Do gas tanks actually explode?

So im replacing the tired-old-leaky petcock on my 650. I bought the standard on/off petcock that you guys reommended from Z1E, its very nice, and a great price! But as expected the screen/filter part is a little bit too round to fit into the tank. So I of course whipped out the air drill, no problem! Then I thought......oh yeah, probably not a good idea, spark + gas = boom.

So I went out and bought a round-shaped hand file to use instead. Im still worried though that it might create a spark. Whenever people warn me about the gas tank "exploding", are they talking about an actual explosion resulting in damage to the gas tank? Or just flames shooting out. I think I can probably handle some flames.

just completely drain the tank. Rinse out with soap and water and keep the cap off when you work on it.

I drained it, but kind of reluctant to allow water to touch the inside. Still smells of gas. I figure i will just keep my face away from the two openings.

Sounds risky to me if there's still a stong gas smell. I would try to find something to rinse it out with. Maybe call up an auto repair shop and ask what they do when working on car fuel tanks. Ed

wash it out with fresh warm piss for about an hour or about the amount of piss freshly produced from a mid range $ 12 pack (not Canadian, as it will hurt the bikes feelings)

then blow it out with an air gun and a quick spray of wd -40......wait 3 minutes and if all is right...no Oregon brews either....it should be ready to work on.....tack a lighter and peek inside to see if it is gas free....texas method

run exhoust in the tank this will fill the tank with carbon monoxide instead of oxygen thus creating a safe enviroment.

kawman66 wrote: run exhoust in the tank this will fill the tank with carbon monoxide instead of oxygen thus creating a safe enviroment.

Uh huh, and if you use the exhaust from a running car it's hot enough to evaporate any gas that may be remaining.