[wmf2008]

i THINK i have a leaking fuel pump fitting and i need to drain the full tank to drop it. is there a way to drain the tank other than by syphoning?

Bill

 

[vadsoom]

I have not personally dropped the tank in a Smart, but with other cars I’ve had good luck with pulling the fuel line from the fuel rail, plumbing in an extension tube, then turning on the key to let the fuel pump do the emptying. Of course, this won’t work if the fuel pump is toast.

 

[smark]

Is fuel leaking on the ground? I’d just siphon it.

 

[Jo e Lefors]

Is fuel leaking on the ground? I’d just siphon it.

Easier said than done on a smart.
I know, I'm in the same boat.
I've tried 3 different sizes and types of hose, little ice maker style , then a softer version that I was able to stretch straight etc.
Fuel pump fitting is cracked an leaking when the ignition is on. And I'm only one bar down from full 09 smart 58,157 miles.

 

[Jo e Lefors]

I'll post if find anything that works.
Luckily, I do not need the car and can take my time fixing it.

 

[smark]

I’d look into a electric fuel, oil extractor. That’s what they use at the dealerships.

 

[wahi]

I have a tank with the fuel pump in my parts storage. I can look at it tomorrow and see if there is a way to drain the gas out.

-wahi

 

[jetfuel]

…if pump is ok do what vadsoom said in post 2… disconnect at rail let the pump run…if it is a small leak it will pump ok…
…other is to pressurize the tank…
…be careful when using an electric pump to drain fuel…it should be a brushless motor…keeps you from filing an insurance claim…

Jetfuel…extinguishers nearby…

 

[wmf2008]

I have a tank with the fuel pump in my parts storage. I can look at it tomorrow and see if there is a way to drain the gas out.

-wahi

thank you
Bill

 

[wmf2008]

I’d look into a electric fuel, oil extractor. That’s what they use at the dealerships.

i thought about something like that, i have seen pumps run by an electric drill; but hopefully this is a one time only thing so i don't want to invest much $ in it

Bill

 

[jetfuel]

…how much do you need to drain???..
…at 6# per gallon…

Jetfuel…lifting weights…

 

[wmf2008]

…how much do you need to drain???..
…at 6# per gallon…

Jetfuel…lifting weights…

a FULL tank (whatever that is...)

Bill

 

[smark]

You need one of these 12volt extractors.

 

[vadsoom]

In my experience, getting as much fuel out of the tank as possible is a necessity. It’s not so much the weight of the fuel, but the shifting of said fuel that makes removal and reinstallation very challenging. Sloshing fuel makes for nasty slashes (I hate the smell of gas ) and makes it an absolute nightmare to reattach supports, especially when working alone.

 

[wmf2008]

You need one of these 12volt extractors.

View attachment 68427

lol.... i saw that, AND the price....

Bill

 

[Jo e Lefors]

Here is a picture of the tank.
As you see the filler hose comes in from the side. So the siphon hose tends to rest just above the fuel level.

Now in my 60++ years of life I have siphoned quite a lot of gas, leaded and lead free.
"snark" if you have siphoned gas from your smart PLEASE share your technique and equipment used. Pictures of hoses used etc. Would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you and have a safe Thanksgiving

 

[wmf2008]

Here is a picture of the tank.
As you see the filler hose comes in from the side. So the siphon hose tends to rest just above the fuel level. View attachment 68428
Now in my 60++ years of life I have siphoned quite a lot of gas, leaded and lead free.
"snark" if you have siphoned gas from your smart PLEASE share your technique and equipment used. Pictures of hoses used etc. Would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you and have a safe Thanksgiving

thanks for the picture, the tank looks daunting....

in my google search for transfer/siphon pumps i have seen tubes with a fitting on the end of the hose for weight, which ought to get the hose close(r) to the tank bottom. the simplest 'pump' seems to be the squeeze bulb type like that which is used for outboard motor gas tanks. of course a tubing fitting (for weight) on the end of a length tygon tubing and a manual siphon (suck it up...) should work too..

Bill

Bill

 

[smark]

lol.... i saw that, AND the price....

Bill

Some auto supply stores, will rent them out.

 

[Jo e Lefors]

wmf2008
Here ya go. I've tried these without success.

 

[jetfuel]

…have you ever unclogged a sink drain using a 5/16 snake…

jetfuel…just saying….think about it