How to remove gasoline from a fuel tank
It is often necessary to drain a car's gas tank in some of the following situations: If you run out of gas while you are away from a gas station, you may want to transfer gas from another car to yours. You can…
It is often necessary to drain the fuel from a car's gas tank in some of the following situations:
If you run out of gas when you are away from a gas station, you may want to transfer gas from another car to yours.
You may want to drain the fuel before you winterize your car.
You may want to transfer fuel from one vehicle to another at home.
The fuel in the tank may have been contaminated and must be removed before refilling the tank.
- A warningA: There are many hazards associated with manually pumping gas.
The most famous way of pumping gas is the most dangerous. In this method, you had to insert a hose into the fuel tank and draw gas with your mouth ﹘ understandably, this was neither a pleasant experience nor a safe procedure. This method is dangerous and not recommended for the following reasons:
Cause 1: Inhalation of gasoline vapors. Exposure to gasoline vapors can harm all major organs of our body. Direct inhalation of vapors can damage the lungs and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Reason 2: Can cause loss of consciousness in dangerous situations. Inhalation of gas vapors can cause dizziness, fainting and, in extreme cases, brain damage. Using this method when you are alone on the side of the road or away from medical attention is very dangerous.
Reason 3: Risk of swallowing gasoline. Gasoline is likely to go into your mouth using this method. Gasoline is toxic if ingested. Gasoline poisoning is extremely dangerous and a medical emergency.
Reason 4: risk of fire. It is extremely dangerous to pump gas or handle fuel near open flames or where people smoke. It is imperative that you take the correct precautions before doing so.
- A warning: This method is extremely risky and dangerous. The only reason to use this method would be if the situation is extremely acute and there is no time for a better solution, or if the length of tubing available to use is not long enough to be cut in two.
It is important to know how to drain fuel from a gas tank and do it correctly and safely. You can be prepared for any fuel emergency if you know and follow the recommended drain methods.
It is advisable to keep a rubber tube and a siphon pump in the trunk of a car when traveling long distances so that you do not have to pump out gasoline by mouth.
Here are some ways to evacuate gas that are safer than by mouth.
Method 1 of 2: Using two gas evacuation tubes
In this method, two lengths of flexible rubber tubing are used to pump the gas into a fuel-safe container. The gas cartridge works well as a fuel-safe container because it can be closed and fuel vapors do not escape.
A warning: Gasoline vapors are explosive and dangerous to breathe.
Functions: Use a transparent tube to make it easier to monitor the gas flow.
Necessary materials
- Gas bottle
- Air pump or small air compressor
- Rubber tubing 6' to 12' (1/4" to 3/8" diameter)
- Rag or soft cloth
If you have the necessary materials, here's how it's done:
Step 1: Connect the longer tube. Take two pieces of tubing, one longer than the other. Take a longer tube and connect one end to the gas tank and the other to the fuel container.
Step 2: Connect the shorter tube. Hold one end of the shorter tube in your hand and lower the other end into the fuel tank next to the longer tube.
Step 3: Close the fuel filler neck.. Find a rag or other soft material to fill the space around the fuel filler tubes and create a seal. This will help keep the pressure created by blowing air into the tank from leaking through the tubes.
Step 4: Blow air into the shorter hose.. Force air into the free end of the shorter hose, either with a low pressure air pump or by mouth.
- A warning: Do not use the high pressure pump, otherwise fuel may leak out of the tank in large quantities and cause damage to the fuel tank and system.
- A warning: If you use your mouth, be careful not to inhale through the tube. Close the end of the hose with your thumb as soon as you stop exhaling to prevent vapors from entering your lungs.
The low pressure should push the gas out of the other tube and into the container.
Step 5: Stop forcing air into the hose. Once the fuel is flowing, no more pressure is required. Fuel will flow until the hose is kinked or the tube is removed from the fuel tank.
Step 6: Remove the tubes. Remove both tubes from the gas tank when you're done and don't forget to put the gas tank cap back on before you ride.
Method 2 of 2: Using a Siphon Pump
It is useful to keep a siphon pump in the trunk of a car if you travel a lot in the countryside or live far from a gas station. It is also a handy tool for the home garage.
Here is how a siphon pump can be used to remove gasoline from a fuel tank:
Necessary materials
- Gas bottle
- Siphon pump
Step 1: Prepare to evacuate the gas. Get a fuel-safe container to fill in gasoline and remove the car's gas tank cap.
Step 2: Understand how your pump works. A tube comes out of each end of the siphon pump. Look at the markings on the pump to find the tube that needs to be placed in the gas tank. Read all instructions that came with your siphon pump.
- Functions: Some pumps may have a handle like a bicycle pump, while others just have a squeezable plastic or rubber bulb. You can also use electric or battery powered gas siphon pumps to transfer fuel.
Step 3: Connect the tubes. Place one tube in the fuel tank and the other tube in the safety fuel canister.
Step 4: Squeeze the Light Bulb. Click on the pear a few times to start the siphon. You can stop squeezing the bulb when the gas starts flowing. The gas must flow through the tube until the tube is kinked or the tube is removed from the gas cylinder. Continue pumping fuel until you get the desired amount.
Step 5: Remove the pump tube from the fuel tank.. Replace the gas tank cap when you're done.
Have a certified mechanic inspect your vehicle if you find that the fuel tank is leaking or the fuel filler door is not opening and closing properly.
