nitrous1 Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 The fuel pump died on my STS a few days ago and as my luck would have it, I filled up the tank that morning. What is the easiest way to drain the fuel tank? Thanks, Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 Last time I did it I used a hand held pump. It was an orange plastic device with two vinyl hoses, suction on one and pump on the other. I think you can find them at Kmart, Walmart or most home centers for $10-$20. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 I am a little unclear with emptying a fuel tank. The main reason is to lighten it so that you can easily handle it. However, I have always been told that an empty tank is much more dangerous in terms of explosions than a full tank. What precautions should one take when dealing with a fuel tank since static electricity could cause an explosion... Mister belt and suspenders... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 Yes, an empty tank is much more dangerous. I have taken a few out and never drain the tank, I just get another guy to help and have never had a problem. Just make sure you don't forget what you are dealing with, very dangerous stuff and if you are not confortable I would let a shop do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DFBonnett Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 Last time I did it I used a hand held pump. It was an orange plastic device with two vinyl hoses, suction on one and pump on the other. I think you can find them at Kmart, Walmart or most home centers for $10-$20. Bought mine at Sears for about $10, IIRC. Also saw them at KMart for about the same. Work very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAUL T Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 The last tank I took out I used a floor jack with a flat board to hold the tank in place while I unhooked the straps then lowered it enough to get the hoses and wiring off then lowered it the rest of the way and pulled it out. I then did the same thing in reverse order and it went like clock work. The rear of the car has to be elevated in order to let the tank down with the jack though. Leave some gas in it and it will not be as dangerous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted September 4, 2004 Report Share Posted September 4, 2004 Thanks for confirming my thoughts guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acklac7 Posted September 5, 2004 Report Share Posted September 5, 2004 I did mine the same way PAUL T did. I did run into some problems with the exaust heat sheild and getting the hose off of the fill tank. Also you need to pump the gas from one of the feeder/return ports located on the fuel tank. You need to remove one of the hoses from the bottom and then syphon...directly from the tank ...you might already be aware of this .....I wasnt A.J. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted September 5, 2004 Report Share Posted September 5, 2004 I would drain the tank before removing it. If you don't, the fuel may siphon out of the return line when the pipes are disconnected. Besides, the tank will be very heavy with any more than 1/8 of a tank. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitrous1 Posted September 6, 2004 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 I dropped the tank yesterday afternoon. I ended up removing the vent hose (I believe) next to the filler hose on the back of the tank. I tried (unsuccessfully) to put a siphon hose down thru the gas filler, back the fill hose has too many twists in it. The heat shield between the tank and the exhaust is a major PITA. I got quite a bit of fuel out of the tank, but I'd say that there is still about 5 gallons or so in it . I should get my new pump Tuesday and I'll begin reassembly then. Thanks for all your suggestions. nitrous1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillip Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 One final thougth on draining the tank. Certainly gas vapour in an empty tank is very volatile, but unless the tank is completely full of gasoline (ie no air or vapour) I thought that the risk would not be appreciably greater. My inclination is to remove an empty tank, thereby minimizing the risk of spillage. That is how I've done it in the past. Does this make sense? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaddyChris Posted September 6, 2004 Report Share Posted September 6, 2004 It makes sense to empty the tank because it's heavy when it's filled. Deep thought was involved here. Haha. Christopher Petro 94 sts 67 coupe de Ville Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted September 7, 2004 Report Share Posted September 7, 2004 One final thougth on draining the tank. Certainly gas vapour in an empty tank is very volatile, but unless the tank is completely full of gasoline (ie no air or vapour) I thought that the risk would not be appreciably greater. My inclination is to remove an empty tank, thereby minimizing the risk of spillage. That is how I've done it in the past. Does this make sense? Makes perfect sense to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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