Triumphrat

mfile2000 · 12-27-2012, 09:38 AM

Help!

I have a 2000 Sprint and need to get the tank off, but the hex hole in the screw at the front of the tank is rounded out. What's my best bet to get that thing out of there?

Thanks all.

Felony · 12-27-2012, 10:16 AM

Try to tap in a slightly larger torx style driver or maybe grind a slot and use a flatblade screwdriver.

M.G.Vig · 12-27-2012, 10:24 AM

Sometimes, an Imperial hex key will fit (helped along with a few gentle taps with a hammer). The trouble is, if the hex is rounded off, it was probably seriously overtightened, so will be a right royal PITA to remove, whichever method you employ. Best of luck!

matjen · 12-27-2012, 10:32 AM

drill a hole thru the center of the screw to relieve tension and use an easy out.

mfile2000 · 12-27-2012, 10:44 AM

Thanks everyone. On the Sprint, there isn't much room to work in the front of the tank, given the fact that the tank rises high above the screw with just a groove in the front of the tank to get to it.

CharlieS · 12-27-2012, 01:23 PM

Use a drill bit to drill the head of the bolt off. 1/4" ought to do it. The head will pop off once you drill thru it, then you can remove the tank and use a pair of pliers to ease the remaining bolt from the threads.

KD5QOQ · 12-27-2012, 02:06 PM

Great minds think alike Charlie.

DrTriumph · 12-27-2012, 02:09 PM

Drill it just slightly then easy out. I found a snub nose easy out at Canadian Tire that did the job for me on a similar problem. I did have more room it was a pinch bolt.

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mfile2000 · 12-27-2012, 02:40 PM

Sounds like the 1/4" drill plan. I ran into this problem because the tank expanded (ethanol) in the gas to the point where it doesn't fit down inside the frame anymore. So the knucklehead I am, last time I put it back on....well, you know the rest of the story.

mfile2000 · 12-28-2012, 10:47 PM

1/4 inch drill did the trick. Just a few seconds. Thanks all again!