theres a method on IME (http://www.ime.org.uk/) for removing rear shocks without removing tank. Cut a hole large enough to fit your arm and spanner in the rear seat panel in line with the shocker. Concerns the structure of the car came into it, i dont think most people want to cut holes anyway :).

Try putting lots of pressure into tilting the tank backwards (lifting upwards from drain hole position). I few sharp hard shunts. i think thats how i do it.

goodluck :)

Boot now full of fuel. Good thing battery on garage floor.
Matt now extremely pissed off
For Sale: 2 x as new rear shocks

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Yes , good thing the battery is on the garage floor . How did you get the boot full of fuel though , wasn't the drain plug over the opening in the boot floor ?

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Don't panic matt.

When I removed my fuel tank last time out of the LS, the fuel line broke and I had petrol all over the place.. Just wipe all the petrol up, leave the boot open for awhile and all will be good.

I put in a new fuel line and left it a lot longer so that the tank can be moved without pulling the line off the bottom of the tank...

fuel line came off the back of the tank.
Seriously not going to buy a jerry can just to change a shock. It would cost me less to just let it piss out over the floor

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Matt.....first time I ever removed a Mini petrol tank I forgot to:

1. Drain it, and

2. Take off the rear fuel line.

When I tried to yank it out, the line came off and deposited a tank of petrol into my boot, which was rusty and ran through the holes onto my new paving!

Happens to us all!

job done.
took a lunch break and went back to it.
Taking the oportunity now to put a new rubber collar on the filler pipe so as it happens it has been worthwile.
Eventually had to take the draining plug out to get the tank out.
Now I know that the next time will be easy.
Thanks to all for help
Cheers

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