Gas Tank Removal Help (82 XJ750 Maxim)

Hey! I'm trying to get my turn signals to blink again (light up, no blinky) so I'm trying to get into the wiring underneath the tank to check voltages and maybe swap out the replacement blinker relay I got. But I'm not really sure how to pull the tank - I got the retaining bolt off the rear of the tank, and the fuel switch is ON but I can't seem to jimmy off the fuel and vacuum lines, they seem really tight around the fuel tap and I'm afraid of ripping or abrading them. Any suggestions? What do I do if I break them trying to get them off?

And this having the Atari dash I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to disconnect a low fuel sensor - hopefully that will be obvious when I pull the tank.

 

I usually just cut them and replace with new ones cheap and you do not have to wonder if they are going to crack and leak

 

There is a fuel sensor plug under the seat, just before the tank. Two wires. Just unplug it and that's all the wiring you have to worry about. Regarding the two hoses, try twisting them a bit with a pair of pliers where they connect, that usually will loosen them up enough to pull them off. I just did mine the other day

 

Just be very careful with pliers and the like on the fuel and vacuum lines. You don't want to break or otherwise damage the petcock in the process. If they've become virtually "welded" on, just slit them enough to get them off, and lop off the split bit before you push them back on.

If original, I would replace. Be sure to use actual vacuum line for the vacuum line; other types of hose can collapse in on themselves once hot and under vacuum.

 

Try hair dryer to soften rubber.

I actual used heat gun for quicker emergency repair this winter.

 

Many of these bikes have to be running for the signals to actually blink. If the engine is off, and you turn the ignition switch to on and flip the signal switch, they light up but that's it.

Start the bike and check the blinkers while it's running.. Make sure that the rpms are up high enough, too, cuz some will stop blinking if the rpm's fall too low.

Dave Fox

 

The condition you're describing is a soggy battery.

If the wiring is 100% and the battery is up to snuff and fully charged, the tail light, brake light and turn signals should all operate normally; the headlight won't come on until the bike is running (by design.)

 

My headlight, aux light, blinkers, and tail light all operate with the key in the ignition and the bike not running.