Pressurize the tank with the petcock installed?

[Guest]

I just put a wide-surface dent in the top of my bike when it leaned over against my thigh. I was loading it into the pickup and it fell over while I was reaching for the strap (yes, I was straddling it). It landed against the case guard and the center stand, the tank didn't even hit anything- except my leg.

Now I have a big dent like 7" across and 5" wide. It isn't creased or anything. I think if I pressurize the tank with my air compressor, it will pop right out. But wouldn't pressure open the petcock and pressurize the fuel out?

Thanks
-Matt

[GSX1000E]

Heat AROUND the dent with a heat gun or hair dryer and then apply a small section of dry ice to the center of the dent.
Wear thick gloves and use a rag to hold the dry ice.

[Steve]

There is only a rather light spring pushing the 'stopper' in the petcock into place. Light enough that a bit of vacuum from the engine will pull it away. I don't think it would take much pressure in the tank to overwhelm that little spring.

Personally, I would try the heat and ice trick. If you can't find any dry ice, freeze some water in a small storage container that you probably have in the kitchen and apply that block of ice.

.

[rustybronco]

Pressure may remove most of the dent but it also may splay the sides of the tank. That happened to Nessism's fuel tank.

[bwringer]

Pressure may remove most of the dent but it also may splay the sides of the tank. That happened to Nessism's fuel tank.

Yep. It's been tried before, and the sides of the tank spread apart long before the dent moves.

If it's a big dent and reasonably smooth, try a suction cup first. There are some made for lifting glass, and some made specifically for dent removal.

Another option might be paintless dent removal (PDR). Find a body shop with a good PDR tech and odds are he can massage it out from the back.

[wymple]

Toilet stool plunger