Regan Brown
If you need to drain the fuel tank of your Holden VE Commodore, there are a few methods you can try. The first is to remove the fuel tank from the car, which will allow you to also remove the fuel pump and ensure it is clear of any bad fuel. If you don't want to remove the tank, you can try using a hand pump to pump out as much of the bad fuel as possible, then adding fresh fuel to dilute what's left and pumping out the contaminated mix. Another method is to disconnect an engine bay line and jump the fuel pump relay, or to pull the Schrader valve from the front of the fuel rail, attach a hose, and turn on the ignition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for draining | Fuel rotting in the tank |
| Frequency of draining | Every 3-6 months |
| Tools required | Jerry can, syphon hose |
| Alternative method | Disconnect an engine bay line and jump the fuel pump relay |
| Alternative method 2 | Pull the Schrader valve out from the front of the fuel rail, attach a hose, and turn the ignition on |
| Warning | Fuel is a carcinogen and may cause ignition |
| Fuel tank removal | Remove the rear seat, cut an access portal to the fuel pump module, and remove the module |
| Fuel tank removal 2 | Depressurise the fuel system, siphon fuel from the tank, raise the vehicle, and remove the tank |
| Fuel pump removal | Remove the strap closest to the filler neck, the bolt at the front, and the strap from the rear support |
| Fuel pump removal 2 | Lower the fuel tank from the left side first, release the fuel filler neck, and remove the pump |
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What You'll Learn
Removing the VT fuel tank
Firstly, it is important to depressurise the fuel system and ensure that there are no naked flames or other ignition sources nearby to avoid any accidents. Then, siphon the fuel from the tank using commercially available equipment, being cautious to never drain or store fuel in an open container to prevent the possibility of fire or explosion.
Next, raise the vehicle, preferably using a hoist if accessible. If not, you can jack up the differential and place the car on stands. Remember to remove the three stone guard retaining screws and then take off the stone guard found under the right-hand rear guard.
After that, remove the fuel sender electrical connector from its mounting by pulling it forward and then separating the connector halves. Place a drain tray under the fuel filter area, ensuring that all dirt and foreign material is removed from any fuel connection before proceeding.
Now, you can disconnect the quick-connect fittings to the vapour canister, return line, and fuel filter. Push inwards to release the seal pressure, depress the side tangs of the connector, and then pull to disconnect. Disconnect the vapour canister breather hose at the canister as well.
If required, you can remove the fuel filter by detaching the fuel feed line quick connector and then depressing the two barbs on the mounting strap nipple. Please note that fuel will spill during this step.
Disconnect the earth strap from the spade connector, found under the front right-hand strap mounting bolt of the right-hand tank support strap.
The next step is to remove the fuel tank support straps. Start by removing the centre strap by taking off the rear retaining nut and washer, then unhook the strap from the front support. While supporting the fuel tank in the centre, remove the strap closest to the filler neck after removing the bolt at the front and unhooking the strap from the rear support. Finally, remove the remaining strap by taking off the nuts and washers from each end.
Carefully lower the fuel tank from the vehicle, starting with the left side first, to release the fuel filler neck from the body opening.
It is important to note that fuel pump removal and installation are the reverse of the removal process. Having an extra pair of hands to assist you during this process can be helpful. Additionally, it is recommended to fully flush the tank before reinstalling it to remove any sludge buildup.
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Disconnecting an engine bay line
To disconnect an engine bay line, you must first depressurise the fuel system. Ensure that there are no naked flames or other ignition sources in the immediate area. Siphon the fuel from the tank using commercially available equipment. Never drain or store fuel in an open container due to the possibility of fire or explosion.
Then, raise the vehicle, preferably on a hoist. Alternatively, jack up the diff and place the car on stands. Remove the three stone guard retaining screws, then take off the stone guard from under the right-hand rear guard.
While supporting the fuel tank in the centre, remove the strap closest to the filler neck. To do this, first remove the bolt at the front and unhook the strap from the rear support. Finally, remove the strap after taking off the nuts and washers from each end.
Lower the fuel tank from the vehicle, left side first, to release the fuel filler neck from the body opening. Fuel pump removal is fairly simple from here, and installation is just the reverse of removal. It is helpful to have someone assist you with this process.
