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Old 08-04-2019, 08:50 PM   #1
Clem Clement
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Default Draining a gas tank

I need to replace the gas line on my 39 pickup, which is currently up on jacks. There is no shut off valve on the tank and the tank is nearly full. I don't have a good Oklahoma credit card. I hesitate to open the drain plug in the garage. I guess I need to finish the brake job and then roll the truck away from the house
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Old 08-04-2019, 08:53 PM   #2
deuce_roadster
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Default Re: Draining a gas tank

Yeah, If you don't take out the plug, a siphon is your next best option. They make ones now you don't have to suck on. Back in high school we had "3 suck hoses and 4 suck hoses!" Didn't want to mix them up.
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Old 08-05-2019, 09:37 AM   #3
estout81
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Default Re: Draining a gas tank

When I had to drain the tank on my '51 car I used the electric fuel pump. Put a long hose on the carb. side of pump to fill gas cans. Worked and no mess.
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Old 08-05-2019, 09:45 AM   #4
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Default Re: Draining a gas tank

Remove the gas filler cap for easier draining. That drain plug can be really tight requiring vise grips. Of course, make sure there is nothing that could spark when draining. Avoid static electricity.

Last edited by 19Fordy; 08-05-2019 at 10:46 AM.
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Old 08-05-2019, 09:56 AM   #5
34pickup
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Default Re: Draining a gas tank

Just as a side note because it reminded me; I bought a new gas tank for my 48 coupe from Tanks Inc. Its a nice tank that fit just right but I didn't notice it until it was installed that they do not come with a drain plug! Old cars that do a lot of sitting really should have one. If I had been more attentive, I would have installed one when I had it off, now its installed and full of gas. So, if you buy a new gas tank, pay attention to see if a drain plug is included.
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Old 08-05-2019, 10:05 AM   #6
philipswanson
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Default Re: Draining a gas tank

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Don't just pull the drain plug, you will have a mess and get gas all over you. Either pump or siphon. Gas is poisonous and a carcinogen, and obviously highly flammable. Be careful.
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Old 08-05-2019, 12:11 PM   #7
Clem Clement
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Default Re: Draining a gas tank

I bought a syphon and we'll see.
Oklahoma credit card is a 4 foot garden hose section)
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Old 08-05-2019, 12:41 PM   #8
rotorwrench
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Default Re: Draining a gas tank

I use a squeeze bulb with two lengths of fuel line type hose. The squeeze type primer bulbs keep the fuel in the line.

https://www.amazon.com/Primer-Rubber...vadid=31237363
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Old 08-05-2019, 12:59 PM   #9
mike in tucson
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Default Re: Draining a gas tank

Home Depot sells a pump rated to transfer gasoline. It uses a D cell battery and works great. I used it to empty my 39 gas tank.
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Old 08-05-2019, 01:05 PM   #10
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Default Re: Draining a gas tank

Isnt the tank in the cab? Reason I asked is because I just did the same thing on my 1967 C30. Moved the seat forward and there is the sending unit mounted towards the top of the tank. From the sending unit to the steel line is a tapered seat brass fitting. I simply disconnected the line at the fitting with zero spillage. I thought most of them had a short length of rubber line, If so disconnect it there.
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Old 08-05-2019, 01:51 PM   #11
Clem Clement
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Default Re: Draining a gas tank

NO. Tank is in the rear. I bought a new syphon and will soon try it out
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Old 08-07-2019, 07:42 PM   #12
Clem Clement
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Default Re: Draining a gas tank

Happily I don't think I need to drain the tank. Thanks all.
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