How tough is the plastic gas tank?

[JB.]

As shown in the pic, the skid plate has formed a little point. Tapping the plastic tank does not give me the impression of it being very thick. Does anyone have an educated guess at the probability of the metal point punching a hole into the plastic on a heavy impact?

 

[Solice]

I'm far from being an expert on this kind of stuff but I would definatley think over time it could start chewing a the plastic (if you offroad alot and things constatnly hit the skid plate).

It couldn't hurt to bend it back a little.

 

[TechWrench]

As shown in the pic, the skid plate has formed a little point. Tapping the plastic tank does not give me the impression of it being very thick. Does anyone have an educated guess at the probability of the metal point punching a hole into the plastic on a heavy impact?

If there is direct contact between the 'point' and the side of the tank, I would be concerned that over time the tank could get a hole worn in it. If possible, I would try to bend out the point on the skid plate to remove the possiblity.

 

[JB.]

I suppose if I want to do it right, I aughta remove the skid. Sticking a screwdriver in there to bend it probably isn't worth the risk. Anyone had the gas skid off? Easy? Pain?

Do ya suppose this could be related to why I'm gettin' 3 miles per gallon?

 

[Koz]

The gas tank is 7 layers tough, and with a steal cover can take a good hit.

 

[Good Times]

A decent plier should do the trick. Removing that skid should be your last option as it's not fun.

 

[JB.]

Thanks for the replies.

The gas tank is 7 layers tough, and with a steal cover can take a good hit.

7 layers, nice. That's some pretty unusual artwork on the ol' gas tank. No scrapes where I would expect to see 'em, while on the side it looks like you decided to store food in there in Grizzly country.

A decent plier should do the trick. Removing that skid should be your last option as it's not fun.

Removal didn't look fun. I figured if anybody had had it off, you had. Here I am goin' to grab the pliers.