other Drain Gas Tank..how?

[scoopyg]

What is the method for draining the 18-year old gasoline out of the tank? I can't locate a petcock on the tank, so I'm trying to figure out how to drain the gas and flush the tank. With my Volvo 1800, there was a petcock at the bottom of the tank, and once drained I just water-flushed the tank and it worked great.

[Hans]

If you're going to pull the tank anyway, a siphon works well. Therer are variations with accordion pump to get things rolling in case you don't like the taste.

[jgerock]

Check the bottom of the tank for a drain plug.  Some had them, others didn't.

 

If no plug present, try a siphon type hand pump as mentioned by Hans ^ or rig up an electric fuel pump with some hoses, spare battery and toggle switch to pump the old fuel into a spare container.  Remove the sending unit so you can fish the suction hose around the tank. Safety first though - keep the electrics away from the open fuel tank.

[esty]

take the tank out and pour it out

[jgerock]

take the tank out and pour it out

You got me Esty.  If the fuel level is low enough, just remove the bolts (if they don't spin the capture nuts) and pull the tank.

[scoopyg]

Thanks guys. If the gauge is correct, there's half a tank in there. I guess siphon then remove tank is the best method.

[esty]

You got me Esty.  If the fuel level is low enough, just remove the bolts (if they don't spin the capture nuts) and pull the tank.

easy stuff...you won't have any trouble getting the bolts out

[BLUNT]

removing the tank is going to be easier than flipping the car over

[GoFaSSter]

removing the tank is going to be easier than flipping the car over

I find rolling it on it's side is sufficient if you remember to remove the gas cap.

[StayFrosty]

Mine has a drainage plug.

 

I know this because a sleepy headed petrol attendant put diesel in my car on Friday night

[John_in_VA]

Mine has a drainage plug.

Some years tanks did; some didn't.

[Mike Self]

AFAIK the factory installed 2002 gas tanks all had drain plugs; replacement tanks generally didn't.  Regardless of how you drain the tank, though, be VERY CAREFUL. 

1.  Do your draining outside

2.  Ground the car to the drain pan or container so there's no static electricity charge buildup that could cause a fire.  I've seen a car go up in flames (and nearly take an entire dealership with it) when this happened. 

 

Were it mine, I'd remove the tank from the car and very carefully (don't forget the ground strap) empty the tank into a container.  A half-full tank isn't that heavy, and it's a safe way to do it.  Just BE CAREFUL.  Gas is scary stuff, especially in hot weather when it's volatile.

 

cheers

mike