How do I drain my fuel?

Hi all.
My 2000 petrol V8 has died and I'll probably be scrapping it... shortly before it died I'd fuelled it up (both petrol and LPG!). Before I get rid, I want to retrieve most of the fuel - petrol at least...! What is the best way of going about getting the fuel out?

While I'm on, does anyone know if there's a way to recover the LPG at all? I'm considering selling the tank - full - but I'm interested in any other options open to me.

Cheers in advance.




Edit: - Having now found a solution, to save you all from reading to the end if you are struggling with this yourself:

I tried all sorts of clever things - some suggested in this thread - but none worked effectively. In the end I decided I had to try siphoning the fuel out.

The car does have an anti-siphon device fitted, but it isn't that good! A hosepipe is waaaay too big, and a 10mm (approx.) pipe was also too big, but I managed to get a very thin pipe down into the tank - probably approx 5-6mm external diameter, and cut to a point at the end. It took a while to get it going, and it took a long time to do, but it did work - very well. My tank was very full, which may have helped me, but I do have some more to drain when I have an empty container, so I will post back if I struggle next time (tank now less than half full).

What's wrong with the car? If the engine is not fecked might be better to sell it in one piece.

Datatek said:

What's wrong with the car? If the engine is not fecked might be better to sell it in one piece.

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I believe the engine is indeed "fecked"!

I had the usual fluid loss and overheating issues for ages, then I did the cylinder head gaskets a couple of years ago (having already fitted a new rad, water pump, thermostat).... the cylinder head job sorted my problems very well, and I had about a year of relatively trouble-free motoring.

A few months ago I had a major overheating episode again. Long story short, I decided that the had gasket had gone again, so did that job again, only this time it didn't solve the problem.

I conclude, therefore, that it needs top-hat liners. I'm assuming that is going to cost more than the car is worth....?? I did briefly consider turning it into an off-roading toy, but I imagine the cost of the engine work would prevent that plan....!

It is a shame, because it is in great nick generally.

As far as I know there would be no way to evacuate the LPG withour specialist equipment....and I would not advocate selling it full under any circumstance.

As for petrol - a usual syphon would do surely....the L322 has anti syphon pegs in the filler neck but I managed to get a small pipe through to get fuel out when I did my pump....not sure if the P38 has the same!

Saint.V8 said:

As far as I know there would be no way to evacuate the LPG withour specialist equipment....and I would not advocate selling it full under any circumstance.

As for petrol - a usual syphon would do surely....the L322 has anti syphon pegs in the filler neck but I managed to get a small pipe through to get fuel out when I did my pump....not sure if the P38 has the same!

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Can you not 'pump' it out of the front end ?

Using one of the bulb type pumps, takes a while but it's safe and very controlled ...

Fuel Pump - Hand Primer Bulb Type 8mm All Fuels | eBay

but I have been known to use an old Whale 12v pump from a caravan ...

Saint.V8 said:

As for petrol - a usual syphon would do surely....the L322 has anti syphon pegs in the filler neck but I managed to get a small pipe through to get fuel out when I did my pump....not sure if the P38 has the same!

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I was assuming there's an anti-syphon device fitted...? If not, then happy days!

Ask a Pikey he will drain your fuel in no time at all.

12v to in tank pump, use fuel line with hose extension into container

Druim said:

12v to in tank pump, use fuel line with hose extension into container

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Come on that is far to simple. Complicated answers only please.

Druim said:

12v to in tank pump, use fuel line with hose extension into container

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If I can't siphon it out, I was figuring something like this would do it, but I'm going to need it a bit more 'Janet & John' - like where to access the fuel line and how to send 12v to the tank pump...???

Turtled said:

If I can't siphon it out, I was figuring something like this would do it, but I'm going to need it a bit more 'Janet & John' - like where to access the fuel line and how to send 12v to the tank pump...???

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Switching the ignition on maybe will do that.

wammers said:

Switching the ignition on maybe will do that.

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Ok. thanks Wammers. That's the John part, what about Janet? - Where do I access the fuel line?

Realy daft question but since im the resident idiot I'll ask it!!!
You say it died shortly after filling it? You sure you havent filled it with diesel?

If your scraping the car just ounch a hole in the bottom of tank. As for the gas you better look up uklpg on line to see what they suggest. I've just dumped an old tank at tge tip. They wouldn't take it until I showed them it was empty, open and I had washed it out.

gfromleeds said:

Realy daft question but since im the resident idiot I'll ask it!!!
You say it died shortly after filling it? You sure you havent filled it with diesel?

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I'm certain. Its running beautifully - until it overheats!

doz said:

If your scraping the car just ounch a hole in the bottom of tank. As for the gas you better look up uklpg on line to see what they suggest. I've just dumped an old tank at tge tip. They wouldn't take it until I showed them it was empty, open and I had washed it out.

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I don't want to puncture the petrol tank as I still need to be able to move it around until I get rid.

As for the LPG tank - should I just open it up with an angle grinder while smoking a cigar to empty it....???:violent::flame2:

Turtled said:

I don't want to puncture the petrol tank as I still need to be able to move it around until I get rid.

As for the LPG tank - should I just open it up with an angle grinder while smoking a cigar to empty it....???:violent::flame2:

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While holding a roman candle to see by

Turtled said:

I don't want to puncture the petrol tank as I still need to be able to move it around until I get rid.

As for the LPG tank - should I just open it up with an angle grinder while smoking a cigar to empty it....???:violent::flame2:

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Let me know and I'll look northwards fior a great fireworks show

The angle grinder will do the trick no need for further ignition items.

I love the fact that there's an ad at the bottom of my page for "Fuel Transfer Pumps"!

But even the ad doesn't tell me how / where to access the fuel line.... anyone... ? :focus: