2001 Pontiac Bonneville Remove fuel tank safely

NOTAPROMIKE2

MEMBER
2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
3.8L
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
436,000 MILES

A mechanic ruined the motor of my beloved Bonneville by screwing up the installation of a new oil pump when he was changing the timing chain as a preventative maintenance issue which I deeply regret doing. If it aint broke, don't fix it. Anyway, I am stripping the car of parts as I have 3 other Bonnevilles and there is 0 market for this car. The salvage outfit needs the fuel tank removed prior to taking it there and I would like some suggestions as to how to do so without blowing myself up. Please be specific. Thank you. NotaproMike

Sunday, March 22nd, 2015 AT 6:06 AM

4 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

If it's low on fuel then just take it out just don't make any sparks. Then pour gas into a can so you can reuse it and flush tank with water you'll be ok. If tank is ful then drain into cans to put in your car to use.

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Sunday, March 22nd, 2015 AT 7:00 AM

NOTAPROMIKE2

MEMBER
32 POSTS

Thanks but I need more info. Will the tank come out without removing a bunch of major steel that seems to be in the way? It looks like I may need to remove a rear control arm and a piece of frame that houses the exhaust pipe as well. And may need to remove the exhaust pipe. Or will the tank come out without removing anything? How can I get the gas out of the tank?

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Sunday, March 22nd, 2015 AT 8:40 AM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

See pic, take out spare/jack and access panel to fuel pump. Then siphon fuel out from there. Reinstall pump you will probably have to drop exhaust system to get it out not sure about control arms as once it's loose you may be able to move it around that. We don't have any good pics or instructions on tank. Every car is different.

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