Release The Pressure: Gas And Fuel Tank Tips

Getting gas out of a fuel tank can be necessary in a variety of situations, such as contaminated fuel, power outages, or running out of gas in a remote area. It is important to note that this process can be dangerous and should be done with caution. The most common method is to use a siphon pump, which creates a vacuum to displace the fluid. This involves placing a hose in the fuel tank and inserting the other end into a gas can. It is crucial to ensure that the hose is secure and submerged in the fuel tank to prevent air from disrupting the process. Additionally, newer vehicles may have anti-siphon mechanisms, such as a mesh screen or a rollover valve, which can make siphoning more challenging. In such cases, it is important to consult a professional or refer to a detailed guide for specific instructions.

Using a siphon pump

Step 1: Place a gas can near the tank

Make sure the can is clean and uncontaminated. It should be placed on the ground near the vehicle's gas tank. Siphoning uses gravity to carry gas from one container to another, so positioning is crucial.

Step 2: Get a siphon pump

Buy or obtain a siphon pump. If you prefer not to work with an improvised siphon, specialised siphon pumps are commercially available. These pumps allow you to safely siphon gas without getting your hands dirty or risking exposure to dangerous gas fumes.

Step 3: Set up the tank and hose

Place one end of the clear tubing inside the gas tank and the other end inside the gas can. Make sure to position the hose in the gas tank so that it is immersed in the gasoline. Siphon pumps have one end that receives fluid and another that expels it, so ensure the correct ends are used.

Step 4: Begin pumping gas

Squeeze the pump mechanism a few times to create the suction needed to move the gas from the gas tank through the hose. Keep in mind that the mechanisms on siphons vary depending on the pump design. You may need to squeeze a rubber bulb or manipulate a plunger to get the process started. The gas should begin flowing after just a few pumps.

Step 5: Monitor the pump

Monitor the pump as gas moves out of the tank and into the gas can. As the container approaches being full, elevate the tube or the container above the level of the gas tank to stop the siphoning process. Raising the line above the level of the can will reverse the flow, causing any gas remaining in the line to drain back into the gas tank.

Step 6: Clean the pump

If you're siphoning gas on the road, temporarily and safely store your siphon pump in your car. Once you've made it back, clean your pump before storing it. To clean the pump, run a solution of water and dish soap through the lines, then rinse with fresh water. Allow the pump to dry completely before storing it to ensure no water remains in the line.

Removing the drainage plug

Step 1: Prepare the necessary tools and safety equipment

Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment. This includes safety glasses, gloves, a jack, jack stands, a ratchet, a socket, and a bucket or pan to collect the fuel. It is also important to disconnect the negative battery terminals to prevent any issues with sparks and fire. Find a well-ventilated area and keep any flammable materials or electronics that might ignite away from the vehicle.

Step 2: Locate the drainage plug

The fuel tank is usually located on the same side of the car as the gas filler door. Use jack stands to raise your vehicle and locate the drainage plug. The drainage plug is a small bolt screwed directly into the fuel tank.

Step 3: Open the gas cap

Before attempting to loosen the drainage plug, open the gas cap to release pressure from the fuel tank.

Step 4: Place the bucket or pan

Place the bucket or pan underneath the fuel tank, directly under the drainage plug, to collect the fuel. Make sure you have enough containers to collect all the fuel, as it can take several minutes per gallon to drain.

Step 5: Loosen the drainage plug

Using a ratchet and socket, loosen the drainage plug. The fuel will start flowing freely from the tank into the bucket. Be careful as the fuel might spill out due to the force of the flow.

Step 6: Control the flow of fuel

If needed, you can close the gas cap slightly to slow down the flow of fuel. This can help prevent spills.

Step 7: Replace and tighten the drainage plug

Once the fuel tank is empty, replace and tighten the drainage plug securely.

Step 8: Refill the fuel tank

After ensuring that the drainage plug is securely in place, you can refill the fuel tank.

Filling up in the morning

You may have heard that filling up your fuel tank in the morning will get you more fuel for your money. This is a common piece of advice, but does it hold true? Let's take a closer look.

The idea behind filling up in the morning is based on the fact that fluids are denser when they are cold. When gas is warmed up, its molecules expand, taking up more space while providing the same amount of energy output. So, in theory, filling up when it's cooler outside should give you denser fuel, resulting in more gas for the same price.

