In reply to a message from John S sent Mon 24 Dec 2012:
It is definitely possible to remove and reinstall the Fuel
Filler Latch Box without removing the gas tank.
First, use a dental pick or other suitable tool to remove
the garter spring that secures the gaiter around the fuel
filler neck.
Next, working inside the trunk, remove the black plastic
cover from the left tail lamp (2 black plastic ‘‘star’’ nuts).
Remove the spare tire, jack and tools. Remove the flat
carpet trim panel that covers the fuel tank by pulling the
left edge outward and leftward from behind the battery. The
left fender carpet trim is just tucked into place and can be
carefully pulled out.
Now you have access to the underside of the FFLB. Cut any
plastic ties that secure the FFLB drain tube to the fuel
filler neck. Carefully separate the top end of the drain
tube from the gaiter. If the gaiter is old, it will be
fragile, so treat it with extreme care. Disconnect any
other ties or clips that secure the drain tube, pull its
lower end out of the exit hole in the trunk and lay it aside.
Locate the rubber hose that connects to a fitting on the
forward side of the fuel filler neck, loosen the clamp, pull
the hose off the fitting and tuck it aside.
Remove the long hex-head screws that secure the FFLB to the
fender underside. I think there are 4 of them and they’re a
small size like 7mm or 8mm. A 3- or 4-inch extension on a
1/4-inch ratchet helps access the screws. Removing these
screws first will permit limited movement of the FFLB for
the next step.
Use a short ‘‘stubby’’ Phillips screwdriver and/or a Phillips
bit on a 1/4’’ ratchet to remove the 8 (I think) small screws
that secure the plastic oval retainer that clamps the
underside edge of the gaiter in place. Start with the most
difficult-to-reach screws first so you are less likely to
lose a screw behind the fuel filler neck if the oval
retainer falls free as you remove the last awkward screw.
Save the easiest-to-reach screws for last instead. When all
the screws have been removed, let the oval retainer slide
down the filler neck, past the hose fitting and out of your way.
Carefully separate the gaiter from the FFLB by pushing
upward around its outer edge. When the gaiter is free, let
the FFLB slide down the filler neck, then very carefully
push the gaiter up and off of the filler neck. Because the
gaiter is so easily torn, before you try to push it off the
filler neck you may want to first run a thin flat-bladed
screwdriver between the filler neck and gaiter to release
any spots that may be stuck.
With the gaiter removed from the filler neck, it is now
possible to remove the FFLB by carefully tipping & tilting
its thinnest corner up and over the filler neck. It’s a
little like solving one of those old folk-art puzzles made
from two large nails bent into curves that interlock but can
be separated if you move them through the proper sequence of
positions. The oval gaiter retainer plate lifts over the
filler neck easily.
Assembly is the reverse of removal.–
Don B : '93 VDP Flamenco Red 187K : (ex-'88 Sovereign)
Franklin, TN, United States
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