Katerina Swanson
If you've accidentally filled your Toyota Hilux with the wrong type of fuel, you'll need to drain the tank to avoid engine damage. The process involves siphoning out as much fuel as possible, then removing the fuel tank guard and drain plug to release the remaining fuel. You'll need a range of tools, including a siphon hose, socket and ratchet, and a wrench. It's important to disconnect the negative terminals of the engine batteries before starting, and to catch any residual fuel with a low-profile container. Finally, you'll need to refill the tank with diesel and let the engine run for a few minutes.
How to Drain a Hilux Fuel Tank
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools required | Siphon hose, 10mm socket and ratchet, 1-metre 10mm OD beverage tube, 1-metre 14mm OD beverage tube, barbed joiner, containers to capture recovered fuel |
| Step 1 | Park the car on as level a surface as possible |
| Step 2 | Disconnect the negative terminals of both the engine batteries |
| Step 3 | Remove the fuel tank guard (6 bolts) |
| Step 4 | Loosen the outer 2 bolts on the front and rear of the tank guard, then the 2 centre bolts |
| Step 5 | Clean the drain plug with a stiff brush |
| Step 6 | Loosen the drain plug with an adjustable wrench |
| Step 7 | Place a low-profile container underneath the drain plug to capture the excess fuel |
| Step 8 | Jack up the front of the pickup to level the tank and get the rest of the fuel out |
| Alternative method | Use a small 12-volt pump and a small fuel pipe to pump out the fuel |
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What You'll Learn
Using a siphon hose to drain the tank
To drain a Hilux fuel tank using a siphon hose, you will need the following tools:
- Siphon hose
- Containers to capture the recovered fuel
- 10mm socket and ratchet
- 1-metre 10mm OD beverage tube
- 1-metre 14mm OD beverage tube
- Barbed joiner
First, park your car on as level a surface as possible. This will ensure that the fuel is evenly distributed within the tank and facilitate more complete drainage.
Next, locate the fuel tank. The fuel tank is typically located at the rear of the vehicle, underneath the trunk or cargo area. Once you have located the tank, identify the fuel lines or hoses that connect to it. These hoses will be used to attach your siphon hose.
Before beginning the siphoning process, it is important to take safety precautions. Ensure that the area is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of flammable fumes. It is also recommended to disconnect the negative terminals of both the engine batteries before proceeding.
Now, attach the siphon hose to the fuel lines or hoses. Place one end of the hose in the fuel tank and secure it in place. Place the other end of the hose into a suitable container for capturing the drained fuel. Ensure that the container is properly labelled and that you are complying with local bylaws and environmental requirements.
Begin the siphoning process by sucking on the end of the hose in the container to create a vacuum. This will initiate the flow of fuel from the tank into the container. You may also use a hand pump to start the siphoning process if you have one available.
Once the fuel is flowing, continue siphoning until the tank is empty or you have collected as much fuel as possible. This process may take some time, depending on the size of your fuel tank and the capacity of your container.
Finally, dispose of the drained fuel responsibly and in accordance with local regulations. Ensure that you clean your equipment and hands after completing the task, as fuel can be hazardous.
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Disconnecting the negative terminals of the engine batteries
Park your vehicle: Find a suitable and level surface to park your Hilux. Make sure the engine is turned off, and engage the parking brake to ensure the vehicle remains stationary during the process.
Locate the engine batteries: The engine batteries are typically located under the hood of your Hilux, near the engine. They are usually held in place by a mounting bracket or clamp.
Identify the negative terminal: The negative terminal is often marked with a "-" symbol or a black cover. It is important to differentiate it from the positive terminal to avoid any mishaps.
Gather the necessary tools: You will need a suitable socket or wrench that fits the battery terminal. Some batteries may also have a retaining bolt or nut that secures the terminal in place.
Disconnect the negative terminal: Using the appropriate tool, loosen the nut or bolt securing the negative terminal. Once it is loose, carefully remove the terminal from the battery post. You may need to wiggle it gently to detach it completely.
Insulate the terminal (optional): Consider covering the disconnected terminal with electrical tape or a terminal protector to prevent accidental contact or short circuits.
By following these steps, you have successfully disconnected the negative terminals of the engine batteries in your Toyota Hilux. Remember to reconnect the terminals securely once you have completed your work on the fuel tank or before operating the vehicle again.
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Removing the fuel tank guard
To remove the fuel tank guard, you will need a 12mm socket and wrench with a 6" extension bar. There are six bolts in total that need to be removed: three at the front of the guard and three at the rear.
Firstly, loosen the outer two bolts on the front and rear of the tank guard, and then the two centre bolts. Be careful not to let the guard drop onto you as it weighs around 6kg. Once the bolts are removed, you can lift off the guard.
If your Hilux is a 2007 model or newer, it may not have a drain plug. In this case, you will need to remove the bed, which is held on by six bolts, and then the filler neck and tail lights to access the cover plate on top of the tank.
Alternatively, you can try using a small 12-volt pump to pump out the fuel without removing the tank.
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Locating the drain plug
To locate the drain plug of your Hilux, you will need to get under the pickup. There is a fuel tank guard under the fuel tank that needs to be removed. It is held in place by six bolts—three at the front and three at the rear. Loosen the outer two bolts on the front and rear of the tank guard, then the two centre bolts. Be careful not to let the guard drop onto you as it weighs about 6kg.
Once the guard is removed, you should see the drain plug at the rear end of the fuel tank. Before removing the drain plug, use a stiff brush to clean away any muck and rust powder from around it. An adjustable wrench can be used to loosen the drain plug. Once you have broken the seal (cracked the nut), get a low-profile container to drain the excess fuel into.
Note that some sources suggest that Toyota does not use drain plugs on fuel tanks anymore and that they stopped doing so in the 1990s. If your Hilux does not have a drain plug, you will need to remove the tank and turn it over to drain the fuel. Alternatively, you can use a small 12-volt pump to pump the fuel out.
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Removing the tank and turning it over
If you need to remove the tank, start by disconnecting the negative terminals of both the engine batteries. Then, remove the fuel tank guard, which is held on by six bolts—three at the front and three at the rear. Loosen the outer two bolts on the front and rear of the tank guard, then loosen the two centre bolts, being careful not to let the guard drop onto you as it weighs about 6kg.
Once the guard is removed, you will have access to the fuel tank. Depending on the model of your Hilux, there may be a drain plug at the rear end of the tank. If so, use a stiff brush to remove any muck and rust powder from around the drain plug before loosening it with an adjustable wrench. Place a low-profile container underneath the drain plug to catch the excess fuel.
If there is no drain plug, you will need to remove the bed of the Hilux, which is held on by six bolts, and then the filler neck and tail lights to access the cover plate that goes into the top of the tank.
After draining the fuel, remember to refill the tank with diesel fuel and change the fuel filter. The engine will run rough until all the gasoline leaves the fuel lines.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a siphon hose to drain the tank. Park the car on a level surface and siphon the fuel from the tank.
Loosen the bolts on the front and rear of the tank guard, then remove the guard. Next, loosen the drain plug with a wrench and drain the excess fuel into a container.
You will need a siphon hose, a 10mm socket and ratchet, a wrench, and containers to capture the recovered fuel. If you are removing the tank, you will also need a jack to level the tank and a 12mm socket and wrench to remove the tank guard.
After draining the tank, you should refill it with diesel fuel. The engine will run rough until all the gasoline leaves the fuel lines. You should also get the engine tested for damage, especially with regard to cylinder compression pressure.
