IMS fuel tank
| I.M.S. Products Replacing Your Basic Fuel Tank. |
 |
I.M.S. sent us their large capacity gas tank for this project 426EX. The tank is made from high-density polyethylene, offering maximum fuel carrying capacity. The I.M.S. tank holds a fuel supply of 4.3 gallons, where as the stock 400EX gas tank only holds 2.6 gallons. One of the first things you will recognize about the I.M.S. tank is its 
unique appearance; it has an extended top portion resembling a bubble. The color options vary for different models designed to match the ATV’s OEM color schemes. I.M.S. provides five striking color selections to choose from for the 400EX model. Your choices include black, yellow, natural (a transparent white), red 1, and red 2 (different shades, one red is a brighter than the other). The tank featured in this article is the brighter red of the two available choices. All the necessary hardware needed for installing an I.M.S. tank comes complete with your order, even a new gas cap.
The installation of the new I.M.S. gas tank only requires a few basic tools and about an hour of your time for completion. Begin by removing both the front and rear plastics from the 400EX. Turn the petcock on the stock tank to the off position and disconnect the fuel line from the rear of the petcock. A 10mm socket or wrench is needed to extract the two screws securing the front of the stock tank to the frame. Unhook the two rubber fastening straps from the sides of the stock tank and remove it from the ATV. You will need to reuse some of the OEM tank parts on your new I.M.S. tank, but first drain the remaining fuel from the old tank. A 8mm socket or wrench is used to disconnect the petcock from the stock unit and reapply it to the new fuel tank. With a Phillips head screw driver, take off the
seat catch button and install it into the same position on your new tank. The rubber fastening straps, and two rubber grommets located on the front of the tank where the 10mm bolts were removed will also need to be reused. Insert the rubber grommets into the holes in the two black L-shaped brackets provided in the hardware package. Using two 
of the eight new 6mm hex screws provided, fasten the black L-shaped brackets to the front of the I.M.S. tank in a position so the open part of the L is facing down. Be sure the brackets are level so the holes will line up during assembly. Next, the two aluminum brackets can be installed on the side of the new tank using four of the six remaining new screws. These brackets are installed in a fashion so the raised edge
is facing up and curving away from the gas tank. This is where your stock rubber fastening straps will now hook, securing the tank. The last two screws will replace the pushpins for anchoring the front plastic to the rear of the tank. Once all the new and reused hardware is installed, we recommend taking one last precautionbefore anchoring 
the I.M.S. tank to your ATV. We used an air compressor blowgun to blow any dust or microscopic particles out of the new gas tank before filling it with fuel. This was just a precautionary measure to assure that nothing would get passed on to block the carburetor. Another preventive method is to insert a fuel filter into the fuel line, just to play it safe. Finally, after the new fuel tank is mounted into position on the ATV,
check for clearance with the handlebars. On the 400EX, we bent the so-called helmet hanger upward to provide extra tank/handlebar clearance. The I.M.S. larger capacity gas tank allowed us to ride longer and farther than any other sport/performance ATV. The 426EX’s gas supply even held out longer than many of the utility machines that joined in 
for a days ride. Where I.M.S.’s tank really shines is on the racetrack allowing you to put more distance between you and the competition before making a pit. The unique shape and vivid
appearance of the larger I.M.S. tank attracts attention from onlookers. The installation process was easy and the directions were precise. Be patient when putting the front plastics back in place, it might be a close fit. We did not encounter any leaks, cracks, or other problems during our evaluation. The I.M.S. fuel tank is a beneficial modification for sport/performance, utility, and racing ATVs. Our opinion of the I.M.S. tank is that it receives a rating of HIGH octane.