For me, I experienced the same. I ended up with not installing the bracket first but rather slide the bracket onto the tank half way then slide the bracket and tank as a single unit till the tank is in place. I had to install the two screws blind for the bracket when the tank is already engaged in the bracket and is blocking the screws. Not easy but doable with patience.

 

Very clever. I will give it a try.

 

Did you manage to get both bolts back in, or just one?

 

I managed to get both. One is easy and the other one (closest to you) is a challenge. Just be patient and it can be done.

 

Don't remember clearly now but I think you have to yet again disengage the tank from the bracket to install the last bolt for the bracket. The tank will be in the way but there's just enough room to put a 1/4" drive 10mm socket with u-joint and extension.

 

i got mine back into place by, weirdly enough, getting frustrated at all my failed attempts and jacking the engine back up (had dropped it initially to get in there) with the tank hanging up on that fuel line bolt. tank popped right into place. i couldnt believe it. i was sooo effing frustrated with trying to get the tank back into place. i think i only jacked it up about 2 cms or so but it worked.
the tip to remove the bracket would have helped a ton when i did mine. the tank gets caught up on that and the fuel line bolt...

 

Grrrr ... I have to concede defeat. I've got the tank in there enough to get it to my Indy. Thank you everyone for your support and suggestions. The coolant tank job is beyond me.

 

i feel your pain...i do. i was pretty much at that point too when i jacked er up.

 

If you got the tank to clear that big bolt on the fuel rail, you're not far. Worst is you install only one screw for the bracket. You are so close, man.

 

I know, I know ... so very close but so very far away. She's all back together now. I have some other work I need the garage to do to her anyway so I'll add this coolant tank (re)install to the list, just have to make sure I don't lose taht second bolt.

 

So are you guys replacing due to age, mileage, leak or what? I've never had to do this in a vehicle.

 

Leak. From what I've heard this is a common problem with the 996 coolant tanks. They ultimately degrade over time and start leaking when hot and under pressure. I was hoping I wouldn't ever have to do this job as the previous owner had replaced the tank only days before I bought it from him. But alas, she started dripping coolant and I followed it up to the source and found it was the tank

 

mine developed leaks in a couple places that started all at once last fall. replaced the tank over the winter hibernation.
the blue cap, i found earlier this year, was also leaking so replaced that too.

pstracha...just noticed youre from canmore! i used to live there! cheers! and like ahsai said, youre so close. take a break...go do a round at three sisters...then tackle er again.

 

The tank lives right over the left muffler like a chicken on the rotisserie. It looks like anything over 10 years is getting long in the tooth.

Mine at 10 years:

 

Haha nice! I've been living here for a year now. At least during my mad frustration I can pause, take a breath and take-in the magnificent view of the Rockies. A round at Three Sisters sounds like a good plan too!