Draining gas tank
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Draining gas tank
Groan! I have to replace the gas tank on my '80 Bronc. I really dread this job because anytime I do anything under the I bust knuckles on the rusted bolts.
I think my tank is a 25 gallon capacity tank, based on the amount that it takes to fill it.
What is the most efficient way to drain it once I get the level of the tank down to several gallons? The Haynes manual says to drain it at the fuel pump to gas line connection. Anybody use this method?
I think my tank is a 25 gallon capacity tank, based on the amount that it takes to fill it.
What is the most efficient way to drain it once I get the level of the tank down to several gallons? The Haynes manual says to drain it at the fuel pump to gas line connection. Anybody use this method?
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Loveland, CO.
Originally Posted by tombob
How woudl I do that? Would I have to have the motor running since it is a mechanical fuel pump?
Sorry, that's incorrect. I was thinking backwards...I've kept a car running with a clogged tank by dropping the inlet to the fuel pump in a gas can - but I've never done it in reverse to pump fuel out. It would work if you continiously cranked the motor over, but I would not recommend that. It would be very hard on everything.
But maybe you could put a tee in the fuel line and have the tee'd line go to a gas can, while the truck still get enough gas to idle from the regular line? I've never tried it, but if it works, it would be very easy to drain the tank to nothing.
There is no reason why it would not work, as long as the diminished amount of gas going to the carb is sufficient to keep the motor running.
Last edited by JBronco; Oct 16, 2004 at 09:02 PM.
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From: Canada
Are you wanting to drain so you can get the tank off?? Because all you really need to do (on a 91 Bronco, I assume they are similar) is drive the truck until theres less than a 1/8 of a tank and then you can simply lower the tank with a shop jack and pour or siphon out the rest of the gas. It doesn't need to be empty to remove, I've taken mine off a few times with gas in it. Just make sure you center the jack as best you can so it doesn't fall to one side. Good Luck!!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
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I also have an 80 Bronco, and I'm getting ready to do the same thing. My Bronco has been sitting for about a year and I'm going to drop the tank to clean it out before I fire the new engine. May I ask, why are you doing this, and please let me know what you find, any tips wopuld be greatly appreciated. Matt
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,809
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From: Loveland, CO.
Originally Posted by tombob
How woudl I do that? Would I have to have the motor running since it is a mechanical fuel pump?
Sorry, that's incorrect. I was thinking backwards...I've kept a car running with a clogged tank by dropping the inlet to the fuel pump in a gas can - but I've never done it in reverse to pump fuel out. It would work if you continiously cranked the motor over, but I would not recommend that. It would be very hard on everything.
But maybe you could put a tee in the fuel line and have the tee'd line go to a gas can, while the truck still get enough gas to idle from the regular line? I've never tried it, but if it works, it would be very easy to drain the tank to nothing.
There is no reason why it would not work, as long as the diminished amount of gas going to the carb is sufficient to keep the motor running.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Lynnwood, WA
Originally Posted by tombob
How woudl I do that? Would I have to have the motor running since it is a mechanical fuel pump?
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I think I will drive the Bronc until she's nearly out of gas and then try to drop it. What worries me most are the rusted-on bolts holding up the skid plate which the tank sits on. I have been soaking them with penetratign oil for the past couple of weeks in anticipation of the job. Normally, I don't let rusted-on bolts faze me.
My ultimate weapon against rusted on fasteners of any type--provided I can reach them--is my angle grinder equipped with a cutting disk, but I don't dare use anything that would generate sparks around the fuel lines or gas tank.
Questions:
a) I don't have a shop jack; is there anything else I can use?
b) How heavy is the tank with about 1/8 tank left?
Thanks guys. I'll let you know how thisturned out. Unfortuantely, I won't be able to get to the job for a couple of weeks due to other job committments. Hope I can do it efore teh snow flies! I sure hate the thought of paying my mechanic $480 (estimated price) to do the job.
My ultimate weapon against rusted on fasteners of any type--provided I can reach them--is my angle grinder equipped with a cutting disk, but I don't dare use anything that would generate sparks around the fuel lines or gas tank.
Questions:
a) I don't have a shop jack; is there anything else I can use?
b) How heavy is the tank with about 1/8 tank left?
Thanks guys. I'll let you know how thisturned out. Unfortuantely, I won't be able to get to the job for a couple of weeks due to other job committments. Hope I can do it efore teh snow flies! I sure hate the thought of paying my mechanic $480 (estimated price) to do the job.
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,809
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From: Loveland, CO.
[QUOTE=tombob]I think I will drive the Bronc until she's nearly out of gas and then try to drop it. I don't dare use anything that would generate sparks around the fuel lines or gas tank.
SMART DECISIONS!
is the tank with about 1/8 tank left?
QUOTE]
1 gallon of gasoline equals 5.8 to 6.5 lbs.
SMART DECISIONS!
is the tank with about 1/8 tank left?
QUOTE]
1 gallon of gasoline equals 5.8 to 6.5 lbs.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 182
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From: Canada
The tank ways a fair amount, probably not too heavy to lift, but when your under the truck it might be awkward trying to lower by hand. I myself couldn't do it, but I'm not very strong, so you might do that, just make sure you have someone there to help if something should happen. You could always use a normal car jack as well, depending on the kind of jack, I would use a small square piece of wood rigged up to the top for more surface contact. Another thing I just thought of would be using tie down straps; Attach 2 or more on either side of the tank and slowly let down??? Just suggestions... hope it works out. (As for the rusted bolts, one of the best things to do is smoke the head of the bold with a hammer to break the threads free).
