Ive been at at with a variety of screw drivers, and the top of the barrel is looking a bit of a mess now :flame:

Whats this slide hammer business?

Here you go...

Doesn't look good to be honest, I've tried moving the catch, but it won't move, so drill/hammer etc seem the best option..

Another angle

Thanks for the fotos JPM, just as I thought. Why make it so difficult!!!!!!!!? :flame:

I haven't used the drill in ages, last time I did, I botched up the job! Keeping my fingers crossed ;)

I cant see why that housing over the catch bit didn't come loose when you removed the two screws holding it and with that removed the catch and a spring should drop out

I think he can't get to that as there's a plastic cover in the tank

slide hammer is what they use for removing certain dents. once you see one youll know how it works but the screws you get with them are usually soft so best to put a steel self tapper in it. screw it in thew top where the key goes and woosh! out she comes. slide hammers or dent pullers have been around for years and almost every car accessory shop sells them.