Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech draining fuel tank

im about to drain the fuel tank of my 2011 speedy before it goes to the painters. - ive had the fuel tank off once and noticed that theres a valve that seals when fuel line is disconnected to stop the fuel escaping ,so how do i drain the fuel ?

Put a 4 foot long small diameter fuel hose into the tank and a fuel can below the tank and beside the bike and suck to get it going. If you have a vacuum pump to get it flowing you can avoid the aftertaste. It's a bit tricky to feed the hose down to the rear of the tank because the fuel pump is in the way. That's why a small diameter hose is easier. You may need to drain the last bit into a bucket by turning the tank upside down (when it's off of course). You don't have to drain it on the bike. You can remove it and drain it elsewhere. It's dead easy. Good luck.

if you go to a hobby store that sells gas powered RC cars they sell little pumps that work off 12 volt that work really well for this sort of thing, size of a cigareet pack or smaller, i have always found those very useful.

thanks guys - never thought of siphoning it - i dont mind a mouthfull of petrol and burned lips lol.- sometimes the simplest solution is the best !

You DON'T have to "siphon" by mouth. (Though I'm SURE some are experts at it)

If you have at least 2' or more of hose, and can stuff it all into the filler cap hole into fluid, then just put your finger over the exposed end, and pull most of the hose out and point it down towards the ground (into a container), leaving the other end in the fuel, and remove your finger.
IF the end with your finger is lower than the end in the tank, it will self-siphon, as the hose is filled with fluid.

Of course, IF you WANT the after-taste...

True, but the EFI has minimal access in the tank because of the fuel pump. It's tricky just feedin enough small hose in to reach the bottom let alone excess hose. Others may be more successful with your method but I had used a vacuum pump. It just occured to me that if your tank was near full you may be able to do it.

The SECOND method I use with a motorcycle tank is to just stick the hose at the bottom of the tank, put the other end into a container below the tank level, and INSTEAD of sucking on the hose, put a clean rag around the tank fill hole, press your mouth tight against it, and blow into your tank.
It will pressurize your tank and start fuel flowing out the hose.

But again, IF YOU PREFER...

Smart idea.

You DON'T have to "siphon" by mouth. (Though I'm SURE some are experts at it)

Or you could just pull the tank, tip it over and pour the fuel out. Or (and this is the best solution) go for a ride that puts you on reserve around the time you get home, then pull the tank and tip it over to expel what little remains!

siphoned it without any issues- and no mouthfuls of fuel either -result

Works for me!!!

thanks for the advice folks