In some cases it is necessary to empty the tank of your car because it has been filled with the wrong fuel, to make repairs or because the car has been sold. However, this is not an easy task. Each car is different and the fuel is not made to exit the tank once it is in. This procedure could cause serious damage and even a fire. That said, there are several methods you could try.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Transfer the Fuel
Step 1. Drive the car until the tank is almost completely empty if possible
Unless you added the wrong fuel, start the engine and drive until you are almost out of stock. Finally park and wait for the engine to cool before starting with the procedures described below.
- In this way you decrease the amount of fuel you have to suck in, transfer and dispose of.
- Never start the engine of a car in which you have put the wrong fuel. Emptying the tank is a long job, but not impossible.
Step 2. Purchase a siphon pump for gasoline
It is a tool that you can find in most auto parts stores; it is a manual pump that draws fuel from the car and transfers it to another container. Make sure it is certified for use with flammable materials, as any spark near gasoline would cause disaster.
- You will need a hose about 180cm long and a pump to suck in the air as well.
- The old trick of sticking a hose into the tank and sucking up the gas by mouth is pretty rudimentary but it works. However, it is extremely dangerous - you could either swallow fuel or overflow enough to run the risk of a fire.
Step 3. Make sure the car and engine are cold
If you have just used the machine, wait for it to cool down for 25-30 minutes. Doing so does not risk burns or fires.
Step 4. Thread the tubing into the reservoir until there is only 30-60cm remaining joining the pump
This is the most difficult part of the process, as some modern vehicles have a protective metal bulb that prevents gasoline from escaping in the event of a collision. With older cars, on the other hand, you shouldn't have any difficulties and the pipe should go in without encountering any resistance. However, some precautions may be necessary with new models:
- Take another tube, smaller and stiffer that won't bend.
- Insert this tube into the tank opening until it meets the block. At this point, turn it, push it and force it around the metal bulb that prevents access to the tank.
- Now you can take the other larger tube, connect one end to the pump and slide the other over the thinner tube.
Step 5. Operate the hand pump until fuel starts flowing out
While you work, you must have a container to collect the gasoline. Grab the end of the tube as it may move when the liquid begins to flow.
- If you don't have a pump and are in a particular hurry, then you can use the mouth sucking method, although chances are you will "taste" some fuel. To proceed you just have to suck in from the end of the tube taking a big breath of air. Then you have to quickly move your head when the gas begins to flow.
- If you don't have a pump, but you have an extra hose, then put it in the tank as well. It blows into the spare tube by introducing air into the tank, which in turn will force the gasoline out of the other tube.
Step 6. Remove the hoses and fill the tank
Now that it's empty, you can proceed with repairs or fill in the right fuel.
Step 7. Reuse fuel or dispose of it carefully
If it is not old and unusable, you can transfer it to another car or petrol engine. If you need to get rid of it, call your municipality's waste service. Never pour gasoline down a drain or drain. You can also call your local fire station to find out how to dispose of this product safely and environmentally.
- Search online or consult the yellow pages to find a special waste disposal company.
- You will probably have to pay for this service.
Part 2 of 3: with a Fuel Pump
Step 1. Be aware that not all tanks can be emptied directly
This is a technique that varies greatly by car model, but should work with most vehicles. If the tank is under the car and you can disconnect a fuel system hose or open a drain valve, then this is the easiest way to go.
Step 2. Place a container or bucket under the valve
If there are still a lot of liters of gas in the tank, then you need to be ready to collect them all. This is easier said than done, though, so try to estimate how much fuel is left in the tank before starting and have an adequate number of canisters on hand.
It is really very difficult to close the drain valve once the fuel has started flowing, so be aware that you will not be able to stop until the job is done
Step 3. Go under the hood and find the valve
The gas tank is a large metal container and is located on the same side of the car you usually refuel from. Use the inspection hatch to assess the position; this is typically located under the passenger seat. Make sure the container is exactly under the drain valve.
- This valve is nothing more than a small bolt screwed directly into the tank. Unscrew it to create a hole from which the gas will flow. You may need a socket or wrench to loosen the bolt.
- If you are able to see the power plant pipeline, you can use it for your own purposes; it is a small rubber tube that carries fuel from the tank to the engine. In this case, however, you will have to turn the engine on and off several times to force the fuel out of the tank, as it takes the force of an electric pump to make it flow through the system.
Step 4. Unscrew the valve and let the fuel flow
It will take a long time, about 8 minutes for 4 l of gasoline, so you need to monitor the process.
Again you can use the petrol pump to speed up the work. Just start and stop the car several times to force fuel into the engine. However, it should drip immediately
Step 5. Re-tighten the bolt, tighten it firmly, and fill the tank again with the correct fuel
Pay attention to the entire recovery phase, especially if you have disconnected the pipeline of the system. Once everything has been reassembled then you can proceed with the repairs.
Part 3 of 3: When to Empty the Tank
Step 1. Never use the car in which you entered the wrong fuel
One of the most common mistakes is to refuel when the engine is running on petrol. This could cause serious damage to the engine and even to the whole car if you are not careful.
Step 2. Empty the tank and replace the fuel if the car has been standing still for 6-12 months
Fuel deteriorates when it remains in the tank for too long. If you are thinking of using that old car in the garage again for a spin, then remember that you need to take out the gasoline and replace it with the new one to make sure the engine runs smoothly. This is just as important when performing repairs on the car or engine.
The introduction of ethanol into petrol has considerably reduced the duration of the latter, which in fact degrades faster; this means that you must be especially vigilant and remove the fuel if the car has not been used for a long time
Step 3. Empty the tank if you need to change the fuel pump
You cannot proceed with this type of repair if there is still gasoline; for this reason you must take the time to drain all the fuel before starting.
You must also empty the tank when replacing the fuel sensor
Advice
When working with fuel, never use a lighter and do not generate sparks. Wear rubber-soled shoes and clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton
Warnings
- Watch out for fuel vapors. Any spark or lit cigarette could trigger an explosion.
- Do not excessively increase the pressure inside the tank. Put in a single puff with the air hose and see how much gasoline comes out.
- Avoid spilling fuel, as it is a toxic substance.
- Be very careful when decreasing the tank pressure, as the fuel could come out violently incorrectly.