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Removing the rear seat
To drain the fuel tank of a Holden VE Commodore, one method is to remove the rear seat and create an access portal to the fuel pump module. This method is suggested due to the delicate electronics involved.
Firstly, remove the rear seat. This will grant access to the fuel pump module. Next, cut a removable access portal to the fuel pump module. Be sure to take caution and note the presence of toxic fumes and possible ignition sources. Once the fuel pump module is exposed, it can be removed and cleaned.
To clean the fuel pump module, start by inspecting and cleaning everything with e85. Then, use a hand pump to empty all the fuel from the tank. After this, analyse the extent of contamination and replace the filter or clean the secondary sender.
If you would prefer not to do this yourself, it is possible to pay Holden to remove the tank, flush it, and clean it. This will cost between $500 and $600, plus an additional $100 for the flush.
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Using a hand pump
To drain a VE Commodore fuel tank using a hand pump, follow these steps:
Firstly, depressurise the fuel system and ensure that no naked flames or other ignition sources are nearby to avoid any accidents. It is crucial to be cautious when dealing with fuel due to the risk of fire or explosion.
Next, you will need to gain access to the fuel tank and pump. This may involve raising the vehicle, preferably on a hoist, or jacking up the differential and placing the car on stands. If possible, remove the rear seat and cut an access portal to the fuel pump module. This will allow you to inspect and remove the module for cleaning.
Once you have access to the fuel tank, use the hand pump to empty all the fuel out. Make sure you have a suitable container to collect the drained fuel. After removing the fuel, analyse the extent of contamination and take appropriate steps, such as replacing the filter or cleaning the secondary sender.
Additionally, consider diluting the contaminated fuel with fresh fuel and pumping out the mixture to remove any remaining residue. This process may need to be repeated several times to ensure that the tank is thoroughly drained and cleaned.
Remember to exercise extreme caution when handling fuel, and always be aware of potential toxic fumes and ignition sources.
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Cleaning the injectors
To clean the injectors of your Holden VE Commodore, you must first drain the fuel tank. This can be done by removing the rear seat and cutting an access portal to the fuel pump module. Once the module is removed, inspect and clean all components with e85, and use a hand pump to empty the fuel tank. Analyse the extent of contamination and replace the filter or clean the secondary sender.
It is important to beware of toxic fumes as the fuel is a carcinogen, and manage possible ignition sources. You can also flush the tank with e85 using a hand spray pump, then empty and mop up the tank by hand. Topping up with e85 initially is a good idea, as it will mix with and dilute contaminants better than petrol and work as well as most fuel system cleaners.
If you do not want to remove the fuel tank, you can try to pump as much of the bad fuel out as possible using a hand pump suitable for flowing fuel. Once you have pumped out as much as you can, add some fresh fuel to dilute what is left, then pump out the contaminated fuel mix. The fuel lines from the tank to the injectors will contain the contaminated fuel and should be purged.
Another method to reduce fuel levels without draining is to disconnect an engine bay line and jump the fuel pump relay. You can also try pulling the Schrader valve out from the front of the fuel rail (under a plastic cap), attaching a hose, and turning on the ignition.
Remember to always depressurise the fuel system and ensure no naked flames or other ignition sources are in the area before attempting to drain or clean the injectors.
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Frequently asked questions
The only way to fully drain the tank is to remove it from the car. That way, you can also remove the fuel pump and ensure it is clear of contaminated fuel.
First, depressurise the fuel system and ensure that no naked flames or other ignition sources are in the immediate area. Then, siphon the fuel from the tank using commercially available equipment. Caution must be taken to never drain or store fuel in an open container due to the possibility of fire or explosion. Next, raise the vehicle, preferably on a hoist. If you do not have access to one, jack up the differential and place the car on stands. Finally, remove the retaining screws and stone guard, and lower the fuel tank from the vehicle, left side first, to release the fuel filler neck from the body opening.
If you do not want to remove the fuel tank, you can try to pump out as much of the contaminated fuel as possible using a hand pump suitable for flowing fuel. You will then need to add some fresh fuel to dilute what is left and pump out that contaminated fuel mix.
Before attempting to drain the fuel tank, ensure that there is power to the fuel pump and that the fuel pump relay is not faulty. If you are removing the fuel tank, it is helpful to have a friend assist you.
