How to Drain a Tahoe Gas Tank
by Erin StewartWhether you used the wrong type of fuel or have a bad fuel sending unit or fuel pump, you'll need to drain the gas out of your Tahoe. You'll be able to drain a Tahoe gas tank with little trouble; just remember that a Tahoe can hold a large amount of gas, so be prepared to contain it all.
How to Drain a Tahoe Gas Tank
Step 1
Open the fuel door and undo the fuel cap.
Step 2
You'll find a few bolts around the perimeter of the fuel door. Undo these bolts using the socket set. Once the bolts are undone, the nozzle holder will be free of the vehicle.
Step 3
Get under the vehicle and undo the hose clamp with a flathead screwdriver.
Step 4
Undo the hoses so the nozzle holder can be completely removed.
Step 5
Put the siphon hose in the gas tank of the vehicle and extend it into a gas can to catch the fluid you will drain. Make sure the gas can is lower than the gas tank in the vehicle. The pressure will move the gas into the can.
Step 6
Start the siphoning process, according to the instructions of your siphon.
Step 7
You won't be able to remove all the gas, but you'll be able to get enough out so that you can easily remove the gas tank.
Tips
- Most auto parts stores sell a siphon hose with a ball valve on the end that you can shake. Shaking the ball back and forth will create the suction you need to drain the gas tank. A Tahoe holds a lot of gas, so make sure you have enough gas cans to hold all the fuel you drain. You may need four or five 5-gallon gas cans.
Things You'll Need
- Flathead screwdriver
- Siphon hose
- Socket set
- Pliers
- Gas cans
Warnings
- If you are sensitive to gas fumes, wear a mask or respirator. Wear Nitrile gloves to keep gas off your hands. Dropping the fuel tank from a Tahoe is a big job. If you are inexperienced, you may not want to attempt this job. Be careful not to touch any electrical components near the fuel sensor; they are fragile.
Writer Bio
Erin Stewart is a professional editor and copywriter who has served as a newspaper reporter, designer, and news editor, and currently works as part of a dynamic marketing communications team. Erin has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with an editing minor from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
