Katerina Swanson
Knowing how to deep siphon a fuel tank can be a handy skill in various situations, such as when you run out of gas in a remote location, need to winterize a vehicle, or want to refill your lawnmower without visiting a gas station. While it may look easy, siphoning fuel is a tricky process that involves creating a vacuum to displace the fuel. This guide will teach you how to deep siphon a fuel tank using different methods, including the old-school method and modern techniques that utilize equipment like a siphon pump.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to siphon fuel | Running out of gas, winterizing a vehicle, refilling a lawnmower, natural disasters, broken-down vehicles, repairs, emergencies |
| Tools required | Clear plastic tubing, gas can, siphon pump, narrow hose, thicker hose |
| Tubing diameter | 1 inch (2.5 cm) |
| Tubing length | One long length to reach deep into the gas tank, one shorter length to reach just inside the tank |
| Hose insertion | Feed the hose into the tank so that it sits below the surface of the gas |
| Gas can placement | On the ground near the vehicle's gas tank, at a lower level than the fuel level inside the car's tank |
| Air pressure | Blow through the end of the shorter tube to increase air pressure inside the tank and cause the gas fuel to get sucked into the longer tube |
| Stopping the siphoning process | Remove the tube from the can and raise it above the level of the tank |
| Anti-siphon barriers | Rollover valves or anti-siphon valves, blocking mechanisms at the bottom end of the filler neck |
| Old-school method | Siphoning by mouth, not recommended due to health hazards |
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What You'll Learn
Using a siphon pump
To use a siphon pump, first, make sure you have a clean and uncontaminated gas can to collect the fuel. Then, place the hose of the pump in the fuel tank, pushing it down deep enough that it sits below the surface of the gas. Insert the other end of the hose into the gas can, ensuring that the can is at a lower level than the tank. This is important because siphoning works due to gravity and air pressure. Once you have the pump set up, increase the air pressure inside the tank by blowing through the end of the shorter tube. This will cause the gas fuel to get sucked into the longer tube. After a while, the flow will smoothen, and you can siphon enough gas out of the car.
When you have pumped out the desired amount of gas, stop the siphoning process by removing the tube from the can and raising it above the level of the tank. This will cause the excess gas to flow back into the tank. Finally, remove the pump carefully and seal your gas tank again to prevent contamination.
Please note that newer vehicles may have a blocking mechanism at the bottom end of the filler neck to prevent pushing a siphon hose into the gas tank. If you encounter this, consult your pump's manual for guidance.
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The old-school method
To use the old-school method, you will need a tube that is long enough to reach deep into the gas tank. The tube should be clear plastic tubing with a diameter of 1 inch (2.5 cm). You will also need an empty gas can or another closed container to collect the siphoned fuel. Place the gas can on the ground near the opening of the car's gas tank.
Insert one end of the tube into the gas tank, ensuring it is submerged deep enough that it sits below the surface of the gas. To check, you can blow into the tube and listen for bubbles. Once the tube is in place, start sucking on the free end until the gasoline comes out. Use your fingers to crimp the tube and stop the flow when needed. Be careful, as this process happens very quickly.
As soon as you see the gasoline rising through the tube, crimp the tube and insert the end into the gas container. You should now have a steady flow of gas from the siphon hose. If you see bubbles rising through the hose, you may need to start again, but be sure to empty the hose before sucking again.
It is important to note that modern cars have checks in their fuel systems to prevent fuel theft, making the old-school method of siphoning more difficult. Additionally, newer cars and SUVs have emergency valves or anti-siphon valves that prevent the gas from being drained in the event of an accident. As a result, the old-school method may not work on all vehicles.
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Using a hose and thumb
To deep siphon a fuel tank using a hose and your thumb, you will need a hose or tube that is long enough to reach from the inside of the fuel tank to your container. It is recommended to use a clear plastic tube, around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, so that you can see the fuel moving through the tube.
Firstly, place one end of the hose into the fuel tank, ensuring it reaches deep inside. Then, place your thumb over the other end of the hose and lower that end into your container. Remove your thumb, and the gas will rush up the tube and into your container. This method works due to the creation of a vacuum, which causes the fuel to flow from the higher point in the tank to the lower point in the container.
It is important to note that this method is not suitable for newer cars, typically those manufactured after 2000, as they have a valve that blocks the use of hoses for siphoning. Additionally, always exercise extreme caution when handling flammable liquids such as gasoline, and ensure you are in a well-ventilated area to prevent the inhalation of fumes.
To stop the flow of fuel, cover the long tube with your thumb, raise it above the level of the gas in the tank, and remove your thumb. Any remaining fuel in the tube should flow back into the tank.
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Bypassing a rollover valve
Firstly, you will need the right tools. Gather a narrow hose with a quarter-inch diameter and a length of eight feet, a thicker hose, a siphon pump, and a gas container to collect the fuel. Ensure you have access to the fuel tank and are familiar with the specific type of anti-siphon device in your vehicle.
Now, cut the end of the narrow hose at an angle to create a pointed, narrow end. This angled end will help guide the hose past the valve. Insert the narrow hose into the fuel filler tube and push it down until you reach the rollover valve. Use a twisting and pushing motion to manoeuvre the hose past the valve and into the fuel tank. You may need to be persistent and apply some force to get through the valve.
Once the narrow hose is past the valve, attach the thicker hose to its end. Connect the thicker hose to your siphon pump, and place the discharge end of the pump into your gas container. Start the pump, and the fuel will begin to be drawn out of the tank.
If you are unable to push the hose past the valve, an alternative method is to strike the end of the hose with a hammer. This force may help dislodge the ball in the valve, allowing you to proceed with inserting your siphon hose.
It is important to note that bypassing a rollover valve can be challenging, and there are other methods for siphoning fuel that may be more practical. Additionally, always exercise caution when handling fuel, and ensure you are in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
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Stopping the flow
To stop the flow of fuel and end the siphoning process, you must break the siphon. This can be done by taking out the tube from the gas can and raising it above the level of the tank. The excess fuel will then flow back into the tank due to gravity. Ensure that the tube is free of obstruction and, if necessary, remove the seal around the tubes. Air needs to escape the tank to make space for the gas flowing back in.
If you are using a pump, you will have to turn off the automatic pump when you have enough gas. Afterward, carefully remove the pump and seal your gas tank to prevent contamination.
It is important to note that newer vehicles may have anti-siphon measures in place, such as a block at the base of the fuel filler neck or a rollover valve, which can make the process of siphoning more challenging or even impossible.
Always exercise caution when handling flammable liquids like gasoline, and ensure you have adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of dangerous fumes.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a siphon pump, a hose, and a gas can or another closed container to siphon the fuel into.
Place the hose in the fuel tank and insert the other end of the hose into the gas can. You can use your mouth to suck the fuel through the hose, but this is dangerous and not recommended. Instead, use a manual or automatic siphon pump to create a vacuum to displace the fluid.
Ensure that the short tube is free of obstruction and, if necessary, remove the seal around the tubes. Air needs to be able to escape the tank to make space for the gas flowing back in.
Knowing how to deep siphon a fuel tank can be useful in various situations. For example, you may need to siphon fuel to power a generator during a power outage, to winterize a vehicle, or to refuel a lawnmower without going to a gas station.
