Sylvie Willis
Draining an ATV fuel tank is a necessary procedure, especially if you want to prevent water contamination or remove old fuel. The process can vary depending on the ATV model, but generally, it involves accessing the fuel tank by removing the necessary components, such as the front plastic, fuel line, and pump power. Once the tank is exposed, you can choose to drain it by turning it upside down or by using a hose to siphon the fuel. Proper disposal of the drained fuel is essential, and it's also important to clean the tank and perform necessary maintenance to keep your ATV running smoothly.
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What You'll Learn
Remove the fuel pump
To remove the fuel pump from your ATV, you will first need to drain the fuel tank. It is important to prevent water from entering your ATV's engine, as this can cause serious damage. Check the air filter and, if wet, remove it from the air box and allow it to dry completely.
Once you have ensured that the air filter is dry, you can begin to drain the fuel tank. Before draining the fuel, remove the fuel tank cap to allow air to enter the tank and facilitate the draining process. If your vehicle has an electric fuel pump, you can use it to drain the tank. First, locate the fuel pump fuse or relay in your vehicle's fuse box and remove it. Then, turn on the ignition without starting the engine. The fuel pump will activate and start draining the fuel tank. Once the tank is empty, turn off the ignition and replace the fuel pump fuse or relay.
If you do not have an electric fuel pump, you will need to remove the fuel tank from the ATV and turn it upside down to drain the fuel. To do this, you may need to remove the front plastic of the ATV using the appropriate tools. Once the plastic is off, disconnect the vent, fuel line, and pump power. Remove the tank bolts and carefully lift and tilt the tank to remove it.
Now that the fuel tank is drained, you can begin to remove the fuel pump. Be very careful when slowly working the pump out of the bottom of the tank. After removing the fuel pump, you can clean it and the pre-filter with carb cleaner. Ensure that you clean the electrical contacts on the pump and the seals before reassembling.
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Drain the tank
To drain your ATV fuel tank, you will need to locate the fuel tank and identify the fuel cutoff valve. Turn the fuel cutoff valve to the "off" position. It is important that you do not start the engine at this point; you should tow the ATV back to your garage for further steps.
Next, remove the hose from the cutoff valve. You may need to slide the small clamp back on the hose first. Find another hose of the same diameter and length that will reach the container you will be draining the fuel into. Slide the new hose back onto the cutoff valve and place the other end of the hose into the container. Now, turn the cutoff valve to the "reserve" position and let the fuel drain out.
Alternatively, you can remove the fuel tank and turn it upside down to empty the fuel into a bucket. To do this, you will need to remove the front plastic of your ATV. This usually takes about 10 minutes if you are practised. Use 3/8, 7/16, 1/2 sockets, T27 torx, and push pin pliers to remove the plastic. Once the plastic is off, disconnect the vent, fuel line, and pump power. You should loosen the pump lock ring before pulling the tank. After draining the fuel, clean the tank and reinstall it.
If you suspect that water has entered your fuel tank, you should check the air filter. If it is wet, you must remove and dry it or replace it entirely. You should also check the breather tubes for mud and clean them if necessary.
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Clean the tank
To clean your ATV fuel tank, you will first need to drain the tank. To do this, turn the fuel cutoff valve to "off", remove the hose from the cutoff valve, and slide the small clamp back on the hose. Find another hose of the same diameter and that is long enough to reach the container you will be draining the fuel into. Put the hose back on the cutoff valve and put the other end of the hose into the container. Turn the cutoff valve to the "reserve" position and let the fuel drain out.
Once the tank is empty, you can begin the cleaning process. First, remove the plastic cover, disconnect the fuel line, and take the tank off the bike. Turn the tank upside down to empty any remaining fuel or debris into a bucket. Rinse the tank with fresh gas and dump it out again. This will remove any remaining debris.
If your ATV has been submerged in water or exposed to deep mud, you will need to take additional steps to clean the tank. Tilt the bike backward to remove any excess water, and do not start the engine. Tow the ATV back to your garage for further inspection. Remove the air filter and either dry it or replace it if it is wet. Disassemble and clean the airbox if there is mud or water inside. Clean out mud and debris from the air inlet and check the breather tubes for mud. Clean the tubes with water and leave them to dry.
