Drivers know that cars require gasoline to run, but sometimes even a full tank can cause problems. Contaminated fuel can have serious consequences on your machine, and that’s why you should learn how to get gas out of the car.
If the engine won’t start or it lacks the power, you should consider draining it. Once you get rid of the contaminated liquids, your auto should run smoothly. Also, when you master this skill, you will never run out of fuel far away from home, because you will be able to easily pour gasoline from one car to another. To help you figure out the best technique, we offer some helpful tips on draining the tank.
A fuel tank (FT) is a safe container that stores flammable fluids in the vehicle. Depending on the model of the car, containers vary in size and complexity. Every FT must store the fuel and keep it from leaking, as well as limit evaporating emissions. They are made to prevent any damage and feed the engine through a pump. Basically, without FT and the gasoline, your auto can’t move.
Before you begin tinkering around your car, you should obtain all the necessary tools. Since there are more than a few ways to empty an FT, there are also various tools you can use. No matter how you extract the liquid out of your auto, you should have an empty container. Also, you might need an air or siphon pump, rubber tubes, and a rag.
This can be a serious problem that needs to be solved as soon as possible. Water can get in the FT when you are filling it up, or from condensation due to the weather. Pay attention to these symptoms, and you will be able to prevent further damage to your four-wheeler:
The simplest solution is using an additive that removes water, such as HEET. However, if there is too much water in the container, you’ll have to get rid of it by draining the tank. Later you can refill it with the fuel. Don’t avoid this problem because it can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your machine.
Do you have a siphon pump? If you do, the job will be easy and quick, if not, consider getting one because it can be pretty useful, especially if you live or travel to rural areas far away from gas stations.
Besides the pump, you should have an empty can. Start by removing the gas cap of the auto. However, before you get to business, examine the pump, and see how it works. Typical one has tubes coming out of each end, and it is marked so that you know which straw goes into FT and which goes into an empty container. There are pumps that have a handle like the ones for bikes, while others only have a rubber bulb. Additionally, you can find the battery or electrically operated pumps.
Once you read the instructions, put one hose in the FT and the other in an empty container. Start squeezing the rubber bulb, and you can stop when the liquid starts to flow. When you want to stop, remove the tube completely, or tilt it to the side, and you are done. All that is left to do is refill the FT and enjoy the ride.
If you don’t have a pump, there are other ways of getting the gasoline out of your four-wheeler. You should get two one inch diameter tubes, a cloth, and a container to store the fluid.
This is a safe method that uses air pressure to drain the FT. Start by putting the longer hose into the FT, and make sure it is submerged in the liquid.
The next step is inserting a smaller tube next to the long one. Get a cloth to seal the space around and between them. Make sure that seal is as airtight as possible. Put the empty container on the ground, and make sure that it is lower than the FT. Then put the other end of the long tube in it.
Start blowing the air into the shorter straw. That way, the air pressure increases inside the FT. When you are blowing air, make sure you use your mouth, not lungs, this way, you will minimize the risk of inhaling dangerous substances. As the air increases the pressure, it also forces liquid out of the long tube into the empty container. When you want to stop the flow, pull the end of the longer hose out of the canister and lift it above your head. Gravity will pull the remaining liquid back in the FT.
This is the old school method, and try to use it only as the last resort because it can be dangerous for you. Poisoning is a real danger while using this technique, and that’s why you should be extra careful. All you need is a one-inch diameter straw and an empty container.
Put one end of the hose deep into FT, and make sure that it is submerged in the liquid. If you want to test it, blow into it, and if you can hear bubbles, you are good to go. Get an empty container and put it on the ground next to the auto. Then you will have to suck on the end of the tube to draw the liquid up. Be careful not to swallow some gasoline when you notice that the liquid is five or six inches from the end of the straw. That’s the warning sign, and you should move quickly and put the tub inside the empty container.
Pay attention to bubbles in the tube, if you notice any, that means the gravity flow is broken and that the liquid will stop pouring soon. Stop the flow by lifting it out of FT and then repeat the whole process until there is no liquid.
Have you wondered how to drain the fuel tank easily without any tubes and pumps? Peak under your auto and try to locate FT. If there is a drain plug you can detach directly, your job will be easy.
Start by placing an empty container under the plug, and make sure that the pan is big enough to catch all the liquid dripping out of your four-wheeler. Then get to the plug and use a socket wrench or a spanner to open it. Let the liquid drain out. When everything is done, reattach the plug and screw it tightly. Refill your machine, and you are good to go.
Unfortunately, this technique can’t be used on all vehicles, since not every FT can be emptied out directly. Even though it is a model by model fix, it should work on most four-wheelers. This is the easiest way to empty out the FT, so before ruling it out check under the car to make sure it is not the option.
To some people, this seems like a really unnecessary thing to do. However, there are many situations where siphoning the car is required. Let’s say you put the wrong fuel in your machine – getting it out is absolutely mandatory if you wish to keep driving. If the mechanic is too far away, getting it out on your own is the only solution.
Furthermore, this is the way you get rid of all contaminated liquids that can cause huge and expensive problems for the engine. Finally, if you need to pour gas from one auto to another, there is no other way than to siphon it.
No matter how careful you are, tinkering around the vehicle can get messy, and you can be left with grease stains, smelling funky. After draining the FT, you can use a few tricks to remove the gasoline smell from your car, home, garage floor, and your clothes:
Have you always been interested in fixing up four-wheelers on your own? If so, you probably learned how to change U-joints, a flat tire, replace a thermostat, and now how to drain the FT. All of this will come in handy if you buy a used car that needs a bit of polishing. However, you can also apply your knowledge no matter if you have one of the top-rated SUVs or even one of the best family cars.
If you choose to buy a four-wheeler, you will more likely than not need an auto transport company to deliver it to you. Hire a reputable car shipping company that offers both open trailers and enclosed auto transport options. Additionally, you can choose between door to door transport or terminal to terminal car shipping. While professionals are taking care of your machine, you can kick back, relax, and think about the future DIY projects you can tackle.
