New to Can Am Spyder, in need of a little help! Fuel Tank

[Notn2bars]

HI,
Hopefully someone will be able to help. My wife recently purchased an 08 Spyder touring model, it has a manual transmission. So I'm guessing it is an SM5. The trike was donated to our church and she made an offer which was accepted. Don't think I've ever seen her so excited to try something new. I have been doing my own wrenching for years. 01 Dynaglide, 02 Ultra Classic, 72 Ironhead Sportster, 04 K1200lt, 04 Goldwing, various Yamahas, Suzukis, Hondas, Kawasakis, and now Can Am Spyder. Don't have a service manual yet, but have been able to remove the touring bags, trunk, most of the tupperware, fuel lines and etc. It is my desire to get this trike running for my bride. Happy wife, happy life!!!! The trike has been sitting for 3 years. The previous owner indicated electrical problems and I already know the fuel system will have to be repaired. The gas smells like vinegar. I would like to remove the fuel tank, do a complete clean, replace the fuel pump, screen, fuel filter and so on. Then move on to the electrical. Removal of the fuel tank has me stumped at this point. All the bolts have been removed, fuel lines removed, and I have pulled the bolts on the brake cylinder, just haven't been able to pull out the tank. I must be missing something. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Ed

[cptjam]

Has a parts catalog with exploded views. You'll be able to see what fasteners you missed. They love to make it difficult!

[Blue Star]

HI,
Hopefully someone will be able to help. My wife recently purchased an 08 Spyder touring model, it has a manual transmission. So I'm guessing it is an SM5. The trike was donated to our church and she made an offer which was accepted. Don't think I've ever seen her so excited to try something new. I have been doing my own wrenching for years. 01 Dynaglide, 02 Ultra Classic, 72 Ironhead Sportster, 04 K1200lt, 04 Goldwing, various Yamahas, Suzukis, Hondas, Kawasakis, and now Can Am Spyder. Don't have a service manual yet, but have been able to remove the touring bags, trunk, most of the tupperware, fuel lines and etc. It is my desire to get this trike running for my bride. Happy wife, happy life!!!! The trike has been sitting for 3 years. The previous owner indicated electrical problems and I already know the fuel system will have to be repaired. The gas smells like vinegar. I would like to remove the fuel tank, do a complete clean, replace the fuel pump, screen, fuel filter and so on. Then move on to the electrical. Removal of the fuel tank has me stumped at this point. All the bolts have been removed, fuel lines removed, and I have pulled the bolts on the brake cylinder, just haven't been able to pull out the tank. I must be missing something. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Ed

Sorry I cannot help explain how to remove the gas tank, but if you need a gas cap I have one you can have that will work on the RS.

[Notn2bars]

Thanks to both of you for taking the time to reply. I have removed all fasteners for the tank, it can be moved around, but not enough room to pull it out. The master cylinder may have to be removed, but I am trying to avoid doing so. Thanks for the offer of the cap!!!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

HI,
Hopefully someone will be able to help. My wife recently purchased an 08 Spyder touring model, it has a manual transmission. So I'm guessing it is an SM5. The trike was donated to our church and she made an offer which was accepted. Don't think I've ever seen her so excited to try something new. I have been doing my own wrenching for years. 01 Dynaglide, 02 Ultra Classic, 72 Ironhead Sportster, 04 K1200lt, 04 Goldwing, various Yamahas, Suzukis, Hondas, Kawasakis, and now Can Am Spyder. Don't have a service manual yet, but have been able to remove the touring bags, trunk, most of the tupperware, fuel lines and etc. It is my desire to get this trike running for my bride. Happy wife, happy life!!!! The trike has been sitting for 3 years. The previous owner indicated electrical problems and I already know the fuel system will have to be repaired. The gas smells like vinegar. I would like to remove the fuel tank, do a complete clean, replace the fuel pump, screen, fuel filter and so on. Then move on to the electrical. Removal of the fuel tank has me stumped at this point. All the bolts have been removed, fuel lines removed, and I have pulled the bolts on the brake cylinder, just haven't been able to pull out the tank. I must be missing something. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Ed

FIRST - ....& ....... There was NO touring model in 08 ... it is a GS ... and all those bags etc. were after market items added by some other owner....... I would copy the VIN number and take it to the nearest Can-Am Dealer ( that you plan to use ? )...... with that number He can search the Known HISTORY of your trike and supply much helpful info ... Personally I would find another way of draining the gas tank, I doubt it really needs to be cleaned ..... but new filters would be an excellent idea ...... also get a SERVICE MANUAL on-line ..... it's way cheaper. I know Green Manuals make one for your Spyder .... Also BajaRon doesn't think you will need to get the newer larger filter ...unless it's already been changed ...........Also better prices for OEM parts can be had at Procaliber.com - register for free for discounts ....and Cheapcycleparts (?) .......... best of luck .... Mike

[ARtraveler]

You have a job on your hands, but sounds like you are up to it.

Get the known mechanical history from any dealer--via the VIN. That should be helpful.

The mechanicals you mentioned are above my pay grade, so I will have to only watch.

Keep us posted with your progress.

[Chupaca]

from the parts list view...the design of the tank looks like it should come out the right side. You would have to remove anything in the way there. Now there are sub-frames on either side that may have to be removed to allow the tank to come out. I know the rear two bolts mount to the main frame but the forward two mount to sub-frames...9

[Notn2bars]

Blueknight911,
Then it would be a GS. Didn't know the bags and tour pak were aftermarket. The seats say Corbin, I knew they were aftermarket. I have ordered a manual on CD, just don't have it yet. Although the tank could be cleaned "kinda" without removing it, my preference would be to take it completely out and do it once. My experience with this type of issue on Harley tanks says, "take it out." Would rather go to the trouble of doing it this time and not having issues with it later. Just thought someone out there might have the knowledge to accomplish this and save some time and effort in the process. Thanks to all of you for the valuable information.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Blueknight911,
Then it would be a GS. Didn't know the bags and tour pak were aftermarket. The seats say Corbin, I knew they were aftermarket. I have ordered a manual on CD, just don't have it yet. Although the tank could be cleaned "kinda" without removing it, my preference would be to take it completely out and do it once. My experience with this type of issue on Harley tanks says, "take it out." Would rather go to the trouble of doing it this time and not having issues with it later. Just thought someone out there might have the knowledge to accomplish this and save some time and effort in the process. Thanks to all of you for the valuable information.

In 08 the year they first came out .... there was only one model .... the sporty GS, with no side or top bags .... in 2010 they introduced the RT which is a full touring model with all bags molded into the Spyder body ....not easy to remove ...... Mike

[JerryB]

Hi Notn2bars,

Re: Thanks to all of you for the valuable information.

This place is the best forum that I have ever been on for people willing to assist with info, etc.

There are a few characters on here ( I'm probably on a few lists ), you'll find out who they are over time.

And even the characters offer a nugget of info every now & then.

Just keep asking questions; we do not charge for answers, yet.

Jerry Baumchen

PS) Keep us posted on your progress; we all like to read about this stuff.