Stelvio gas tank socket screw removal

[Next_horizon]

Hi,
I'm trying to get to the wiring to replace the indicator / computer control switchgear loom.
To do this I need to remove the plastic tank cover.
I can't remove the front black section because it is held down by the tank cap.
I need to remove the four M5 x16 hex socket screws underneath the tank cap but:
Two just turn and won't come out.
One just drops in and out.
One turns properly and comes out.
It's like a circular Catch22....
Anyone have any ideas on how I can extract them, and what maybe happening underneath the plastic shell?
Thank you & Cordially,
Derek Mansfield
http://derekmansfield.com

[Vasco DG]

They can seize in and then the threaded parts they go into spin. I've found that in those cases my snap-on 1/4 inch Rattlegun is the biz. On one occasion I had to use a 1/2 inch air gun to get the required shock and speed but usually the 1/4 in her does the trick.

Pete

[pauldaytona]

here is what it looks like, the bush with m5 is in plastic

[Wayne Orwig]

What year, out of curiosity. I assume pre 2013.

I had a couple of them spin on my 2009. It took much cursing and hate toward anyone that would use plastic near a fuel tank.

Once I finally got the cover off, I cut the plastic around those stubs and applied JB Weld to the pressed in bushings.

[canuck1969]

I had a similar problem removing a screw that holds the tank to the dash on my 2012 Stelvio.  The threaded nipple in the tank just kept turning (of course the last time I put it back I put loctite on it which really didn't help the situation).  If you can try forcing the screw out at an angle, it will bind the nipple to the tank.  It worked for my screw but I had some play.  Also try prying up the cover to pull the nipple up a little and hopefully bind it so the screw will come out. 

[Next_horizon]

Brute force, angled, all of the above and I finally got them out. Thank you guys!!! :)