Removing old gas

OkieRider

OkieRider

Joined
Jun 1, 2020
Messages
612
Location
Oklahoma, USA
Bike
2006 ST1300
STOC #
9039
The weather is improving here and I've got an '06 that's been sitting due to injuries. The gas is old.

The simple question is, what is the best way to drain all the old fuel out. My plan right now is to siphon out the top tank and then hotwire the fuel pump to recirculate fuel from the bottom.

Is there a better or easier way? I'm not even fully convinced the fuel pump will do what I want it to do, although I'll hit the shop manual soon to look for ideas.
 
If you look at the fuel pump - the return line is the lowest line in the lower fuel tank. So if you pull off the return line (Blue Arrow) and attach a hose to the fitting, you can drain (siphon to get it started) most of the upper fuel tank and the lower tank


Fuel Pump.jpg


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Just use a fuel line clamp to cut off the flow from the upper tank to the RETURN LINE (blue arrow) pull the hose off the lower tank fitting, stick a clear hose on that fitting, and watch both tanks drain into a gas can sitting on the floor next to the bike.
No need to run or pump anything (not a good idea fiddling with electrical stuff while draining fuel)
You can also drain the upper tank only by draining from the AIR VENT LINE, in the same method.
However, if you use the return line, it drains both tanks.
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Igofar said:
Just use a fuel line clamp to cut off the flow from the upper tank to the RETURN LINE (blue arrow) pull the hose off the lower tank fitting, stick a clear hose on that fitting, and watch both tanks drain into a gas can sitting on the floor next to the bike.
No need to run or pump anything (not a good idea fiddling with electrical stuff while draining fuel)
You can also drain the upper tank only by draining from the AIR VENT LINE, in the same method.
However, if you use the return line, it drains both tanks.
View attachment 333190View attachment 333191View attachment 333192
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My hero (again)
 
I never had the lower tank on a 1300 apart - how far does that 'vent' nipple actually go into the lower tank (I wouldn't think very far, wouldn't that leave most of the lower tank full?)
 
It's a pretty short, braided elbow between the upper and lower fuel tank and given the age of probably almost all of these bikes, I would not pinch the hose [and I've worked in show business]; your upper tank might hold 21 litres of fuel at any given time and after crushing it, I would not rely on it left laid up in your garage unattended afterward.
Avoid a ridiculous race with yourself plucking gas filled lines off your lower tank and either run the tank down to where you're below 1/5th, or spend 10 bucks on a marine squeeze bulb with some tubing and manually pump / syphon off the upper tank. Clever is cool except when you're standing in gasoline.
Every time that you lift or shift your upper tank, unbolt all of the five seat bracket bolts to ease the tension on the braided elbow as well.
Avoid a problem.
 
Emmmm… I think I’m doing something wrong! My understanding is:
1. Clamp and remove the return line (blue arrow above)
2. Quick attach a hose leading to waste fuel can
3. Celebrate a job well done.

When I remove the hose from the return line nipple nothing comes out (Either the hose (which I assume is to be expected) or the nipple, which I expected to gush!) What am I missing?
 
How much gas is in the tank? (I believe if your under 2 bars, the upper tank is empty)

If there isn't any gas in the upper tank you may have to start a siphon to get it flowing
 
BTW, Honda wants us to replace the hose clamps when we remove the hose. These clamps are pretty strong and come with a metal clip on them holding them wide open. Once you have it in postion, and pull the clip off w/ pliers, the clamp will snap tightly around the hose like a mouse trap. I see no reason not to reuse the original clamps, but you will need a good strong pair of pliers (I used channellocks) in order to squeeze the tabs to open the clamp.
 
I would of if I thought of it. I've removed and reinstalled mine and believe mine are good but maybe over time or temperature the spring tension could change. Another thing are the spigots on each of the upper and lower tanks; these bikes are getting old, and there are a few posts where owners have unexplained or been surprised from gasoline leaks. It is a two-gasoline tank system where the right conditions and a loose hose in the right place could result in syphoning.
 
Job done. A quick siphon with my trusty brake bleeder and gravity took care of the rest. Plenty of spring in the clamp and the hose seems to be good for another decade
Thanks all!
 
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