Tank off first time no problems

FirstBMW · Post by **FirstBMW** » Sat Mar 18, 2006 5:57 pm

Like so many others here, my '02 R needed a new battery.
I decided to go for it and armed only with the manuel and a set of torx wrenches I did it.
No problems. Just followed the directions.

New BMW gel battery is in and things are just fine. I should have been doing more of my own maintainance all along.

If you are thinking or trying this, I say go right ahead.

FirstBMW
from the land of Ice and Snow

Post by **taosports** » Sat Mar 18, 2006 8:37 pm

Thanks for the encouragement.

I'm close to my 24,000 mile service and have been dreading lifting the tank for the first time to get to the fuel filter and battery. Heard so many horror stories...glad things went smoothly for you.

budH · Post by **budH** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 5:14 pm

I agree. Not a difficult job at all. I swapped out my almost four year old battery recently. It was a bit corroded, weak, and low on electrolyte, what with having been ignored and never put on a charger. My starter is now cranked by an Odysee Gel battery. I also used the opportunity to swap out the fuel filter since I had 36,000 miles on the stock one.

I suggest you:

1) Run your Roadster until the fuel tank is as empty as possible
2) Wrap your tank in a blanket and have a soft place to lay it on while you work on the clamps to change the filter.
3) Label the vent hoses prior to disconnecting them
4) Take your time with the quick disconnects and be sure to use a dab of vaseline or similar grease when you hook them up again
5) Replace all the fuel line single-use clamps with reuseable fuel injection clamps

*The most difficult part for me was cutting the old clamps off. I used a pair of diagonal wire cutters - there is probably a better tool available. I was careful not to damage the lines. One or two lines were able to be pulled off without even cutting the old clamps, which was scary.