Safe and efficient way of emptying fuel tanks

[pjtvr390se]

I am rebuilding the diff and rear brakes, whilst everything is out and I'm under here I thought I'd replace the pipework between the tanks, filters and pipes to the rest of the fuel system, they are sound but showing their age. The tanks are about half full so I will need to drain them to do a proper job. Please can anyone tell me an efficient and safe way to drain the tanks, siphoning or pumping the fuel out. Thanks, Phil

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Mate..
Ideally you want to just drain from the lowest point of each tank as if you use the fuel pump you risk damaging the pump..Be aware though that even after draining there will be a considerable amount of gases in there still so avoid any flames..sparks or electrics..Are you working on them or just moving them out the way?..Just be carefull...ziga

[ROOODBOY]

Personally, I would want the tanks to be a lot less than half full before doing that!

Half full is still a lot of fuel, you'll need a big container for it and it will weigh quite a bit too.

[pjtvr390se]

Hi, My question is is it best to drain the fuel from the swirl pot to pump pipe into a suitable container or is there a better way. The car is immobile as the rear diff etc is out so I can't drive it round the block to convert the fuel to grins and fumes.

Thanks Mark, used the pipe from swirl pot to pump and a brake flexi clamp to maintain control, job done without spilling a drop!

Edited by pjtvr390se on Monday 16th May 14:53

[mrzigazaga]

It depends where your swirl pot is located..If its close to the tanks on a Tee then drain from the hose coming off towards the pump..If its connected to a longer piece of pipe as like the 350 then disconnect it pre-swirlpot but as rooodboys says it is a lot of fuel, Just make sure you have a container/Containers that can take it all..Its 30+litres half full.

[wooly350i]

Sounds like you've done it,didn't hear any loud bangs,well done.

[adam quantrill]

Wow - the Zig is giving advice now - see, you're an expert now Mark ;^)

Personally I would get the brakes etc back on first, then drive it until empty, then do the work on the fuel system.

[mrzigazaga]

I wouldnt say im an expert mate but i have had quite a bit of experience with fuel emptying..Most of it un-planned and very scary and not just on the wedge..I had a good look at the two diagrams relating to the fuel setup in the wedge manual and looked at the best point of exit..Iam learning..

[AM400]

pjtvr390se said:

Hi, My question is is it best to drain the fuel from the swirl pot to pump pipe into a suitable container or is there a better way. The car is immobile as the rear diff etc is out so I can't drive it round the block to convert the fuel to grins and fumes.

Thanks Mark, used the pipe from swirl pot to pump and a brake flexi clamp to maintain control, job done without spilling a drop!

Edited by pjtvr390se on Monday 16th May 14:53

Thats the way I drained my tanks, still managed to get about 15 litres out despite being more than empty on the gauge! At least I know I have some in reserve now.

[wooly350i]

Sounds like you've done it,didn't hear any loud bangs,well done.