Draining The Forman 500 Fuel Tank: Step-By-Step Guide

how to drain fuel tank on forman 500

The Honda Foreman 500 is a powerful ATV with a fuel tank that can be drained and replaced. While the process is not overly complex, it does require careful attention to detail. This guide will walk you through the steps to safely and effectively drain the fuel tank on a Honda Foreman 500, covering topics such as removing the plastic cover, disconnecting the fuel line, and disposing of the old fuel properly. Additionally, we will explore some common issues and troubleshooting tips, such as issues with the spark plug, fuel pump, or fuel filter, to ensure your Honda Foreman 500 is running smoothly.

How to drain fuel tank on Forman 500

Characteristics Values
Vehicle Type ATV, Side-by-Side & UTV
Vehicle Make and Model Honda Foreman 500
Year 2003, 2005-2014
Submodel Rubicon 500, TRX500F, TRX500FA, TRX500FM
Fuel Tank Part Fuel Valve Petcock with Lever Screw
Fuel Filter Attached to the fuel pump inside the tank
Draining Method Disconnect the fuel line, turn the cutoff valve to the "reserve" position, and let it drain into a container
Additional Tips Remove the plastic cover, take the tank off the bike, and turn it upside down to empty
Fuel Disposal Dump old fuel into a vehicle that can burn it, such as a truck

shunfuel

Removing the fuel tank from a 2006 Forman 500

To remove the fuel tank from a 2006 Forman 500, you will need to first drain the fuel tank. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, locate the cutoff valve. Slide the hose back on the cutoff valve, and then place the other end of the hose in a container. Turn the cutoff valve to the "reserve" position and let the fuel drain out.

Next, take off the plastic cover with "Foreman" printed on it. Disconnect the fuel line, and then take the tank off the bike. Turn the tank upside down to empty any remaining fuel into a bucket or suitable container.

It is important to dispose of the fuel properly. You can do this by diluting it with a full tank of fresh gas, for example, by adding it to your work truck.

Note: Unplugging and plugging back in the fuel gauge will not be affected by this process.

shunfuel

Using a hose to drain the tank

To drain the fuel tank of a Honda Foreman 500, you will need to use a hose and a container to collect the fuel.

First, locate the cutoff valve. Slide the hose onto the valve and place the other end of the hose in your chosen container. Turn the cutoff valve to the "reserve" position and allow the fuel to drain out. Ensure you dispose of the fuel properly. One method is to dilute it with a full tank of fresh gas in a vehicle that can burn it.

If you need to remove the fuel tank entirely, you must first disconnect the fuel line. Then, turn the tank upside down to empty any remaining fuel into a container.

It is important to note that you should always exercise caution when handling fuel and ensure proper ventilation in the work area. Additionally, make sure that the fuel is disposed of responsibly and not poured down drains or into water sources.

For older models of the Honda Foreman 500, such as the 2003 and 2006 versions, you may need to refer to specific forums or seek advice from mechanics familiar with the model. This is to ensure that you have the correct procedure for draining the fuel tank, as there may be slight variations between different model years.

shunfuel

Disposing of the fuel

When disposing of fuel from your Honda Foreman 500, it is important to follow safe and environmentally friendly practices. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Tools and Containers

Before you begin, ensure you have the required tools and a suitable container for the fuel. You will need a hose, a cutoff valve, and a container to collect the drained fuel. Place the container securely below the fuel tank to avoid any spills or leaks during the draining process.

Step 2: Access the Fuel Tank

To reach the fuel tank, you will need to remove the plastic cover with the "Foreman" printing on it. This will expose the fuel line and the tank. Be careful when handling the plastic cover to avoid any damage to the surrounding components.

Step 3: Disconnect the Fuel Line

Once you have accessed the fuel line, proceed to disconnect it carefully. You may need to loosen any clamps or fittings holding the line in place before completely detaching it. Be prepared to collect any residual fuel that may spill during this step.

Step 4: Drain the Fuel

After disconnecting the fuel line, attach the hose to the cutoff valve. Place the other end of the hose into the container you have prepared. Turn the cutoff valve to the "reserve" position to allow the fuel to flow out of the tank and into the container. Ensure that the container is large enough to hold the volume of fuel and that it is properly sealed to prevent any accidental spills.

Step 5: Properly Dispose of the Drained Fuel

Now that you have successfully drained the fuel, it is important to dispose of it properly. Do not pour the fuel down drains or into water bodies as this can cause environmental harm. Instead, consider taking the drained fuel to a designated disposal facility or a hazardous waste collection centre. If you have small quantities of fuel, you can dilute it with a full tank of fresh gas in another vehicle, such as a truck or car, and burn it off that way. However, always exercise caution and refer to your local regulations for the correct disposal methods.

Remember to adhere to safety guidelines and local regulations throughout the process, and if you are unsure about any steps, seek advice from a qualified mechanic or a Honda Foreman specialist.

shunfuel

Replacing the fuel tank petcock

To replace the fuel tank petcock on a Honda Foreman 500, you will need to purchase a replacement petcock that is compatible with your model. You can find these for sale on Amazon and Walmart. Once you have the new part, follow these steps:

  • Remove the plastic cover with "Foreman" printed on it.
  • Disconnect the fuel line.
  • Take the tank off the bike and turn it upside down to empty any remaining fuel into a suitable container.
  • Clean the tank, if desired.
  • Install the new petcock and fuel line. Ensure that you follow any specific instructions that came with your replacement petcock.
  • Reattach the tank to the bike and reconnect the fuel line.
  • Turn the cutoff valve to the "on" position and check for any leaks.

Note: It is important to dispose of any old fuel properly. Do not pour it down the drain or into the ground. Consider diluting it with fresh fuel and burning it in another vehicle, if possible.

shunfuel

Adjusting the valves

To begin the adjustment, you will need to gather the necessary tools, which include:

  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Phillips-head screwdriver
  • 10mm box wrench
  • 10mm socket with extension
  • 24mm socket or box wrench
  • Feeler gauge
  • Spark plug wrench

With these tools, you can start the process by removing the gas tank and all the plastic shrouds and covers. This will give you access to the valves. Once you have removed these components, you will need to use the 24mm socket to remove the valve inspection covers.

The next step is to remove the round caps at the tops of the cylinder head to access the adjuster. Here, you will need to check the valve clearance (cold), which should be .006 inches, plus or minus .001 inches for both the intake and exhaust valves. To do this, the motor needs to be turned over to top dead center compression.

After making the necessary adjustments, slowly turn the motor over by hand to ensure that everything is functioning correctly. It is important to note that you should always dispose of any fuel properly when working on your Honda Foreman 500.

Frequently asked questions

To drain the fuel tank on your Honda Foreman 500, first, take the plastic cover with the Foreman printed on it off, disconnect the fuel line, and take the tank off the bike. Then, turn the tank upside down to empty it into a pail.

It is important to dispose of fuel properly. You can dilute old fuel with good gas and use it in your work truck.

You may need to remove the fuel tank and carb from your bike to clean the carb.

The fuel filter is attached to the fuel pump inside the tank.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment