Believe it or not, knowing how to siphon gas isn't just for criminals! This knowledge can be useful in many situations, whether you're out of gas and there's no gas station nearby, or you want to fill up your lawn mower without having to go to the gas station. Start from step 1 below, and learn how to suck up gas using just a plastic hose and a petrol jerry can. Note: this method may not work on tank caps equipped with anti-suction valves (although these valves can be disassembled with a screwdriver).
Step
Method 1 of 3: Sucking Gasoline by Creating Pressure in the Tank
Step 1. Find a can or other sealed container to hold the gas that is sucked in
Any standard petrol jerry can be fine, as long as it comes with a cover. Because gasoline vapors can be hazardous to your health and because you never want to risk spilling gasoline, and it is unwise or even dangerous to transport gasoline in buckets or other open containers.
Step 2. Use a transparent plastic hose with a diameter of 1 inch
Siphoning gasoline will involve sucking gasoline from the tank through a hose to the reservoir. Transparent hoses are better because you can see the gas flow, but since you don't have to suck with your mouth, you can also use an opaque tube.
For this method, you will need two hoses. One hose for suction, which is long enough to reach the bottom of the hose, and another shorter hose that is just enough to reach the inside of the tank. Buy two hoses, or buy one long hose and cut it in half
Step 3. Place the gas tank on the floor near your gas tank
The suction will work assisted by gravity, once you drain the gasoline in the hose, the gasoline will continue to flow as long as the outside end of the hose is at the bottom of the gas tank. Because of this, it's usually easier if you place the storage container under the gas tank.
Step 4. Insert the two hoses into the tank
Push the longer hose until it reaches the bottom of the tank, and the other end into the holding container. The end of the hose in the tank should be completely submerged in gasoline - since you can't see it, you can check it by blowing on the hose, and if you hear a bubble, you're right. Insert the shorter hose just a few inches into the tank, next to the longer hose.
Step 5. Use a rag to seal the gaps around the hose
This method works by increasing the air pressure in the tank and will press the gasoline out through a long hose. To create this air pressure, do not let any air escape from the gap in the tank opening. Use an old cloth and insert it between the hose and the tank hole tightly. The rag should be firmly attached but not pressing the hose.
If you're having trouble making a tight seal, wet the rag first, then wring it out, and slide it back between the hose and the tank opening. Usually a wet cloth will create a tighter seal
Step 6. Once everything is ready, enter the air through a short hose
Make sure that the short end of the hose is in the tank, and then blow into the hose to create air pressure in the tank. You can blow through your mouth (in this case you don't want to suck air from the tank when you breathe) but you'd be better off using a mechanical pump. Forcing air into the tank will create air pressure above the surface of the gasoline, and will flow the gasoline out through a long hose.
If you're having trouble, make sure there's a tight divider. Make sure that no air can pass through the gaps between the hoses
Step 7. Monitor the flow of gasoline
As soon as you blow air into the tank, you will notice the gasoline will flow through the long hose to the reservoir. Once the gasoline flows smoothly, gravity will continue this work. You no longer need to blow air. When you are about to stop siphoning gas, close the end of the long hose with your thumb, and lift it up to a position higher than the tank. The remaining gasoline in the hose will flow back into the tank. Safe! You're done. Unplug the hose and close the tank again.
If the gas in the hose won't go back into the tank, make sure the short hose is removed, so that air can get back into the tank
Method 2 of 3: Using a Suction Pump
Step 1. Purchase a suction pump
If you don't want to bother, a suction pump can be purchased for $10-$15. These pumps come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some of which are automatic, while others are pumped by hand. However, they all have something in common, namely the pump which is in the middle of the hose, to create suction for the liquid from one end to the other.
This pump allows you to safely and easily suck up gas without getting your hands dirty or exposing yourself to gasoline fumes. Thus, it is an ideal way for people who are always careful
Step 2. Place the holding container on the ground under the tank and direct the hose from from the tank to it
Like the other methods described in this article, the pump only provides the initial steps needed to start siphoning gas. Once the gasoline starts to flow, gravity does the rest of the work. Therefore, it is important for the container to always be at the bottom of the tank.
Note: suction pump hoses have one end devoted to the inflow and the other end for the liquid to exit. Make sure that the correct end you put in the tank. If it's upside down, the pump will just push air into the gas tank
Step 3. Pump when ready
Because suction pumps work in a variety of ways, the actions you need to take may vary. If you have a hand pump you may need to push a valve in and out. Or maybe you have to squeeze some kind of ball. If you have a mechanical pump, you may just have to press a button.
