I'm going to be removing the gas tank on my Deuce and the manuals say that first you have to remove the console and disconnect all the connectors for it. Is that really necessary? Do those wires connect separately under the tank or can you just remove the one connector just under the fuel line and then take the whole tank off with the console intact?

If anyone has any step by step suggestions (or pictures) for removing the tank, that would be very helpful. (not necessarily specific to the Deuce as I believe all the Softail tanks are similar).

 

You gotta take off console. I just put rag over my bars & let it sit while tank is removed. You got fuel crossover line & main fuel line & your fuel gauge. Also the main 2 bolts that hold tank to frame. Not to difficult, but easier if no gas in tank.

 

Also, in case you don't have a shop manual and don't realize it when you start out, the main fuel line at the tank end is quick disconnect, so you don't need to wrench it off.

And make sure you get as much fuel out of the tank before trying to take anything off it, otherwise once the crossover line comes off if you don't have stuff immediately within reach to pinch it off or collect whatever leaks out your garage will smell like gas for days.

Otherwise it's not that big a deal.

 

If I remember right, not EVERY wire is gonna be harnessed under the tank, so taking the console off is necessary. Its been a little while, but seems like I wondered the same thing when I took my tank off. The console is gravy to take off, and really the tank is too. As said before, remember the fuel line is a quick connect, fashioned like an air hose connection.

 

I saw photos on another thread in one of the other sections recently. I can't remember which, but there are photos. The search feature may help.

 

Why are you removing the tank anyways?

 

I just removed my tank and console. I was replacing the crossover anyway. The console is very simple. 1 bolt/nut. Unplug the 3 connectors (I think) and unscrew the trip button.

 

I'm installing new bars and the wires just miss reaching so I need to cut and splice to extend them. It's going to be much easier to get at everything if I remove the tank. I know a lot of people de-pin the connectors, but I only need to splice in a short amount of cable, so I figure it would be easier to cut them, splice in longer cable, then use plug connectors to splice it in. That way, I can always just quick disconnect the wires if I change bars again.

Would there be any issues with the computer, etc by doing that? It shouldn't really make a difference I wouldn't think.

The clutch cable and turn signal wires reach of course, but the main control wiring doesn't.

 

I wouldn't know if its ok using plug connectors cause I've never used them. As long you have done your research about them & they're safe to carry the power without melting. Most people only de-pin if they're running the wires in the bars.

 

umm..you do and you don't..you can get the tank off without removing every wire, and just let the console hang down, or tie it to the handlebars or something..the only thing that really connects it to the tank is the fuel pump cable..but for what it's worth, it's easier just to take it off and set it to the side