My petrol tank is leaking and I want to empty it a bit more quickly and safely. Can I syphon the petrol out, or is it more complicated than that?
- posted
16 years ago
My petrol tank is leaking and I want to empty it a bit more quickly and safely. Can I syphon the petrol out, or is it more complicated than that?
Drain plug on the bottom of the tank, I believe. Probably corroded solidly into the tank base, though, so it may damage the tank as you extract it. You'll need something as wide as the tank base to be sure of catching it all.
If not, then you'll need to remove the filler pipe at the tank end & syphon it out that way, as most of the ones I've seen have a filter mesh in the filler pipe which works quite effectively as an anti syphon device.
Just drive it round the block a few times!
Syphoning works but there may be an anti-syphon grid - although I can't see it in the parts book.
I think that you'll also have a drain plug - just make sure that you have lots of ventilation, don't do the task over a pit, no naked flames, no making/breaking of electrical connections etc..
Brass plug usually - it'll come out.
You don't have to dump the entire contents in one go but a wide topped container is helpful: wind is not.
And if it's one of those pattern tanks it won't have a drain plug, you'll have to remove the tank to drain it properly which is usually a PITA to remove the front bolts. Alternatively you can remove the dip pipe and tank unit which will allow you to look inside and see how bad it is as well as being easy to siphon from there.
Martin
Thank you all, I'll have another look for a drain plug. All warnings about petrol and flames/sparks duly noted.
assuming you are dropping it anyhow to replace or seal - just lower the tank and pour it out of the filler!. worked on my 101!
lowered on a couple of jacks under a half pallet, then poured into a bucket which was then slowly tipped into a jerry can through a funnel (and a coffee filter to remove the lumpy bits!)
Remember switches can arc/spark, so don't go turning on/off lights while there's petrol vapour about!
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.