Re: How do I empty the gas tank?

Posted by HH56 On 2017/4/26 9:02:03

Regarding the drain plug. If it hasn't been off before -- or at least not for a long time -- I would bet money it will be rusted and stuck fast. DO NOT just grab a wrench and try to remove it. The tapered round threaded part going into the tank the plug screws into is just a pressed or maybe a crimped on fitting to the sheetmetal. If the plug is rusted solid the fitting will turn and break the seal to the metal. You then have a leak that is extremely difficult to repair.

As was mentioned, give a good soak with penetrating oil first. When you start to remove the plug hold the tapered round piece on the tank with a small pipe wrench or some large visegrips while you work at unscrewing the plug. Even with all that the plug may not want to budge. Do not force it.. The next step would be to proceed to plan two which is trying the siphon or removing the tank and pouring the old gas out. If the plug does come out then it would be better if you didn't reuse it. Get a brass plug from the hardware store that will not rust again as a replacement.