fuel pump/tank question

hey guys this is my first bike, quick question for you all.

going to get my tank painted in a few days here, and the painter has requested for me to gut the tank for obvious reasons.

i attempted it this morning, but obviously failed.

i dont want to ruin anything, so im being very careful when doing this. basically when everythings unbolted, it just seems like theres more to it.
when pulling the pump out, theres a rubber housing, full of brillo looking stuff, acting as a filter i guess?

so basically everything doesnt just fall out like i wish it would, anyone able to help me?

is there a diy on this? thanks a bunch in advance!!!!!!!!

 

you migh get more help if you stated YEAR of the bike......

 

VFR800 Tank c/w Pump Removal

I guess that just might help a bit! Thanks!!!

It's a 2004 VFR800. I have the tank off the bike so far, so it's just a matter of getting the pump and fuel gauge float etc out. Any help is REALLY appreciated!!!

 

2004 VFR800. Tank is off the bike, but the pump etc don't come out easily like on a car.

 

How often should this fuel filter be replaced/cleaned?? Not ever owning a fuel injected bike before, I never had to worry about fuel filters.

 

removing the pump is not easy, but if you take your time, it is possible. it must be pulled out SOME of the way, then rotated a bit, then pulled out further, then rotated a bit again, etc. Eventually all that scrap metal Honda puts in there as a pre-filter might have to be squashed over to the side a bit to get the whole enchilada out of there. It is difficult, but not impossible. Put your tank on some soft cradle so you can have it upside down and work at it slowly and you'll get it out.
PS: order some new crush washers for your fuel injection connections because the dealer won't have them in stock.

 

So is this recommended for routine maintance?

 

Not for routine maintenance

 

Tell the painter to work with what he has : a pump in the tank.

Hell, he's not painting the friggin' inside!

 

along the lines of fuel tank removal, I am going to remove my tank to repaint it.
What is a proper method of handling the tank when I sand down the old finish, i.e. fill with water, or alcohol, or something? I would like to eliminate the danger with an empty tank full of gas fumes. While I'm at it, cleaning out the residue in the tank may be in good order; what product to use? 1985 VF500F