Mercedes Mullins
Old fuel can cause significant problems for your car, especially if it has been sitting for a long time. The good news is that there are several ways to remove it, ranging from simple siphoning to more complex methods involving fuel pumps and hoses. Some people recommend using a hand pump, while others suggest more intricate procedures that involve accessing the fuel pump and fuel filter. It's important to be cautious when dealing with fuel and electricity, and some methods may be more suitable for your specific car model and the amount of old fuel you need to remove.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank removal | Requires space to work and can be a lot of effort for little reward |
| Siphoning | May not be possible with modern cars due to blocking devices in the filler neck; possible with older cars |
| Fuel pump | Requires powering the pump and a hose to a container |
| Hose | Can be attached to the fuel pump, fuel filter, or intake manifold |
| Dilution | Fill the tank with fresh fuel and a good-quality PEA-based cleaner |
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What You'll Learn
Using a hand siphon pump
Firstly, you will need to purchase a hand siphon pump. These pumps come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most function similarly: a pump in the middle of a length of tubing creates suction that pulls liquid from one end of the tubing to the other. You can choose between a manual or automatic pump. The former requires you to pump it several times to create suction, while the latter is as simple as pressing a button.
Once you have your pump, you will need to run the tubing from the fuel tank of your car to a gas can. Ensure that the end of the hose is pointing down and that the gas can is placed lower than the inlet of the hose in the tank. This is because the liquid, in this case, fuel, flows from a region of high to low pressure, and gravity plays a part in this process.
If you are using a manual pump, you will need to pump it a few times to get the gas flowing. If you are using an automatic pump, simply press the button, and the fuel should start flowing out of the gas tank and into the can.
When you have pumped out the desired amount of gas, you can stop the flow by removing the tube from the can and raising it above the level of the tank. This will cause any excess gas to flow back into the tank.
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Running a hose from the fuel pump
- Remove the fuel pump cover.
- Clamp the hose that runs from the fuel tank to the fuel pump with a pair of needle-nose vice grips.
- Disconnect the hose from the fuel pump.
- Place the loose end of the hose in a fuel can or container. Ensure that the container is placed outside the garage or in a well-ventilated area.
- Use the vice grips to control the flow of fuel. This will allow you to shut off the flow when one container is full and switch to another.
- Provide power to the fuel pump (12V) to pump out the old fuel through the hose into the container.
It is important to note that you should be cautious when working with fuel and take the necessary safety precautions to avoid any accidents or fires. Additionally, make sure to dispose of the old fuel properly and not pour it down a drain or sewer.
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Removing the fuel filter
To remove the fuel filter, you will first need to relieve the pressure in the fuel line. Then, place a bowl or bucket beneath the fuel filter to catch any fuel that may spill out. The fuel filter is likely held in place by two plastic clips, so locate these on either side of the cylindrical filter and use a flat-head screwdriver to pop them out. Be careful not to break the clips as you remove them, and consider purchasing replacement clips along with your new fuel filter.
Next, remove the fuel lines from the filter. Slide the fuel lines away from the filter and towards the bowl or bucket to catch any spilled gasoline. Wear eye protection and gloves during this step to protect yourself from fuel splatter. Ensure that no gas pours out onto the ground.
Now, slide the fuel filter out of its bracket. The bracket is typically a metal bracket that wraps around the outer housing of the fuel filter. With the fuel lines disconnected, push the fuel filter towards the front of the car to slide it out of the bracket. Note that the fuel filter will have a slight bell shape, allowing it to slide out in only one direction.
If your filter sits in the bracket differently, you may need to slide it towards the back of the car to remove it. Some fuel filters under the hood may be held in the bracket with a bolt that will need to be removed before sliding the filter out.
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Draining the tank with gravity
Draining old fuel out of a car is important if you're looking to sell the car, put the car in storage, or if you've filled the tank with the wrong fuel. Fuel can go bad and will need to be drained and replaced if the car has been sitting for more than six months to a year.
One method of draining old fuel from a car is to use gravity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Step 1: Prepare the Car
- Park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Make sure the engine is cool before starting work.
- Raise the back of the car if possible, as this will help with the drainage.
Step 2: Access the Fuel System
- Locate the fuel pump and identify the hose that runs from the fuel tank to the fuel pump.
- Remove the fuel pump cover to access the hose.
Step 3: Clamp the Hose
Use a pair of needle-nose vice grips to clamp the hose shut. This will prevent fuel from flowing back into the tank when you remove the hose.
Step 4: Remove the Hose
Use the vice grips to carefully remove the hose from the fuel pump. Take care not to spill any fuel.
Step 5: Collect the Fuel
- Place a pan or a small jerry can underneath the hose to collect the draining fuel.
- Use the vice grips to control the flow of fuel and prevent spills.
Step 6: Dispose of the Fuel
Once the fuel has finished draining, properly dispose of it at your local environmental waste disposal center. Do not pour it down a drain or sewer.
It is important to exercise caution when working with fuel to avoid spills and fires. Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire. Additionally, make sure the area is well-ventilated to prevent the inhalation of toxic fumes.
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Using a fuel tank cleaner
First, it's important to disconnect the fuel tank from the car. Locate the screws and straps that hold the tank in place and carefully disconnect them. Ensure you are not directly below the tank when doing this for safety reasons. You can use a transmission jack to lower the fuel tank gently.
Once the tank is removed, you can begin the process of draining it. Pour out any remaining fuel into a gasoline-safe container. If there is still fuel that you cannot reach, use a suction device or a suction hose to remove it. It is crucial to ensure that the tank is completely empty before proceeding to the next step.
After draining the fuel, you can now focus on cleaning the tank. One effective method is to use a high-quality PEA-based cleaner. Products like Gumout or Techron are recommended. Fill the tank with the cleaner and then take your car for a long drive to run the old fuel and cleaner through the system. This process will help remove any varnish or debris that has built up in the tank.
Alternatively, if you're not planning to drive the car anytime soon, you can try a method suggested by a user with an old Mustang. They recommend pouring a gallon of Chem-Dip into the tank and letting it sit for about a week. After dumping out the Chem-Dip, you'll need to thoroughly rinse the tank to ensure no residue is left behind. Keep in mind that water should not be used for rinsing, as it can cause flash rust in the tank.
As a safety precaution, always make sure the area is well-ventilated when working with fuel and cleaners. Additionally, be cautious of any sparks or open flames, as the fuel vapors can be highly flammable.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to drain old fuel from a car. One way is to use a hand siphon pump to remove the fuel from the tank. If your car has a gas filter, you can remove it and attach a plastic hose to dispense the fuel into a container. Another method is to run a hose directly off the fuel pump, the fuel filter, or the end of the hose at the intake manifold, and then power the fuel pump to pump the fuel out into a container. If you are unable or unwilling to remove the fuel tank, you can try diluting the old fuel by filling the tank with fresh, high-octane gas and a good-quality PEA-based cleaner.
Old fuel can cause issues with the fuel systems in modern cars, especially the injectors. Ethanol gas, in particular, can absorb moisture in humid environments, leading to what is known as phase separation, where green gunk collects at the bottom of the fuel tank and gets sipped by the car first, potentially causing problems.
If your car has been sitting idle for a long time and the fuel level is low, it may be a good idea to drain the old fuel and replace it with fresh fuel. Additionally, if your car is running poorly or experiencing issues with the fuel system, it could be a sign that the fuel needs to be changed.