Check for water in the stator by removing the housing. If water pours out, use an air compressor or hairdryer to dry the stator, or wait for it to dry on its own. Belt-driven transmission ATVs usually have a drain plug at the bottom to remove water. Remove the spark plugs or injectors to allow the water to flow out. If your ATV has a carburetor, drain and clean it using a carb cleaner. Leave it to dry and check the gaskets, replacing them if they are wet.
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Turn off the fuel cutoff valve
To turn off the fuel cutoff valve when draining your ATV fuel tank, follow these steps:
- Locate the fuel cutoff valve: The fuel cutoff valve is typically located near the fuel tank or the fuel line. Refer to your ATV's manual or seek advice from an ATV forum specific to your make and model if you're unsure of its exact location.
- Access the valve: Depending on your ATV's configuration, you may need to remove any covers or panels obstructing access to the valve. Ensure you have the necessary tools to safely remove these components without causing damage.
- Turn the valve to the "off" position: Once you have clear access to the fuel cutoff valve, turn it to the “off” position. This will stop the flow of fuel and allow you to proceed with draining the tank safely.
- Secure the valve: In some cases, you may need to secure the valve in the off position to prevent accidental activation. This can be done by engaging any locking mechanisms or safety features associated with the valve. Refer to your ATV's manual or consult with knowledgeable ATV enthusiasts for specific instructions regarding your model.
- Optional: Tag or mark the valve: To ensure that you don't forget to reopen the valve before operating your ATV again, consider tagging or marking it with a reminder. This visual reminder will help you remember to turn the valve back on once the tank has been drained and refilled.
Remember, it is essential to refer to your ATV's manual or seek advice from experienced ATV enthusiasts or mechanics familiar with your specific make and model. They can provide you with precise instructions and safety precautions tailored to your vehicle.
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Remove the spark plugs
Removing the spark plugs is an important step when draining an ATV fuel tank. This is because water can enter the ATV engine or fuel tank in several ways, such as when riding through deep mud or when water splashes up into the engine. Water in the engine can cause significant damage, as it cannot be compressed like air, and can lead to a broken piston rod, fractured crankcase, or damaged bearings.
To remove the spark plugs, you will need to locate them first. The number and placement of spark plugs will vary depending on the make and model of your ATV, so it is important to refer to your owner's manual or seek guidance from a qualified mechanic if you are unsure. Once you have located the spark plugs, follow these steps:
- Make sure the engine is cool before beginning any work to avoid the risk of burns or injury.
- Gather the necessary tools, which typically include a spark plug socket wrench or a deep socket wrench, and a ratchet. You may also need a torque wrench for reinstallation.
- Disconnect the spark plug wires. This step is important as it ensures that no power can be transmitted to the spark plugs during the removal process, preventing accidental ignition.
- Using the appropriate wrench, carefully loosen and remove the spark plugs by turning them counterclockwise. Take care not to strip the threads or damage the spark plug during removal.
- Once removed, inspect the spark plugs for any signs of damage or wear. Replace them with new ones if necessary.
- If you are cleaning or servicing the engine, this is a good time to perform those tasks while the spark plugs are removed. Refer to your ATV's maintenance guidelines for specific recommendations.
- When ready to reinstall the spark plugs, first apply a thin coat of anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the new spark plugs (if applicable). This will help prevent them from seizing in the future.
- Carefully thread the new spark plugs into place by hand, ensuring they are properly aligned and seated correctly.
- Use the torque wrench to tighten the spark plugs to the manufacturer's specified torque settings. Do not over-tighten as this can strip the threads or damage the spark plug.
- Reconnect the spark plug wires to the new spark plugs.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove and replace the spark plugs in your ATV, ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of your vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to drain an ATV fuel tank. One way is to turn the fuel cutoff valve to "off", remove the hose from the cutoff valve, attach another hose of the same diameter to the cutoff valve, place the other end of the hose in a container, and turn the cutoff valve to the "reserve" position. Another way is to remove the tank, turn it upside down, and empty it into a container.
If you suspect water has made its way into your ATV fuel tank, check the air filter. If it is wet, you will need to remove it and dry it or replace it entirely. You can also tilt the bike backward to remove any excess water.
If you don't drain your ATV fuel tank, water can get into the engine, causing significant damage. Water can enter the ATV engine or fuel tank through deep submersion in water or mud, or through water splashing up into the engine.
