gas tank install

[48lesco]

Been my experience that you can't put the tank on a late Dream with the petcock on. It hits the frame mount just like you say... You have to install the petcock after the tank is on the frame.

[twoleggedsnake]

the frame # is ca78 1032148 the tank is original to the bike as far as i know...front of tank hits handlebar collar just before petcock nipple clears the front edge of metal support...tank at that point is about half way engaged on the rubber cushions in front... its so close but dont want to booger anything up trying to force...thanks again for everyones help

[twoleggedsnake]

thanks 48 it is titled as a 1968...beginning to think i was completely incompetent ...hated to think about taking the petcock back off...just rebuilt it ...just a little anxious about the durability of the fiber mounting washers

[48lesco]

2LS - Don't be anxious about those washers, just make sure the underside of the screw heads and the mating surfaces on the petcock are clean and not too pitted. You can use a little valve grinding compound there to spin in a smooth surface if you need to. I usually install the petcock without the bowl and put a little gas in the tank to see if they are gas-tight and they usually aren't so you have to tighten them a little more. If you use the OEM Honda fiber ones, I think they swell a little with time and seal up eventually. I've never tried the aluminum crush washers from the ebay aftermarket kit, but would like to know how well they work.
-48

[hondadreamca77]

I had no problem with the aluminum crush washers. I did coat the end of the screw that goes up into the tank with perm a gasket as well.

My 68' Dream has the same petcock / mount tab problem....have to jiggle it just right to get onto the bike and slide forward. I've thought of slightly grinding back the front section of the tab (where it hits) a bit to give some clearance.

Steve