Topic: Draining Gas Tank Question - Need Help!

[ironandtime]

Hey Gang,

I have my gas tank off of my '78 CB550, and I am trying to get all the gas out of it since I am about to strip all the paint off. Most of the gas drained fine out of the petcock, but there seems to still be a small amount sloshing around somewhere in the tank. I even tried removing the petcock completely, and tipping the tank upside down with the cap off, but that last little bit will not drain out at all. It also sounds like that last little bit might have some debris in it as well. How do do I get every drop out of the tank? Thanks!!

[Koonendez]

My guess is that you're dealing with the in tank fuel filter in there blocking the rest of the gas if you're trying to pour it out of the petcock bung hole. I used a small siphon (really cheap at autozone) and pretty much removed 99% out with the siphon.

[ekpent]

Might be the fuel filter itself banging around in there. Did your petcock have one attached when you removed it. Not an expert on that model though to know if it has the 'sock'.

[2wheels]

When I want the tank completely empty I do what you have done.
Then as a last step I take a cloth rag (long and thin) and put it into the tank.  Leaving some hanging out the top so I don't loose it in there.
Then, shake the tank around.

[calj737]

Just flush the tank with soapy water and run a hose in it. Afterwards, flush with acetone. All gas odor should be removed and ready for next project.

[billingstitan]

+1 on the acetone - although you might want to have some two-stroke oil or wd40 to give a quick coat to the interior to prevent flash rust.

[Airborne 82nd]

After it is clean and if it is going to sit for awhile I use a can of fogging oil that stuff gets into every little nook & cranny ( what is a cranny) it is at the pressure washing parts area at Lowe's or Home Depot. I use it every winter.

[ironandtime]

Thanks ya'll! Lots of good ideas here - I appreciate the help. Cheers, Matt