Do I really need to drain the tank?
 

I need to run some wires under my tank to install this Shift Gauge. The procedure in the manual says to use a vaccum pump and all this to drain the tank before removing it, I dont really need/want to drain it, I just need to get it out of the way, Can't I just turn the valve to the off posistion, disconnect the hoses and lift the tank off with the gas still in it? Or is gas going to run out the vaccum line or something?

If I have to drain it, that means I got to get one of those vaccum pumps, hipe they aren't expensive.

It's a 2006 Carbed bike by the way.

thanks

i know mine has a quick release hose on the bottom .. not sure about the 06 though

Turn the petcock to off position, start the bike until it runs out of fuel, and pull the tank off. No need to drain the tank. I've done it many times.

thanks for the quick answer, that makes this install a piece of cake then.

Yeah, no need to drain it. A little gas may drip out if you don't run it first, but not too much.

Also, for future reference, the vacuum on those petcocks to make them open is not very high. All you need is a small hose attached and you can suck on it to make it open. If you have ever been inside one you would see that it is just a small spring that is easily overcome.

You don't even need to run it there is a drain on the bottom of the carburetor and a hose that runs down by the oil filter. A long narrow flat screw driver will do the trick.

If you turn the tap off and remove the tank (which will involve disconnecting the hose from the tap) any fuel that escapes is what is in the short length of hose between the tap and carb. You could simply point the hose downwards into a small container to remove it, so it doesn't spill over the bike. No need to drain the carb, for what you are doing.

Just turn off the tap while engine still on, what's in the hose will empty into the float bowl. Let the engine run to drain out the float bowl a bit, then the tank should come off dry.

Doing the same thing on my bike next week to replace choke cable assy and have the upper engine mount powder coated.

John