Draining The Fuel Tank Of A 996 Carrera: Step-By-Step Guide

how to drain fuel tank in 996 carrera

If you're looking to drain the fuel tank of your Porsche 911 Carrera 996, there are a few methods you can try. One popular method is to use a siphon to remove the fuel. While this can be tricky due to the design of the tank, some users have reported success with a cheap siphon from Harbor Freight. Alternatively, you can try turning on the fuel pump and disconnecting a fuel line near the fuel cooler to pump out the fuel. If you're having issues with fuel contamination or a faulty fuel pump, you might also consider replacing the fuel pump or sender. This process can be complex, and you may need to remove the fuel rail and lower the engine to access the tank.

How to Drain Fuel Tank in 996 Carrera

Characteristics Values
Year of Manufacture 1998-2005
Method Turn on the fuel pump, disconnect a fuel line near the fuel cooler and pump all the fuel out
Tools Durametric, siphon
Difficulty Hard to siphon due to tank design

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Turn on the fuel pump and disconnect a fuel line

To drain the fuel tank of a 996 Carrera, turn on the fuel pump and disconnect a fuel line. This can be done near the fuel cooler. You can then pump all the fuel out until the tank is empty.

Syphoning is not a good option for this model, so the above method is the best way to drain the tank. You can disconnect the supply hose at the level sending unit and connect a hose to a gas can.

One user reported that when they turned the ignition on, the pump did not turn on. They suggested trying to activate it with a Durametric. This method did work for them, and their pump ran continuously with fuel coming out of the line.

Another user reported that they were able to siphon out 90% of the remaining fuel with a cheap siphon. They did, however, have trouble with the foam that was created.

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Use a siphon to drain the tank

To drain the fuel tank in a 996 Carrera, one method you can use is a siphon. A siphon is a tube used to move liquid upwards from a reservoir and then down to a lower level. This process is all thanks to gravity.

Firstly, you will need to submerge one end of a hose or tube in the fuel you want to drain. It is important to use a clear hose so you can see the fuel moving through the tube. Ensure that you do not start the siphon with your mouth, especially when dealing with fuel. Instead, you can coil the tube into a circle and place it into the fuel, pushing it down until it is completely covered. You will see air bubbles escape from the inside of the tube. Once the bubbles stop, the tube is ready.

Next, place your finger over the end of the tube that is now full of fuel. Then, take the tube out of the fuel and place the end into an empty container that is lower than the fuel tank. Once the end is submerged in the container, release your finger and let the fuel flow. Gravity will create suction, pulling the fuel from the tank into the container.

The siphon will continue to drain the fuel until the two levels are equal, or the tank is completely drained. To stop the siphon, simply remove the higher end of the tube from the fuel.

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Disconnect the supply hose at the level sending unit

Disconnecting the supply hose at the level-sending unit is a crucial step in draining the fuel tank of a 996 Carrera. This process is necessary when preparing the car for a new engine installation or addressing fuel contamination issues. Here is a detailed guide on how to perform this task:

Firstly, locate the level-sending unit in your 996 Carrera. This component is part of the fuel system and is responsible for monitoring the fuel level in the tank. It is typically located within the fuel tank or attached to it. Before proceeding, ensure that you have the necessary tools and safety equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, to work with fuel.

Once you have identified the level-sending unit, proceed to carefully disconnect the supply hose. The supply hose is the line that delivers fuel from the tank to the engine. It is usually secured to the sending unit with a coupling or clamp. Using the appropriate tool, loosen or detach the coupling or clamp that holds the supply hose in place. Be cautious when handling the hose as it may still contain some fuel.

After disconnecting the supply hose, you will have access to the fuel tank. At this point, you can attach a hose to a gas can or another suitable container to catch the drained fuel. Ensure that the container is properly labelled and capable of safely holding flammable liquids.

When you are ready to proceed, turn on the fuel pump by activating the ignition or using a tool like Durametric. This will create pressure in the fuel system and facilitate the draining process. With the pump running, the fuel will start to flow out of the tank through the disconnected supply hose.

It is important to note that fuel may not drain immediately or completely on its own. You may need to assist the process by gently squeezing the supply hose or using a siphon to draw the fuel out. Always exercise extreme caution when handling fuel, as it is highly flammable, and ensure that the work area is well-ventilated.

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Disconnect the fuel lines from the sender

To disconnect the fuel lines from the sender, you will need to first remove the battery from your Porsche 911 Carrera 996. The lower battery tray acts as a cover for the fuel pump area. Once you have removed the battery, you will see the top of the fuel tank sending unit.

Next, disconnect the connector that mates with the sender. Squeeze and disconnect the fuel lines and breather hose that feed into the top of the unit. There may be some small fuel spillage at this point, so have a roll of absorbent paper towels on hand. You might also want to have an old pen ready to carefully plug the lines to prevent further leaks.

If your sender looks like it has only two fuel lines on it, one from the "turret" in the middle and one next to it with a release button, you can try depressing the button by prying with a small screwdriver. However, be careful not to use too much force as you don't want to break anything.

Some models may have a third round plug on the top of the pump without a button. In this case, you can try pressing the small green buttons on the side of the lines and pulling hard until they come loose.

Once the fuel lines are disconnected from the sender, you can proceed with draining the fuel tank.

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Check for fuel contamination

When your engine doesn’t start, you should check for fuel contamination by inspecting the basics. Check the spark, fuel injector pulse, and fuel pressure, volume, quality, and engine compression.

To check the quality of the fuel, you can perform a fuel delivery system test. This will help you determine if there is any contamination in the fuel. You can also check for fault codes, which will indicate any problems with the fuel system.

If you have a 1999 Carrera 911, for example, and it won't start after driving for an hour or two, it could be due to a crank sensor issue or a problem with the fuel pump. In this case, checking the fuel quality and volume can help identify if there is any contamination or issues with the fuel delivery system.

For a 2003 911/996, if there are cold-starting problems, performing a fuel delivery system test is recommended to check fuel pressure, volume, and quality. This will help identify any contamination or issues with the fuel system.

Additionally, if you have a 2004 Carrera and notice a strong fuel smell in the emissions after the engine turns over, it could indicate a failing AOS, allowing excess vapors or oil into the engine. Checking the fuel quality and volume in this case can help determine if there is any contamination or if the AOS needs to be replaced.

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