The tank of an 8R isn't rigidly connected to the case. The case has a bracket attached to it with 2 spot welds, and the tank simply "snaps" into that bracket. The bracket has 2 protrusions, and the tank 2 dimples. If the bracket has come off the case, as one side of mine did (spot weld failed), I simply drilled thru both and pop-riveted the bracket back on. Has been that way for 15 years now. The only things attached to an 8R tank are the vaporizor tube to the burner, and the fill spout. J