Draining E31 fuel tank - BMW Car Club Forum

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alan.sockett@btinter View Drop Down

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Joined: 07 Aug 2021
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Topic: Draining E31 fuel tank
Posted: 08 Aug 2021 at 9:07am

My car has been in storage for 8 years, unfortunately I left it with fuel tank half-full.

I have tried to siphon fuel out via the filler neck but even with 42in of tube in the tank I have not reached any petrol.

Suggestions of any method for draining the tank of the waste petrol would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Alan

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Mike Fishwick View Drop Down

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Posted: 08 Aug 2021 at 3:37pm

Assuming that the engine cranks but does not start (a miracle after 8 years!) remove the plugs and make sure they are clean and dry.

You could try extending the fuel supply pipe into a tin, and hot wiring the fuel pump. When the tank is down to about a quarter full, fill it up with a decent four-star fuel. If you then get problems with starting, and the plugs are getting wet, dry them off with a blowtorch and feed some butane gas from the torch into the air intake while cranking - this always works well on lawnmowers etc!

Edited by Mike Fishwick - 08 Aug 2021 at 3:40pm

A Z3 is not just for Christmas - it's for life!

alan.sockett@btinter View Drop Down

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Posted: 09 Aug 2021 at 9:07am

Hi Mike, thanks for the quick response, your suggestions are very helpful. However I am not familiar with the location of the components, also I doubt that I would be able to access them.

Therefore I think I will enlist the help of my local independent BMW garage. Thanks again for your help. Best regards Alan.

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alan.sockett@btinter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 07 Aug 2021 Location: Crewe Status: Offline Points: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote alan.sockett@btinter Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Draining E31 fuel tank Posted: 08 Aug 2021 at 9:07am
	My car has been in storage for 8 years, unfortunately I left it with fuel tank half-full. I have tried to siphon fuel out via the filler neck but even with 42in of tube in the tank I have not reached any petrol. Suggestions of any method for draining the tank of the waste petrol would be appreciated. Many thanks Alan

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Mike Fishwick Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 2715	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike Fishwick Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 08 Aug 2021 at 3:37pm
	Assuming that the engine cranks but does not start (a miracle after 8 years!) remove the plugs and make sure they are clean and dry. You could try extending the fuel supply pipe into a tin, and hot wiring the fuel pump. When the tank is down to about a quarter full, fill it up with a decent four-star fuel. If you then get problems with starting, and the plugs are getting wet, dry them off with a blowtorch and feed some butane gas from the torch into the air intake while cranking - this always works well on lawnmowers etc! Edited by Mike Fishwick - 08 Aug 2021 at 3:40pm
	A Z3 is not just for Christmas - it's for life!

alan.sockett@btinter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 07 Aug 2021 Location: Crewe Status: Offline Points: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote alan.sockett@btinter Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 09 Aug 2021 at 9:07am
	Hi Mike, thanks for the quick response, your suggestions are very helpful. However I am not familiar with the location of the components, also I doubt that I would be able to access them. Therefore I think I will enlist the help of my local independent BMW garage. Thanks again for your help. Best regards Alan.