A fuel sample from the tank has revealed some sort of sediment. We have had issues with our lift pump since we purchased the motorhome in 2011. We have plugged up two lift pumps. The screen in the lift pump was caked with crap. We have no primary filter either, which is adding to our grief.

Hooligan · 07-27-2014, 01:52 PM

Scott, I dropped the fuel tank (gas) on my 1990 MH using the all-thread rods, good control and helped align the tank putting it back up.
Used two nuts to lock at the rods at the top so it would not unscrew. Probably no pump in the tank, wires for the gauge and fill hose. I only had to lower mine enough to repair the wires the squirrels had chewed..

Jagnweiner · 07-29-2014, 10:39 AM

Sorry for not updating this thread. I ended up not dropping the tank because it just seemed like more than I was up to. After draining all the fuel out, I pumped in some water and degreaser and then flushed out. I got a lot of slime out. I was able to stick my finger up the drain hole and feel around. I determined that the slime seemed to be concentrated in the slight depression where the drain plug was located. That is also where the pickup tube for the pump is. I got that all cleaned out, filled with some fuel and was good to go. (after another filter change, of course).

It seems to be working, as the fuel coming back to the separator is now clean and it runs well.

Larry: The crud in my tank looked a lot different than your picture. It was "smoother", for lack of a better term. Sort of like black snot. I'm no expert, but I would recommend adding a primary filter/separator back at your radiator.

C-PHartley · 07-29-2014, 03:37 PM

I had a similar situation. I reluctantly dropped the tank (100 gal.) using a floor jack. I had filtered the fuel (approx. 30 gal) for 6 hours previously trying to eliminate my problem of frequently plugging fuel filters. When I removed the drain plug, nothing came out until I poked a screw driver thru the crud that had accumulated. What I found was that the tank has three sections separated by 2 baffle plates. These plates have opposing diagonal slots that allow fuel to flow to the center area slowly. My previous attempt to filter the fuel worked great on the center section, but left a large amount of trash in the area behind the baffles. I used air pressure and water while tipping the tank to flush the areas behind the baffle plates. In hind sight, I think I could have achieved the same results without dropping the tank by using the fuel sender hole to direct air & water behind the baffle plates. The net result of my effort was a half cup of rust. The moral of this story is be careful where you buy your fuel.

I hope this helps.

doc · 08-12-2014, 06:52 PM

Help me visualize this guys. How do you remove the tank from under the coach after you have dropped it to the ground?

C-PHartley · 08-13-2014, 04:40 AM

I dropped the tank using a floor jack. Raised the MH front end using the leveling jacks and wood blocks. Then used jack stands to hold things for safety until the tank was out from underneath.

jhanan · 09-07-2014, 09:49 PM

I wonder if I have same problem and got bad fuel....1st time ever I'm gettng engine cut out and check engine light - lack of fuel. Replaced the fuel filter and still getting the engine cut out / check engine light. What is involved with dropping the tank? Did you replace the fuel pump? Pics would be great!