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replacing filler tube - dremel tool a bad idea?


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Hi folks.

 

I'm gonna replace the filler tube on my '99 Outback this weekend. The 3 screws that attach the tube to the quarter panel are rusted tight.

 

I was thinking about cutting them off w/ a dremel tool, but that will cause some sparks. Any chance that would cause fuel vapor to go blammo?

 

Thanks.

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I have to agree with the others. Being a long time and frequent Dremel user (I hope the inventor is rich and famous beyone belief) and hazardous materials technician, the cutoff wheels still make enough sparks to ignite gasoline vapor. The flash point (temperature that causes ignition) of gasoline is low enough that it takes a minimal amount of heat to get it going. The vapors have an explosive quality so they are much more dangerous than the liquid fuel itself. The vapors also ignite much more readily than the fuel will.

 

Drill them out.

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Whenever I do them, Before I even put a screwdriver on them. I take them out first with an impact driver. That always works for me, unless someone already butchered them. Then you can drill them out, or, I've used carbide burr drill bits with success too. They don't really make any sparks, and eat up the screw head pretty well.

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