Honda 17500-SR2-A31 Fuel Tank

The procedure is much easier to perform if the fuel tank is empty, and some tanks have a drain plug for this purpose. If there is no drain plug, fuel can be siphoned using a siphoning kit available at most auto parts stores, but starting the siphoning action with your mouth is not advisable. Begin by removing the fuel tank filler cap to relieve pressure, then relieve the fuel system pressure. Detach the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. If the tank has a drain plug, remove it and drain the fuel into an approved gasoline container; if not, siphon the fuel into an approved container. Next, remove the rear seat and disconnect the fuel gauge and fuel pump electrical connectors. Raise the rear of the vehicle and secure it on jackstands, then remove the splash panels that protect the fuel tank and fuel lines. Label and disconnect the fuel hoses and any securing brackets, supporting the fuel tank with a floor jack and placing a wood block between the jack head and the tank for protection. Disconnect both fuel tank retaining straps and pivot them down until they are out of the way, then remove the tank from the vehicle. Installation is the reverse of removal.

Any welding, modification, replacement, reinforcement, painting or other work on the fuel tank or filler neck should be done by a qualified person with understanding of this regretfully necessary and rather hazardous job since even after extensive cleaning and flushing of the fuel system, explosive vapors may remain and may be ignited during the work. Should the fuel tank be removed from the car it should not be stored near inflammable materials such as sparks or flames with added caution when storing the tank in a garage containing natural Gas type appliances, sparks from the pilot light may cause explosive reactions.