05 Bulldog gas tank removal

[cdogg556]

I replaced the bars on my bike and to do this I had to remove the gas tank, well there is a bracket under the tank that twists in place between the two sides of the tank, well I did not know you needed some type of special tool to do this, so I made a tool myself, it worked, but not the best, anyway when I went to put the tank back on it seems like I cannot get it all the way forward, it stops before the holes line up on the bracket, so now if I put it in where it will line up it is too far back and the seat hits the tank, does anyone know what the hell I am doing wrong? I have attemted this 2 times now and cannot figure it out, any help would be great, thanks.

 

[pknowles]

Make sure you have the plate in the right position. you are supposed to leave the center bolt in and use a short 3/8ths extension and ratchet to swivel the bracket 90 degrees +- to remove the tank and pay attention to the rubbers on each end. If you need a diagram, pm me.

 

[Brew]

When I reinstall the tank I put a smug of grease on the tips of the rubber mounts. This makes it a bit easier to twist into the locked position.

 

[lee]

I got fed up with this and sanded a bit of the rear mount down so that it goes on easier. The problem with having the tank sat back is that it will rattle against the frame in front of the seat

 

[cdogg556]

That is the problem, the seat is slammed against the tank and the tank is rubbing on the frame!! I am going to try what pknowles said, leave the center bolt in and rachet it into place, thanks for all the info guys!

 

[cdogg556]

Make sure you have the plate in the right position. you are supposed to leave the center bolt in and use a short 3/8ths extension and ratchet to swivel the bracket 90 degrees +- to remove the tank and pay attention to the rubbers on each end. If you need a diagram, pm me.

Worked like a dream!, thanks for the info pknowles, you have been a great help, it is amazing how easy it is to do something when you know the right way to do it, I guess this means I need a 05 service manual!, thanks again, I really appreciate it!

 

[pknowles]

Glad it worked for you. I have an 08 shop manual and don't know how much it has changed but , if you run into more problems, let me know.

 

[cdogg556]

Thanks pknowles, I will let you know for sure if I run into another problem.:2thumbs: