well now, this is all I need! I replaced fuel filter after draining tank of small amount of gas. Took sample and yup the water was on the bottom looking like an evil brain barrier. My question: Can I add dry gas to the what I think is an empty gas tank? I have left the gas cap off and have a fan running in the garage. Also, should I purge the fuel line by using air compressor and hose to fuel line? How do I really know I have removed all fuel. I thought I had a divine visit as the gas gauge went up over the weekend. I had washed the car and evidentally did not fully engage the gas cap. Oh well, another pleasant project. Thanks for your help.

 

would drain the tank completely, disconect the fuel lines to the fuel pump and blow them out let it sit for a couple of days and let it dry
when you put gas back in add the dry gas.

 

How does one drain the tank other than pump it out? I cannot imagine a bigger nightmare than removing the tank. Thanks for the information. I will blow out the gas line back to the tank. I appreciate it.

 

good grief how much water is in there? a can of dry gas and a trip down the freeway should do it to run it out, unless there is a lot of water in it.

 

I would just get the water out as best as you can via the line Just prior to the fuel pump. Should gravity drain out of there and water is heavier than fuel so it will be on the bottom.
Then the EPA greenies already have a handy additive in the fuel to soak up water. 10% ethanol fuel. Fill it up and run it out.

 

My recent experience with water in the tank - Car would start and run ... like crap! Would not idle and would buck and kick at part throttle. Would run on all 8 when I could get it through part throttle to WOT. Suspicioned "bad gas" since it had been in the tank for 13 months (and, no, I didn't use Stabil; shame on me). I siphoned the tank empty (at least I couldn't see any remaining gas by looking through the filler). Got 7-8 gallons out of the tank. Did not attempt to drain the tank completely from underneath. Got a couple of gallons of fresh gas and took it for a spin. No change. Took the top off of my Edelbrock 1406 carb and found modest corrosion in the float bowl metal along with some mushy debris. Removed the carb, disassembled and cleaned. Put it back on the car; car ran like a champ. So, what to do with my container of "bad gas"? Went to Advance to recycle it - no go. They wouldn't take it. Figured none of the other parts houses would take it either. Dug out my nylon(?) fine mesh paint filter and used it to filter all the solids out of the gas. As I approached the bottom of the container, I could clearly see the water. Poured until I got to the water - measured about 1-1/4 qts of H2O! It had to be all condensation. Returned 1/2 the gas to the vette and the rest to my DD. Added a can of gas treatment (alcohol) to both cars. Bought fresh gas for both cars; both are doing fine. Probably need to fill the vette tank near the end of the driving season and treat it with a can of Stabil. Any other ideas?

 

Dconect the fuel line at the fuel pump jack the back up and let gravity go to work, tha tank sits higher already.
Good luck

 

Thanks to you all. I am going to do what you suggest. Had a friend that told me to go to Walmart's and buy a guppie oxygen agitator that fishermen use to keep minnows alive. The agitation forces air into the tank which increases evaporation. Runs on batteries so no brushes to spark. I will lift the rear and disconnect the fuel line. Never thought of that. Great idea. And the ethnol; thought it added water. Will keep all posted. Removing the gas tank is a horrible experience according to a mechanic friend so no go. Thank you all. I really appreciate it.

 

The fuel inlet is above the lowest point of the tank. Simply draining the tank won't drain the water. Use a hand held pump with a small flexible hose weighted with a large nut that will drop into the low point of the tank. Harbor Freight has a cheap one for about $6 that's not designed for gas, but it will work for a one time effort before it hits the trash can. HF also has a pneumatic venturi type pump if you have a compressor. Use a piece of clear plastic 1/4" tubing that Home Depot sells for the inlet hose. The only other way to drain all water from the tank is to remove the sending unit-not a job you want to do unless absolutely necessary.

 

Have to disagree with your mechanic. Had rotator cuff surgery in July, removed mine by myself with one arm in August. More intimidating than anything else.

Russ