- Most hand pumps only need a few pumps before the gas flows.
- The automatic pump may need to be left running during the desludging process. See the user manual.
Step 4. As you approach the amount of gas you need, raise the end of the pipe higher than the tank to stop the flow
If you are using an automatic pump, you must turn it off.
Step 5. Lift the pump hose from the tank
When the hose is clean of residual gasoline, you can lift it. Finished. Reclose the tank, close your gas tank, and store your suction hose.
Some suction pumps need to be cleaned after use. See the instructions for more detailed information. Maybe you need to pump in some soapy water to clean it and let it dry
Method 3 of 3: Mouth Suction (Not Recommended)
Step 1. Understand the dangers of gasoline poisoning first
Gasoline contains many hydrocarbon chemicals that are toxic to humans. Swallowing gasoline or inhaling vapors can cause many symptoms, (potentially even life-threatening), including difficulty breathing, local irritation, loss of vision, stomach pain, vomiting (sometimes with blood), drowsiness, cognitive impairment, and more. If trying this method for vacuuming, take every possible precaution to ensure you don't ingest gasoline or inhale gasoline fumes.
If you are exposed to gasoline in any way and symptoms develop, immediately call 911 or a poison control center near you
Step 2. Take a transparent hose with a diameter of 1 inch, and a closed collection container
As with the method above, this method requires a long hose and a holding container. As above, it is very important to use a sealed gas container to prevent the gasoline from spilling out or the vapors being inhaled. Quality storage containers are not only recommended, but, important. Since swallowing gasoline is hazardous to your health, you should be able to see the gas flowing through the hose so you can remove it from your mouth before the gas reaches your mouth.
Step 3. Guide one end of the hose into the vehicle's gas tank
Place your gas tank on the ground near the vehicle's gas tank. Insert the end of the hose deep enough below the level of the fuel in the tank. To find out if the hose is under gasoline, blow air through the other end (be careful not to inhale gasoline) and listen for bubbles.
Step 4. Place the other end in your mouth
This gas suction method uses your mouth to suck the gas out of the tank. After the gasoline flows freely, gravity continues the suction. Be careful not to swallow gasoline or inhale gasoline fumes. When the tube is in your mouth, breathe only through your nose and watch the gas flow through the tube.
Step 5. Keep your finger close to your mouth so you can grip the tube with your hand before the gasoline gets into your mouth
Once you start to suck, the gasoline will flow quickly. Prepare one hand to stop the flow before it enters your mouth.
Step 6. Suck through the hose and watch the fuel flow in the hose
To minimize (rather than eliminate) the risk of inhaling gasoline fumes, try sucking in using your mouth instead of your lungs, as when you smoke a cigar. If Gasoline starts to flow, it can flow quickly, so be careful. When the gas is about 6 inches from your mouth, pinch the hose and remove it from your mouth.
Step 7. Check for air bubbles in the hose
Air bubbles are common when sucking in gasoline, which will make you suck harder, which is dangerous. Repeat this process.
Try positioning the hose so that you are sucking it in from the top of the tank. From some sources, it is common for air bubbles to form when you inhale from the side
Step 8. Stick the end of the tubing into the gas can and release your crimp
The gas should begin to flow into the gas can. From this point on, the power of gravity should continue pulling gasoline from the tank and into the can. Monitor the flow of gas to ensure that the can is filling at a steady pace.
Step 9. Remove the hose from the tank when the gas you need is sufficient
By lifting it, the flow of gasoline will be stopped, and the remaining gasoline in the hose will flow back into the tank. Pay attention to the remaining gasoline in the hose before you unplug it, so it doesn't spill because it overflows from your container.
Alternatively, just plug the end where the gasoline flows out, and lift it to a position higher than the tank. Gravity will flow gasoline back into the tank
Step 10. Lift the hose from the tank
Finished! Cover your gas tank and storage container to prevent inhalation of gasoline vapors.
Warning
- Be careful not to let the gasoline reach your mouth. Only use a hose where you can see the gas flowing. Inhaling or ingesting gasoline can cause serious problems.
- Gasoline vapor is bad for the lungs and tastes really bad. If you prefer, use a pump hose.
- Be careful not to overflow.
