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draining the gas tank

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by AFNurse, Jun 17, 2005.

  1. AFNurse

    AFNurse Moderator Staff Member

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    Ok, so here is my problem...I don't have the service manual (will get one when I get back into the states), and in less then 2 weeks, I ship the bike back to the states. In order to ship it, I need to have the battery cables disconnected (Hope I can accomplish this without help!! :rolleyes: ) My problem is that I need to also drain the gas tank.... I am not the most mechanically inclined person and would like to do this with as little problem and spillage as possible.... anyone have a quick step by step instruction for this process? I have a 2004 E Glide Standard with EFI. I appriciate any help that I can get on this. Thanks :D
    AFNurse, Jun 17, 2005
    #1
  3. maxpower_hd

    maxpower_hd Active Member

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    Gas

    I am not very familiar with EFI but this is the way I did it. I disconnected the crossover tube from one side and plugged it. Then ran the line from each tank individually into a gas can. This was is a little messy but not too bad. I still had to remove the tank to get the remaing fuel out that wouldn't drain. There are probably crimp style clamps holding all of the lines on if they have never been removed before. I replaced them with regular hose clamps.

    If there is a cleaner way, I would be interested as well. The older ones you could just run a line right off of the petcock and simply open it. The newer ones, or at least mine, have a vacuum line that doesn't let the fuel flow without the bike running. I have had the line fall off of the petcock because I forgot to tighten it. The fuel dumps out pretty quick when it's running. Although, I don't think that would be the preferred method. :rolleyes:
    maxpower_hd, Jun 17, 2005
    #2
  4. bikerjim1

    bikerjim1 Moderator

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    You can go to an auto parts store and get a small siphon pump. They look like an accordion with a line on one end, a line coming off the side and a screw valve on the top. All plastic...shouldn't be more than a few bucks.
    bikerjim1, Jun 17, 2005
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  5. AFNurse

    AFNurse Moderator Staff Member

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    Biggest problem is that I am in Germany....not sure if they have this type of fuel pump, and if they do, am not sure where to look to find one..... I am looking for a way to drain fuel into a gas can from existing lines/hoses if possible....
    AFNurse, Jun 17, 2005
    #4
  6. rose_guy

    rose_guy New Member

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    the manual says

    According to the manual on an EFI you need a short 5/16 id hose with a bolt that plugs one end. . Remove one end of the crossover tube and quickly (duh)place the prepared hose on the tank and drain using the crossover tube.

    On a carb unit they recommend removing the fuel line from the carburetor and using a pump called a mighty might.

    Good luck
    rose_guy, Jun 17, 2005
    #5
  7. Seahag

    Seahag New Member

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    Fill er up with gas...reset the tripmeter and run her down until you are about 10-20 miles from danger of running out...then the level should be low enough in the tanks the fuel may stay away from the crossover tubes as you disconnect. To help ensure that the gas is away, unbolt the tank all the way around...two up front on the steering stem and one under the front nose of your seat...then raise the front of your tank and prop a screwdriver handle between the frame and tank. By combining these two steps you should only lose the few drops that may be in the crossover. :)
    Seahag, Jun 18, 2005
    #6

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