A word of thanks to all listees that offered comments on gas tank
replacement...
I did the job last weekend, filled the tank and it doesn't (seem) to
leak! yay!
 
Under the heading "What could possibly go wrong?"
 
1) filler neck had a rust hole. fixed with epoxy paste
2) when popping in one of the breather fittings, I managed to push the
grommet into the tank. duh. take tank out, hold it upside down above my
head and shake till grommet falls out.....reinsert fitting with extra
care!
3) I completely disassembled the gas cap/filler neck assembly. bad idea.
The screws that hold it all together are really tough to line up.Best to
back the screws off, but not take them out.
4) a bottle jack under the tank strap really helps line up the securing
bolts...the new tank fits tight.
5) there is a surprising amount of gas in the bottom of the tank. Have a
25 litre plastic pail handy and empty the tank throgh the filler hole...
6) ya need 4mm hose for the breather lines.....
 
anyway, it's all becoming a memory now, a bank of experience that I hope
I'll not have to draw on again!!!!
 
Bill M 82GL