Draining gas from your car due to filling the wrong gas, about to sell the car, or wanting to have it serviced, is not always easy. Every car is different and the gas tank is not designed to let gasoline out of the tank once it is in it as this could cause a malfunction or fire. However, there are various methods you can try that might help you drain your tank.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Sucking Gasoline
Step 1. Use the car until it runs low on gas, if possible
Unless your tank contains fuel it shouldn't, start the car and use it until it's almost gone by driving it. Park the car and let the engine cool down before starting to drain it.
- This strategy will reduce the amount of pumping and draining you have to do, and leave less gas for storage or disposal.
- Never use a car if the fuel in the tank is not the fuel that should be used. Draining a full tank will take some time, but that's not to say it's impossible.
Step 2. Purchase a fuel suction system
Commonly sold at most auto parts stores, this vacuum is a manually operated pump that will suck gasoline from your car into a container. Make sure you purchase a system suitable for flammable materials, as any spark near the gas tank can be catastrophic.
- You will need about 1.8 m of small 3/8” hose and a pump to suck up the gas.
- The old way of inserting the hose into the gas tank and then sucking it in with your mouth can damage your health and is very dangerous. You can swallow gasoline or spill it and cause a serious fire.
- Have a special gasoline fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire.
- Some vehicles have a saddle-type fuel tank and may require a special method of discharging fuel from both sides of the tank. Seek professional help or instructions to remove all fuel.
Step 3. Insert the hose into the gas tank until it is about 30-60 cm away from the pump
This is the most difficult part of the whole process, as newer cars usually have a metal shield ball or screen that prevents gasoline from escaping from the tank in the event of an accident. For older cars you should be able to get the hose straight into the tank without a hitch, but you'll need a new strategy for newer car models:
- Prepare a separate hose that is smaller, stiffer, and less convoluted.
- Force this hose in until it hits the barrier, then twist, push, and force the inlet hose around the metal ball blocking the entry to the tank. If it doesn't work even after using a large enough force, do not continue, as this may cause the feeding tube to leak or other damage.
- Take the larger hose, which is connected to the pump, and slide it through the smaller hose.
Step 4. Pump until the gas comes out
When you pump, make sure you have a container ready to hold the gas. Hold the end of the hose, as it can move when gasoline starts to flow.
If you don't have a pump, but have a spare hose, insert one as well. Then blow on the spare hose to push air into the tank, which will force the gasoline out of the other hose
Step 5. Remove the hose and refill the tank
The tank is empty and you are ready to continue servicing. When handling gasoline or diesel vehicles that contain inappropriate fuels, you may need to rinse the tank and fuel system with the proper fuel.
Step 6. Reuse gasoline, or dispose of it properly
If the gasoline is not too old or still usable, you can fill it into another car or into a gasoline engine. If you need to get rid of them, we recommend contacting your local waste disposal center. Never throw gasoline into sewers or sewers. You can also contact the nearest fire department for information on how to dispose of waste safely and effectively.
- See the phone book (Yellow Pages) for Environmental and Ecological Services and Oil, and Waste.
- If you plan to reuse fuel after servicing, make sure you store the fuel in an approved fuel-only container.
- You may need to pay to dump gas.
Method 2 of 3: Draining Gasoline with a Fuel Pump
Step 1. Be aware that not all fuel tanks can be drained directly
This method varies by car model, but should work for most cars. If you can find the tank under the car and can remove the plug and/or small drain plug directly, this is the easiest way to drain the car's tank.
Some vehicles have a fuel check hole under the hood that can be connected to the fuel checker and drained with a special tool. In this method the gas pump needs to be turned on when the car engine is not running by fishing the fuel pump relay or using a scanner
Step 2. Place the tray or container under the drain plug
If there are still liters of gasoline left in the tank, you must be prepared to accommodate it. This is easier said than done, so try to estimate how much gas is in the tank before starting and prepare enough containers beforehand.
It can be very difficult to re-plug the tank while draining, so don't plan on stopping until all the work is done
Step 3. Get under the car and look for the drain plug
The fuel tank is a large sturdy metal container that sits on the same side of the car as the gas station. Use the gas door as a gauge – usually on the underside of the passenger seat. Make sure the tray is right under the plug
- These plugs are simply bolts that are attached directly to the tank. Opening it will only reveal a hole through which gasoline flows out. Usually a wrench or socket wrench is required to open it. However, not all vehicles have this drain plug.
- If you see a fuel line which is a small movable hose under the tank, you can use that too. However, you will need to turn the car on and off repeatedly to force gas out of the tank, as this system uses an electric gas pump.
Step 4. Unscrew the drain plug and let the fuel flow out
This step will take a lot of time, about a few minutes per litre, so make sure you keep an eye on it.
Make sure there are more than enough pans to accommodate the fuel drain and make sure no fuel spills onto the ground
Step 5. Fit the drain plug tightly and refuel your car
Make sure the plug is securely in place, especially if you cut the fuel line. After everything is installed, the car is ready to be used again.
Method 3 of 3: Knowing When to Drain the Tank
Step 1. Never drive with any type of fuel that should not be in the engine
The most common mistakes are filling a car with diesel when it should be unleaded or filling a diesel vehicle with gasoline. Improper fuel can cause serious damage to the engine, and can really damage the car if you're not careful. Make sure you not only drain the tank of unnecessary fuel, but also rinse the fuel lines and replace the filter.
Step 2. Drain and replace any car fuel that has been left for more than six months to a year
Fuel can, and will, deteriorate if left in the tank. If you're planning to use your old car in the garage for a quick trip, make sure you drain and replace the gas to make sure everything runs smoothly. This is equally important if you are trying to repair a car or service its engine.
Exposure to ethanol in the gasoline supply greatly shortens the life of gasoline. Gasoline can go bad very quickly, which means you have to be extra careful when draining fuel if the car has not been used for a long time
Step 3. Drain the gas if you need to replace the fuel pump
You cannot continue servicing if there is still gas in the tank, so make sure you take the time to drain it before starting.
You'll also need to drain gas to replace the fuel gauge delivery unit
Tips
- Never use lighters or create sparks when handling gasoline. Shoes with rubber soles and plain fabrics like cotton are best.
- Don't try to do this without the right tools and expertise to do it.
Warning
- Being careful not to put too much pressure on the tank, give a short blow from the air hose and see how much comes out.
- Keep in mind that gasoline can be highly volatile and dangerous to your health.
- Be careful when releasing pressure into the tank, or you may flow fuel in the wrong direction.
- Always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Beware of vapors from fuel. Any sparks, lit cigarettes, etc. may cause an explosion.
- Be careful not to spill it as it is a toxic fuel.
