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Need to drain the fuel tank......


OoPEZoO

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Whats the best way to go about doing it on a 1100RT tank? I had read a great idea about pulling the fuel return line and activating the fuel pump, but the tank is currently off the bike, and there currently is no bike to put it back on. Its sitting on my work bench with quick disconnects on the fuel lines and a 100% full tank (thanks to breaking down exactly 19 miles from my last fill up :dopeslap:)

 

I have a power supply, so I can activate the pump if I need to, but I was kind of afraid of what the fuel pressure might be. I just want a definite plan of action considering I have almost 7 gallons of fuel to deal with once it starts flowing.

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Get your gas cans ready.

Use this

There are other similar types, I bought one a few years ago and carried it and a spiil/leakproof gas container to the BRR when the gas stations were running out.

Best wishes.

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Joe Frickin' Friday
I have a power supply, so I can activate the pump if I need to, but I was kind of afraid of what the fuel pressure might be. I just want a definite plan of action considering I have almost 7 gallons of fuel to deal with once it starts flowing.

 

If the line out of the tank isn't constricted or attached to anything, you won't develop any pressure. But you'll get a pretty good flow rate: the official BMW service manual specs a delivery volume of 110 liters per hour, or just under a half-gallon per minute.

 

But if you're driving it out with the pump, then the fuel flow should stop as soon as you cut power. So just be ready on the switch in case something goes wrong (or if you need to stop and transfer fuel to a bigger container).

 

Note that the quick-disconnect fittings usually include a shut-off valve in them that blocks flow when the fittings are disconnected. You'll need to make sure that valve is held open (or the QD removed from the pump output hose altogether); otherwise you could develop very high pressures in that line, well in excess of the ~45 psi that the backpressure regulator maintains in the normal/complete fuel system.

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Nice find Tim, I might have to pick one of those up next time I stop in there.

 

Mitch......thanks for the flow rate of the pump. I didn't know that info was buried in the service manual. Never even thought to check.

 

I'm going to use some fuel clamps on the lines and remove the quick disco's before I mess with anything. Then I think I'll hook up the power supply to the fuel pump and I should be able to control it pretty well considering the moderate flow rate. Hope my riding mower is ready for some 93 Octane :)

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barryNmarin

Keith, In the past I've had to drain the tank for a filter change and I just bought a 6' length of clear tubing at the hardware store and used it as a siphon. It worked like a champ and now I carry the tubing in the side case on long trips in case I or another rider runs out of gas.

:thumbsup:

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actually I have a similar pump at home, but my pump has a turn off valve. So as one gas can gets full, just shut the pump off, put empty on and turn pump back on. I think harbor freight sells these also. If not I got mine at northern tool., just go to notherntool.com and search. You will see exactly what I am talking about.

 

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200022224_200022224

 

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200430883_200430883

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I'd be reluctant to pump the tank "dry" using the fuel pump as the pump relies on liquid fuel for cooling.

 

You could try siphoning using some plastic tubing & a couple of rigid plastic soda straws forced together to reach the far corner of the tang. I use an ear syringe to get it flowing.

 

Do it outside as you probably know. This new gas stinks something horrible.

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I don't care if I burn out the fuel pump. It has 126k miles on it and isn't worth anything. Once the tank is empty, the pump is going in the trash. My main priority is to empty the tank and not make a mess.

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After you empty it, I'd suggest flushing it out several times with water and letting it dry out in the sun to try and control any vapors. I've always heard stories about empty gas tanks exploding years later if sparked.

 

 

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It was simple. I pulled the fuel return hose, which allowed the tank to drain down to where the connection is inside the tank. Then I switched over to the high pressure hose and hooked a battery up to the fuel pump. It drained the tank down to the point were there was only about a cup of gas left. Then I pulled all the pieces parts and guts out. Going to let it sit out in the sun all day tomorrow to air out.

 

Filled up both mowers, the GS, and still had about 3 gallons left over to refill my mower gas cans. :clap:

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