Removing gas from gas tank - duh

[Robs72T]

I have old gas in my tank and my engine is almost out. Since I am moving from MFI to Carbs I will need to redo the fuel system. Before pulling the engine I think I should start on the fuel system (parts that can be done before the engine pull).

So I need to pull the fuel tank and have it cleaned. How do I remove the gas that is already in there? I'm thinking along the lines of running a line from my fuel pump to a gas can and taking a battery to the fuel pump......... but something keeps nagging me in my head about high pressure fuel pump, sparks, fire..........

So any suggestions? It's for a 1972 and the car is on a lift.


Thanks.

[JP911]

If it's on a lift, you could pinch one of the rubber lines at the tank, direct the line into an empty gas can, unpinch the line, and drain away. Of course, if you have alot of gas in the tank you'll need several empty cans.

The way I've drained mine, with the car on the ground, involves removing the fuel level sender and siphoning the gas out and into a can using a cheap kerosene hand siphon/pump.

[Jays72T]

There should be a drain plug that takes a allen wrench right by the where the outlet and return hoses connect to the tank. Jon's way sounds better though, I got gas all over the place when I did mine.

[Joe Bob]

Ever try getting that allen keyed plug to open? I have......do the drain the fuel line thing. That allen plug will never open....heat might help but a little dangerous on a gas tank.....

[Iowa911]

So, once you get the gas out what are you supposed to do with it? Will recycling centers take it?

[Joe Bob]

He just has to re-plumb and clean it....not trash it.

[911pcars]

Considering the cost of gas, you could ask any of your friends (even a stranger) to volunteer their empty gas tank for "temporary" storage. You'll need a long hose and a connection to your existing fuel line at the fuel pump, accumulator or filter inlet. Use the vehicle fuel pump. Your recipient will appreciate it.

If I was closer, I'd go over and help (myself).

Sherwood

[Iowa911]

I meant the gas, not the tank. If it's old gas what should you do with it?

[Joe Bob]

Run it in the lawn mower or weed wacker....mix it in with a bunch of other gas run it in my truck.....my GMC will run on pissandvinegar....

[porsche930dude]

iv run my briggs and straton gocart on gas so old dirty it looked like oil smelled like it too

[RWebb]

mix it into any GM or Ford product - say 50% or less...

[frankc]

I drained my tank just last month by the method you mentioned first. I have Webers so it was very convenient for me to simply pull off a fuel line to one of the carbs, and then extend that with a coupler and another piece of fuel line I picked up at the auto parts store. I put the end of the line into a 5 gallon gas tank, turned on the key, and watched it fill (with fire extinguisher in hand just in case . The gas did not pump out super fast, and I still have the original CIS pump. Apparently the pumps are capable of high pressure, just not high volume (or my filter is horribly clogged ).

Frank