How to siphon fuel out of the fuel tank?

HERBI

MEMBER
2001 FORD MUSTANG
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
60,000 MILES

I need to replace the fuel pump but the tank is filled. I can't get a tube down into the tank so as to siphon the fuel out. Any ideas on how I could remove the fuel before I drop the tank?

Sunday, May 2nd, 2021 AT 3:37 PM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

There is a guide tube that is inserted into the filler tube before running the hose in to remove the fuel. You are doing it the right way, but chances are, you aren't getting in far enough.

If you look at the first three pics below, they are the directions for draining the fuel tank. I don't know if you need them, but the rest of the pics are tank removal and replacement and fuel pump module removal and replacement.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Sunday, May 2nd, 2021 AT 8:49 PM

HERBI

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you for replying to my question about draining the fuel from my car listed above. I still can't get the hose down into the tank. I think I will have to drop the tank as is and remove the fuel when it's on the ground.

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Monday, May 3rd, 2021 AT 12:11 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

If there is less than 3/4 tank, when you remove the filler tube hose from it, you will then easily be able to reach the fuel.

If you can, let me know if this helps and how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe

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Monday, May 3rd, 2021 AT 6:05 PM

HERBI

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you so much, but unfortunately I filled the tank before I put the car away for the winter. Will it spill fuel from the filler hole when I remove the filler tube.

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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 10:32 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Chances are it will leak. Since it is full, I'm really surprised you can't reach it. In the filler pipe, there is a check valve that should only allow fuel to enter. But once it is removed, it will leak.

If I recall, there should be a breather hose on the filler tube as well. See if you can get in through that hose.

Let me know.

Joe