I have almost a full tank of gasoline that has been sitting in my 89 IROC in the garage for almost a year now. I have a siphon pump but there is an obstruction in the fill line that won't let me get the hose down into the tank. I assume it is either a baffle or screen of some kind. I don't know for sure. I have seen some info on the site here that indicates the tank fill lines DO have baffles but then other info says they don't so not sure, but definitely can't get the siphon hose down to the fuel.

I have heard that you can open up the baffle with a metal rod or something like that but can't confirm that. Is there any way to get this fuel out? I don't want to open the fuel line and have it go everywhere and I don't really want to risk burning it through the engine unless that is the last resort. And, yes, I will plan better next time and use it or add stabilizers.

 

Any thoughts on this?

 

I'd probably just disconnect the fuel line and jumper the fuel pump relay.

 

What if I just add some octane booster and fuel stabilizer and then burn it out through the engine? I assume the fuel filter would catch any harmful gunk from the fuel, right?

 

Burning it off is an option if it's only a year old. The fuller the tank was, the better.

 

This is going to sound dumb but what size hose are you using? I took a very narrow piece of hosing and was able to use that to get past/break the baffle/screen. Then used a drill pump (not recommended from the manufacture but only need it to get going) and just VERY SLOWLY let it siphon out. Luckily I had maybe 5 gallons in my tank.

 

Wow, great advice. I gave up too easily! I was using a quarter inch plastic hose with a ball type pump attached. Your comment inspired me to go try again and sure enough, after some prodding and poking, I was able to get through the baffle. There seemed to be another two areas where I met resistance but was able to get through those as well and finally got to the fuel. The tank is pretty much full though which is both good and bad. Good in that maybe moisture build up was not too bad but bad in that I am going to have to go get a few 5 gallon containers to collect all that fuel.

THANKS FOR THE TIP!

 

The gas should be fine to run thru the motor if its been inside and full. Just don't run it very hard till you get a tank or of fresh run thru it. Then change your filter.. If your worried about it get 3 5 gallon cans and jumper the fuelpump relay so you can just pump it out into the cans.
I unhook the rubber PSI line in the engine compartment and extend the hose to the gas can.

 

Why do I need to worry about the fuel pump (as long as I don't leave the tank completely dry)? I am thinking of taking 10 gallons out and then filling up with fresh fuel to burning it all out that way. Good idea?

If so, would you recommend adding some octane booster, injector cleaner or stabilizer to 3-5 gallons left in there before filling up?

 

Octane booster is a waste of money but yeah, take out however much you want and burn it in your lawn mower this sumumer..
It'll be fine if you leave it in your car also.

 

glad to have helped

 

damn.. run a hose from the feed line where it connects to the filter and jump the fuel pump relay, as stated earlier, its the easiest way. But consider buying a new tank. if it sat that long dont doubt if it has buildup in it. mine was a sitter for a few times before it became mine, and went through what you went through. buying a tank is not cheap but i got one for sale if your interested. part number gm2321b if your interested. and btw its brand new.

 

I've ran old gas and not even a full tank of it, and had no problems. I would as I do add some "dry gas" in case you have water from condensation in the tank.