Gas tank/spark plug removal (2000 sprint st)

[cafejim]

Hi,

Can someone outline the proper way to safely remove the gas tank on a 2000 sprint. Also advice on replacement plugs. Thank you all for your help.

Jim/Brooklyn NY

[unummyu]

Jim,
First make sure your tank is almost empty. Pull the seat off and remove the two bolts holding the fairing that is below the tank and on top of the frame. Gently pull the fairing out and away from the tank. The right side is where the quick disconnect fuel connections are. Disconnect the fittings, remove the electrical connector. There are two bolts through the rubber mounts on the rear side of the tank and one at the front. There is a small spacer in the front mount take care not to misplace it. Lift the rear of the tank and remove the other electrical connector and the tank is now free. You may have two small drain hoses on the tank, don't kink them when you replace the tank.
To get to the plugs you need to remove the 6 or 8 screws holding the breather box on there is one in the center too and disconnect the electrical plug on top of the box. Disconnect the hose from the bottom of the box and pull up hard.
You now should see the three stick coils, pull them up and you will see the plugs. I put iridium plugs in mine but I don't know if the 2000 uses the same model plugs.
John

[cafejim]

John,

Thank you for your help!

Jim

[clockwatcher]

My I add that when removing the plugs my normal plug sockets were to thick. The plug socket in the bike tool kit works best.

[ExKellick]

Jim

the OO Sprint is different to the 03. The fuel tank thing is the same, just be careful disconnecting the fuel hoses. Front one first and watch out for leaking fuel it will mess up the paint on your frame if not wiped up straight away.

The airbox only has two screws on the back. The plugs are different and cheaper. The NGK website has the correct part numbers. I put in iridiums and reckon they give much better low down responsivness.

Also be careful you don't pinch the 'o' rings on the fuel connections when reconnecting. Its probably also not a bad time to check if you tank drain is clear.

Its a bit of pain putting it back together, just go slow and it will be
fine.

Good luck

[cafejim]

Thanks all!

Jim

[unummyu]

Jim,
What Phil said about the O-rings is an excellent point. I would not remove the tank unless I had at least two spare O-rings on hand. I think they are 3/8" outside X 1/4" inside viton rings. In my opinion reconnecting the hoses is the hardest part of the procedure.