[Poppy]

So what's the best way to drain a fuel tank prior to dropping it to swap out a fuel pump?

Fortunately I never had to do that, but I'm thinking that if I had to, I would siphon it into a 2 1/2 gallon gas can, and pour it into my other cars, or neighbor's cars, until I couldn't siphon any more out.

I have a siphon like this.

Once I got the siphon going, I wouldn't want to break it until finished, so I guess it would be a two person job, One to plug the siphon, while the other emptied the gas can into other cars.

 

[electro]

The small diameter of the tubing really slows down this job. Consider using a larger diameter tube. Once a person is comfortable with the principle of a siphon, the squeeze part really isn't necessary. There are products available to handle the transfer of fuel. Having a second person around is a great idea.
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Sierra-Tools-JB4840-Operated-Transfer/dp/B000HEBR3I]Amazon.com: Sierra Tools JB4840 Battery Operated Liquid Transfer Pump: Home Improvement[/ame]

 

[scbill]

I don't think you can get a tube into the newer tanks because of the rollover ball in the filler neck.

Bill

 

[JoeyB]

You would be correct Bill the only other option that I can think of would be tipping the tank after you have dropped it just make sure that you have a funnel thats big enough for that and than fill your tank back up after you have gotten it back in and the filler neck connected. A suggestion for this as well check you grounds in that area as well.

 

[Poppy]

Bill, and joeyb,
Do you have a picture or diagram that shows this rolloverball that would prohibit inserting a tube into the same orafice that one would insert the nozzle at the gas pump?

I'm not really sure of what you are talking about.

 

[JoeyB]

I am faily sure that most of the newer models (2000-present) have it to prevent thieves from stealling gas. Even more so since the economy went south. I will do my best to find you a diagram of this Poppy

 

[Pletchaj]

Bucket screwdriver and a hammer .... oh wait you wana save the tank ....

 

[delaware74b]

Generally, you don't need to drain the tank for fuel pump replacement. If it's over half full, I'd recommend jacking up the car, place it on stands, then use either 2 people or a transmission jack to lower it. I've dropped Cavalier and Crown Vic tanks that way. I dropped the 13-gallon tank out of my MG-B half full with just a floor jack and 2' piece of plywood by myself to change the sender. If it's a pickup truck, it is easier to pull the bed off a Ranger to get to the top of the tank.

 

[tim42]

I have one of those bulb jobs like you have. Got it at harbor Freight or some place like that. Junk. Never could get it to work. Main problem was getting the hose to uncoil and stay uncoiled to use it.

 

[mark v]

What you can use to make it faster is a cheap inline electric fuel pump the ones where you can put a rubber hose on each end. I know NAPA sells some for like $40 IIRC.

On some cars you can hook them right up to your fuel line and drain it that way.