Gas Tank plastic insert removal

[daveh]

Folks,

I think I remember some posts quite a while back on the Apex gas tank
being limited to less than the listed capacity and this was due to the plastic insert in the tank opening. I believe some folks had removed or modified this part. I was wondering:

1. Is my statement above true with respect to less usable gas storage because of the plastic insert? (I think listed capacity is 10.1 gal US) My tank seemed to hold less than this (perhaps as much as one gallon less)

2. Besides expansion/splashover risk protection while towing what is the purpose of such a long insert?

3. How do you modify or remove/insert the thing if there is indeed some benefits?

Since the average gas mileage seems to be about 15 MPG, I would not mind an additional 8-12 miles of range.

Thoughts??

Thanks

Dave

 

[Bodacious]

If you want, remove the insert, drill a series of holes in it , then reinstall it. This should allow the tank to burp out the air pocket that may be causing the under-fill of the tank. JMO...

 

[LJ 452]

To my knowledge the only purpose of the insert to to allow room for expansion. If you were to fill your tank to the absolute top in the winter and leave it until the middle of summer you would probbly find a puddle of fuel dripping from your chasis, (through the breather tube). Also it may put strain on the fuel cell itself. My buddy removes it every time he fills up his Viper. Mine a little difficult to remove so I don't bother. I just top it off. As you fill the neck it will decend into the normally unused area of the tank. If you pump the last gallon or so slowly you have accomplished the same thing you would if you removed the insert. I usually don't bother topping off as everyone with the exception of the Vector in my group needs Fuel long before I ever seem to. My only words of caution regarding this subject would be: If you are out ridding and know you will continue for 10-20 miles after your fill-up, no issue toping it off. If you planning on fueling up and pulling on the trailer or parking it in the garage, just fill to the bottom of the insert. Why risk it.
If you want to remove it but also want a reference point for the storage fill-ups as mentioned just drill some holes as mentioned before or keep it in the trunk. Just make sure to dry it completely before tossing in there. Rear exhaust may bring new meaning to the term "Lighting the Candle" (sorry two stroke talk). Anyway my suggesting just take the extra 30 seconds to top off slowly if needed and leave the thing alone.

J.L.

 

[bgbytoys]

Folks,


3. How do you modify or remove/insert the thing if there is indeed some benefits?

Thanks

Dave

when on the trail filling it up insert a couple of fingers in the tank and pull it out. yes it is that easy.

 

[daveh]

Thanks folks,

I appreciate the feedback. I love the "lighting the candle" comment.
I guess gas fumes and rear exhaust would be an undesirable mix (sure would entertain the riding buds though).

Dave

 

[QCRider]

when on the trail filling it up insert a couple of fingers in the tank and pull it out. yes it is that easy.

I do that every time. It's simple.