Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: rwmastel on August 12, 2024, 16:49:11
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Trying to fully empty fuel tank before removal. Garage doors & windows open and fan running for ventilation.
https://youtube.com/shorts/TwcN7S6aMY8?si=zclPe9JEHZj2SDTb
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You can siphon most of it into proper fuel containers. You will have to remove the drain plug and put a bucket or drain pan under it to get the last bit of the tank. You can also unhook a fuel line under the hood and extend it to a fuel container. Now you can use the electric fuel pump (if still installed in the car) to pump it out of the tank by just turning on the ignition. Always be cautious of static electric sparks and sparks from electric fans, electric motors and pilot lights etc.
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Not a good idea what I saw in the video. Gasoline is very dangerous stuff.
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Sorry but a bit risky I think... The humidity probably saved you from a static spark...
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You will have to remove the drain plug and put a bucket or drain pan under it to get the last bit of the tank.
I had the day off work and was trying to get stuff done. I couldn't find the tool to remove the drain, so I was trying to find alternative drain methods. I should have made a trip to your place to borrow yours.
I agree with you all, in hind sight it was a very risky action. I should know better! I could have changed the old "haste makes waste" saying to "haste makes fire". :( It wasn't even that effective as there was at least a quart of fuel left in it.
I've deleted the video. It's just embarrassing that I even tried that.
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For anyone else reading this thread and are going to attempt to remove the bottom plug to drain the tank - be aware that the tank holds more than you think and it comes out at a volume that may surprise you.
I was doing the work on a gravel surface so I was prepared with a little kids wading pool the neighbours threw away, to catch the fuel, with a large bucket inside and even though I siphoned most of the gas out first there was still enough to make a mess. The stuff that was inside had been there for 20+ years and was stinky.
Have an appropriate fire extinguisher handy just incase.
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Embarrassed to admit this but I was restoring an MGB when I was 18. I needed to check if the removed fuel pump worked. I put some gas in a plastic bucket. I put the suction hose in the bucket and the discharge hose also in the bucket. I touched the power wires to electrical connections and from about a foot away the vapors ignited the bucket.
Now keep in mind I was in an old detached wooden garage. The bucket of burning gas was on the concrete slab and burning the plastic bucket down to the gasoline level. I panicked while trying to figure out how to put this out before I lit the whole place on fire. I figured if I dumped sand on it it would have splashed lit gas all over the floor. I couldn’t carry it outside for fear I’d spill gasoline all over myself.
Luckily the plastic stopped burning right at the liquid surface level and didn’t spill any fuel onto the concrete. That gave me some time. I found a piece of sheet metal and put it on the fire and immediately extinguished it.
I felt stupid and thanked my lucky stars I didn’t burn down my friends garage. I’m very careful these days (although I could use a new house out here in Oahu).
Good thing a spark didn’t come from the blower there.
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One moral of this story, always have a good fire extinguisher at hand when working with fuel and similar fluids.
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One is invited to vote at the top of this thread. However, as the video was withdrawn prior to my seeing the topic for the first time, it is impossible to express an opinion.
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I have locked voting. This discussion is moot.