Gas Tank Seating Problem

Hello, first post here. I've got a problem I can't figure out with my 98. I recently cleaned my K&N air filter and since then my gas tank doesn't seat properly. First thing I noticed is it won't sit flat, particularly on the right hand side. I went to a friends who has a 2000 model and we noticed several differences, the first one being the gap between the fuel pump bolt and the valve cover. On his there is a good 1/2" clearance, mine has been sitting on top of it, and actually rubbing paint off the cover. All the hoses are routed in the correct place. We thought maybe I didn't get the air filter back in place properly but even with the top of the airbox off, the tank won't lay properly. The other issue is the tank isn't aligning with the front bolt holes. Does anyone have any idea what might be causing this issue? It seems something has possibly shifted but what?

Thanks

Glenn

 

Did you loosen the rear mounting bolts, or just remove the front retaining bolts and tip up the tank?

Jose

 

I just tipped the front of the tank, bungy cording it to the ceiling.

 

Not sure how good the underneath pics will come out but here they are

 

How about not being so rude? This is not an easy spot to take pics unfortunately. Showing more of the underside of the tank isn't going to do much good IMO as I was trying to show the perspective of how the tank is laying. The only thing thing the underside is going to show is the routing of the cables and hoses which I've already confirmed on another bike and they are all routed correctly.

 

That is some pretty tough love, Rubo.

I have to agree that the pics don't show enough to see what might be the issue. Based on what you have related, maybe the bungee pulled up on the tank when it was fully tilted. Unless we can see the underside and what hoses/fittings might be in the way, I don't think we can help. Normally, the tank just drops right back down into place, but the bolt holes are not lining up. The whole tank needs to come forward and to the right.

Jose

 

Have a look at the rear mounting pivot, the tank has a tab that bolts to the pivot the tab should be FLAT ! It is welded to the flat bottom of the tank, if the tab is bent upwards, then the rear of the tank will be to low & the front bolt holes will not align. This can be caused by someone leaning on the tank, as the rear pivot allows the tab to bend ! Compare your tab to the one on your friends bike.

 

I agree with Mohawk. I suggest you first loosen the rear bolts and try iff the tank fits. Than first mount the front bolts ...

 

So you signed up because you had an issue.Asked help.Fine.You got great feedback specially about rear mounting bolts and not once have you thanked back for feedback nor update.
So you are just a taker and you are calling me rude? When people try to help you frustration is you show no willingness to cooperate.When I asked for photos you just snatched half ass camera phone pics carelessly like "here go figure out" and complain that its not easy to take photos?
You are actually saying you can't slide your camera press shutter half way and take sharp pictures? mind you photos that we are trying to decipher your issue!
Get a grip dude!

 

@ drzvfr........did it work out ? Does the thank fit again ?

Don't wanna be rude, but it woud be nice to hear the outcome....just curious....

 

Problem finally solved. Seems I must have pinched the vent when I placed the tank back down last time and the tank ballooned out underneath I guess on one of the hot summer days we've had. Anyhow, a piece of wood and a large hammer and its fitting almost perfectly. Let my mistake be a learning experience for all of you, make sure your vent tube is always clear and not pinched!

 

And you're a f'n jerk. Nobody needs crap from another person when they are trying to solve a problem. As frustrated as I was from the problem, the last thing I needed was a smart ass.

 

Glad you figured it out and thanks for reporting back what you found! I've heard of tanks collapsing from blocked vent tubes but never heard of a bloated one. At least it just pooched the bottom and you were able to "message" it back in place without having to buy a new tank. Happy riding!

 

Who is a jerk...me ????