Sylvie Willis
There are several reasons why you might need to drain the fuel from your car's tank, including putting in the wrong type of fuel, selling the car, or making repairs. Draining a full tank of fuel can be challenging and time-consuming, and it's important to take safety precautions to avoid fires or malfunctions. This article will outline the steps to pump fuel out of your car's gas tank, including the use of a fuel siphon system, and provide tips for a safe and effective process.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to pump fuel out of a car gas tank | When you have put the wrong fuel in, when you're selling the car, or when you're making repairs |
| Tools required | Fuel siphon system, hose, pump, fire extinguisher, rubber cap, tape, small rigid tube, larger tube, drainage plug, pan |
| Precautions | Never run the car with the wrong fuel in the tank; never use your mouth to suck out the gas; keep a fire extinguisher nearby |
| Cost | Fuel siphon system: $340-$550; Staubli fuel drain socket: $324; total excluding fuel jug: £130 |
| Time taken | Draining a full tank will take a long time |
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What You'll Learn
Using a fuel siphon system
Firstly, it is important to note that modern cars have anti-siphoning provisions, such as small fuel-filler openings, spring-loaded flaps, and blocking mechanisms at the bottom end of the filler neck, which can make siphoning difficult. Some new models also have an anti-siphon mesh screen at the higher part of the fuel pipe. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a mechanic or a manual before attempting to siphon gas.
To use a siphon pump, place a gas can on the ground beneath the tank and run the tubing from the tank to the can. Ensure that the end of the hose is pointing down, and that the correct ends of the tubing are being used. If arranged backward, the pump will push air into the gas tank. Once the tubing is in place, you can start the siphon action by pumping a few times or flipping a switch if you have a mechanical pump. After a considerable amount of pressure, the flow will get smooth, and you can siphon the desired amount of gas.
If you are using a manual pump, you will need to pump several times to create a vacuum and start the flow of gas. An automatic pump will do this work for you with the push of a button. Once the gas is flowing, no more pressure is needed, and gravity will do the rest of the work.
When you have finished siphoning, stop the flow by covering the long tube with your thumb, raising it above the level of gas in the tank, and removing the tube. Make sure to seal your gas tank again to prevent contamination.
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Draining gas into a jug
Firstly, it is important to note that not all cars are the same, and draining gas can be challenging as the tank is designed to prevent gas from leaving once it has entered. Some newer cars have protective metal bulbs or screens to prevent gas escape in a crash, so you may need to use a rigid, smaller tube to force past any blockages, being careful not to puncture the filler tube.
If your car has a "pump-out quick disconnect fitting", you will need to purchase the matching part that connects to a hose, and then run the hose to an empty fuel jug. Power the fuel pump to start draining the tank. Alternatively, if you do not have this fitting, you can remove the fuel "outlet" line from the fuel rail and attach an extension hose with an AN fitting to reach the empty fuel jug.
If you do not have a pump, you can use a spare tube. Insert the tube into the gas tank, leaving only one to two feet of space before the pump. Then, blow into the spare tube to push air into the tank, forcing the gas out through your other tube into the jug. Ensure you have a fire extinguisher for gas fires nearby as a safety precaution.
Always stay close by and do not leave the car unattended while draining, and turn off the pump when the fuel flow drops. Once the tank is empty, you can reuse the gas in another car or engine, or dispose of it properly by contacting your local environmental waste disposal centre. Never pour gas down a drain or sewer.
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Removing a drainage plug
To remove the drainage plug, place a pan underneath the plug to collect the gas. Then, simply unscrew the drainage plug, and the gas will flow out. This usually takes several minutes per gallon.
If your car has a "pump-out quick disconnect fitting" mounted on the fuel rail, you will need to purchase the matching part that connects to a hose. You can then run the hose to an empty fuel jug and power the fuel pump to drain the tank. If your car does not have this fitting, you can remove the fuel "outlet" line from the fuel rail and attach an extension hose with an AN fitting to reach an empty fuel jug.
It is important to never run a car if you have the wrong fuel in the tank, and to always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire.
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Using a pump out quick disconnect fitting
Some cars come with a "pump-out quick disconnect fitting" mounted on the fuel rail. If your car has this feature, you will need to get the matching part that connects to a hose. Then, run the hose to an empty fuel jug and power the fuel pump to drain the tank.
Step 1: Prepare the necessary parts
Get the matching part for your car's pump-out quick disconnect fitting, which will include a hose. Ensure you have an empty fuel jug or another suitable container to collect the drained fuel.
Step 2: Connect the hose
Connect the hose to the quick disconnect fitting on your car's fuel rail. Ensure a secure connection to prevent leaks.
Step 3: Position the fuel jug
Place the empty fuel jug in a safe location where it can remain stable while collecting the drained fuel. Position it at a lower level than the car's gas tank to allow for easy gravity-assisted drainage.
Step 4: Power the fuel pump
With the hose securely connected and the fuel jug in place, power on the fuel pump. This will start the process of pumping fuel out of the gas tank and into the hose.
Step 5: Monitor the drainage
Keep a close eye on the drainage process to ensure that it proceeds smoothly and safely. Watch for any signs of leaks or spills, and be prepared to address them promptly.
Step 6: Turn off the pump when the tank is empty
Once the fuel flow slows down and the tank is empty, turn off the fuel pump. You may need to do this a couple of times, especially if your car has a fuel bladder with foam, as the draining process may be faster than the fuel dispensing rate.
Step 7: Disconnect the hose and secure the fuel jug
After turning off the pump, carefully disconnect the hose from the quick disconnect fitting. Ensure that the fuel cap is securely tightened, and then safely store or dispose of the drained fuel in the fuel jug according to local regulations.
Remember to exercise extreme caution when working with fuel, and always prioritize safety measures to prevent accidents or fires.
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Flushing out the fuel tank
Firstly, purchase a fuel siphon system from an auto store. This is a manually operated pump that will safely draw the gas out of your car and into a container. Ensure that the pump is approved for combustible materials, as any sparks could be disastrous. You will also need around six feet of a small hose, as well as the pump.
If your car has a "pump-out quick disconnect fitting", you will need to purchase the matching part that connects to a hose. You can then run the hose to an empty fuel jug and power the fuel pump to drain the tank. If your car does not have this fitting, you can remove the fuel "outlet" line from the fuel rail and attach an extension hose with an AN fitting to reach an empty fuel jug.
If you do not have access to a pump, you can use a spare tube. Stick the tube into the gas tank, feeding it until there is only one to two feet left before the pump. For newer cars, this may be challenging due to protective metal bulbs or screens that prevent gas from escaping. In this case, take a separate, smaller, rigid tube and force it down until it hits the blockage. Then, twist, push, and force the tube around the metal bulb. Once you have overcome the blockage, take your larger tube, the one connected to the pump, and slip it over the smaller tube.
Finally, blow into the spare tube, pushing air into the tank, which will force the gas out of your other tube. Now you can remove the tube and refill the tank with the correct fuel.
Remember, it is important to never run a car with the wrong fuel in the tank, and always exercise extreme caution when handling flammable liquids.
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