However, there are a few factors to consider that may impact whether filling up in the morning makes a significant difference. Firstly, the gas you purchase from a gas station is stored in large underground tanks, which help to keep the gas temperature-controlled. Therefore, the gas you buy will likely be around the same temperature regardless of the time of day. Even the gas coming from fuel trucks is temperature-controlled, as it can become more volatile when hot.

Additionally, while fuel may be denser in the morning, the difference in volume is minimal when filling up a typical car fuel tank. Experts suggest that bulk users, such as petrol pumps filling up hundreds of litres at once, are the ones who benefit the most from this density difference.

So, while filling up in the morning may technically provide you with slightly denser fuel, the overall impact on your wallet is likely to be negligible. The best time to fill up is simply whenever you need gas, choosing a time when the station is less busy to avoid wasting gas waiting in line.

Sucking out with your mouth

Sucking gas out of a fuel tank with your mouth is not recommended due to the dangers it poses. However, if you absolutely have to do it, here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, obtain a piece of clear hose or tubing that is 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Clear tubing is crucial as it allows you to see the gas coming up the tube and get your mouth out of the way before it reaches your mouth. The length of the tube should be long enough to reach deep into the gas tank.

Next, find a clean, uncontaminated gas can to collect the gas. Place the gas can near the vehicle's gas tank on the ground.

Now, feed one end of the tube into the gas tank, ensuring it goes deep enough to sit below the surface of the gas. You can check this by blowing air into the other end of the tube and listening for the sound of bubbles. Be careful not to inhale any fumes while doing this.

Once the tube is in place, put the free end into your mouth. It is important to only suck with your mouth and not your lungs to minimise the risk of inhaling gas vapours. Keep your fingers around the tubing near your mouth so you can quickly crimp it and remove it from your mouth when the gas is about 6 inches from your mouth.

Suck on the tubing and watch the gas flow into the tube. When the gas reaches the top, crimp the tubing tightly and remove it from your mouth.

If there are air bubbles in the tubing, release the crimp and drain the gas back into the car, then try again. Try to position the tube so that it runs straight up and down rather than to the side, as this can cause more air bubbles.

When you are ready, stick the end of the tubing into the gas can and release your crimp. The gas should begin to flow into the can due to gravity. Monitor the flow to ensure the can is filling at a steady pace.

When you have reached the desired amount of gas, pull the tubing up and out of the tank to stop the flow. Alternatively, you can cover the free end of the tubing and lift it higher than the level of gas in the tank to allow the excess gas to flow back into the tank.

Finally, remove the tubing from the gas container once all the gas has flowed out, close the gas tank, and seal the gas can to prevent the inhalation of fumes.

While this method of siphoning gas may be useful in an emergency, it is important to remember that it is dangerous and can pose serious health risks. It is always recommended to use a siphon pump or other safer methods whenever possible.

Using two tubes

Step 1: Prepare the necessary materials

You will need two lengths of flexible rubber tubing (one longer than the other), a fuel-safe container (such as a gas can), an air pump or small air compressor, and a rag or soft cloth material.

Step 2: Connect the tubes to the gas tank and fuel container

Take the longer tube and connect one end to the gas tank and the other end to the fuel container. Then, take the shorter tube and put one end into the fuel tank next to the longer tube, while holding the other end in your hand.

Step 3: Create a seal

Use a rag or soft cloth material to seal the fuel filler neck. This will help prevent the pressure created by blowing air into the tank from escaping.

Step 4: Blow air into the shorter hose

Use either a low-pressure air pump or blow air into the shorter hose with your mouth. If using your mouth, be careful not to inhale from the tube to avoid inhaling fumes.

Step 5: Monitor the flow of gas

The low pressure should push the gas out of the longer tube and into the container. Once the fuel is flowing, you can stop forcing air into the hose. The fuel will continue to flow unless the hose becomes kinked or is removed from the fuel tank.

Step 6: Remove the tubes

Once you have finished siphoning the gas, remove both tubes from the gas tank and put the gas cap back on before driving.

It is important to note that gasoline vapors are explosive and hazardous to breathe, so take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety during the process.

Frequently asked questions