I'm working on putting my 2003 Z06 in winter storeage. I wasn't able to drive it much this year due to an industrial accident. So the gas in it is two years old. I did put Sta-Bil in it when I last filled it up but I'd like to drain out as much as possible and fill it with fresh gas with Sta-Bil. Tried a 3/8" syphon hose but wouldn't go. What's the easiest way to drain the tank? Thanks for your help

 

Trun it upside down. Only kiding. I would Invest in a pump and pump it out. I WOULD LET THE CAR RUN WHEN PUMPING TO REMOVE ALL GAS.

 

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE RUN YOUR CAR UNTIL THE GAS TANK IS DRY! Before you try anything like that, find out for sure whether your car has the in-tank fuel pump or external fuel pump. Chevy changed from external to internal some time in 2003 production year. If you run the tank dry and as a result run the fuel pump dry, you will burn it out. Ask me how I know. And the job of changing the in-tank fuel pump costs about $1200. Ask me how I know that too.

I would not drain the tank. Man up and take the car out for a nice long spirited drive, run the gas tank down to less than 1/4 tank, throw in a new container of Sta-Bil, and fill the tank. The ride home from the gas station will distribute the Sta-Bil through the fuel system. Then put the car to bed for the winter. IMHO, that's the only way to go. You don't have to get all the old fuel out. If you run it way down and fill up, the old stuff will be sufficiently diluted that it won't hurt anything.

If you are intent on draining the tank, be very careful and do it outdoors. Make sure you have a hose hooked up, ready to go if you spill a signicant amount of gas, and make sure you have a couple of large, fully charged fire extinguishers on hand, just in case. But, I still think driving the car is the best way to get rid of the old gas.

 

A young, well liked athlete in Phoenix recently tried to use a vacuum cleaner to pump gas out of one car for another. A spark ignited the fuel and he's got serious burns over his body.
The STA-BIL should have preserved it. Even if it's lost some octane, the computer will adjust for that.
I'd agree with driving it and refilling it vs trying to drain it. There's two separate tanks anyway, so getting to both of them will be next to impossible w/o R&R of both.

 

I drained my tank(s) in about an hour...it really easy just pull the sending units and lower. if it was me... id drive it out

 

I was talking with a mechanic friend this weekend about this. He puts racing fuel in his. He has a Firebird. He checked the carb recently after setting for 2 years and he sees no sign of gum, etc. The carb looks new.
Just my .02 .....

 

I was told in the past that it was better to store with a full tank and stabil. I believe he said it helps keep moisture out? I'm sure that someone can answer this better.

 

The OP plans to store with a full tank but wants it to be fresh fuel. A full tank get rid of the air pocket at the top of the tank which would create condensation in the tank.

 

http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/faqs_stabil.asp

 

...it looks like MARVEL MYSTERY OIL..."old timers" know that product well!

 

They do have a gas treatment!

http://www.marvelmysteryoil.com/main.taf?p=1

 

Just off the top of my head I would say that silver line that runs into the driver side valve cover is the fuel supply line to the fuel rail. I believe you can disconnect that line, attach another piece of hose, put the hose in a gas can and turn the ignition to ON. The fuel pump should pump the fuel into the can unless I'm missing something.

Again, remember, don't go below a 1/4 tank. There needs to be some fuel to cool the in-tank fuel pump.

Ed