Welcome to the all new Geo Metro Forum. We hope you enjoy your visit.You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are features you can't use and images you can't see. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: Join our community! |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
| Draining gas tank of '99 geo metro; Trying to figure out how to drain the gas tank without dropping it | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 10 2012, 03:14 PM (2,236 Views) | |
| rolftheganger | Sep 10 2012, 03:14 PM Post #1 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Hi! I have a '99 Geo Metro hatchback with the 3-cyl 1.1l engine. Also, I'm fairly ignorant and I lack a proper service manual of any sort and the funds to purchase one. I'm trying to drain the gas tank (I live in New Orleans and Hurricane Isaac resulted in my having water in my gas tank, about 1 part water to 15 gas)...My research leads me to believe the easiest way to do this is by detatching the fuel pump output hose from the throttle body and turning the key to the on position -- which should cause the fuel pump to turn on and pump out the tank. How do I figure out which hose this is, or for that matter, where the throttle body is in the engine compartment? I can't find any useful diagrams or images anywhere -- just those of removed throttle bodies, which in my ignorant state, do me little good. Also, my plan for dealing with the water issue after pumping out the gas was to use seafoam and a pint of 90% isopropyl alcohol in combination with a full tank of fresh gas to get rid of any remaining water. Does this seem sensible? Should I also somehow add seafoam to the throttle body to rid it of any possible water there and how would I go about this? Thanks much |
![]() |
|
| Deleted User | Sep 10 2012, 04:29 PM Post #2 |
|
Deleted User
|
The best way to remove fuel from the tank is to remove the return hose near the fuel filter. This is located in front of the left rear wheel. Once most of the fuel drains out of this line, remove the fuel tank and clean it through the largest opening, usually the fuel door. There's probably more than water in there. Swamp silt comes to mind right off hand. Isopropyl alcohol is a great idea. Skip the SeaFoam. Spend the $9 on lunch. Install a new chassis fuel filter while you're down there. |
|
|
| rolftheganger | Sep 10 2012, 05:50 PM Post #3 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Thanks! So, I see four hoses there -- how do I tell which is which? |
![]() |
|
| rolftheganger | Sep 10 2012, 06:36 PM Post #4 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Also, should I just take off all bolts that seem to be in that area? And why is using the fuel pump (assuming nothing but water in the gas) a bad idea? Just curious on the last one. |
![]() |
|
| DesmondGhostRider | Sep 10 2012, 07:35 PM Post #5 |
![]() ![]()
|
water can mess it up. rust n such. |
![]() |
|
| geopat | Sep 10 2012, 08:00 PM Post #6 |
![]()
|
If you own a jack of any sort use that to support the tank or get someone to give you a hand and drop it full. Much faster and avoid pumping dirty water through you fuel pump and lines. They're a small tank and not bad to drop full. |
![]() |
|
| 3220onr | Sep 10 2012, 08:22 PM Post #7 |
![]()
|
Did the car get flooded? I am 60 miles from you in MS and seeing another GEO around here is VERY rare. |
![]() |
|
| rolftheganger | Sep 10 2012, 08:44 PM Post #8 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
When you say use a jack to support the tank, do you mean support the tank while removing bolts/straps, then slowly lower it with the jack? I'm on my own as far as help goes. Also -- car didn't get flooded, spare (full) gas can apparently did, then I was dumb enough not to check and fill the tank...and actually, I've seen a total of two geo's down here since I moved, 3 months ago. |
![]() |
|
| Stiffchezze | Sep 10 2012, 08:47 PM Post #9 |
|
Sir Metrologist
![]()
|
Listen to Geo Glenn, If you disconnect the return line, it will siphon itself out. The return line goes all the way to the bottom of the tank and when you disconnect the return line it will create a small vacuum and pull all the fluid out. Ask me how I know.
|
![]() |
|
| Deleted User | Sep 10 2012, 10:31 PM Post #10 |
|
Deleted User
|
There are two rubber fuel hoses that join to two parallel steel lines at the side of the tank. The 8mm line is fuel out of the tank to the fuel filter. The 6mm line is the fuel return. Get a 2 quart ice cream bucket to drain the fuel in. You can gently clamp the rubber hose with vice grips while you empty the bucket. Use it to start your charcoal grill or for the lawn mower or something.
There are four bolts that hold the fuel tank to the chassis. First, disconnect the wires for the fuel pump and fuel sender from under the rear seat, and push the harness and grommet through the floor towards the bottom of the car. Disconnect the rubber connector to the fuel filler neck at the fuel tank. Look around a little bit and make sure everything is disconnected that needs to be to get the fuel tank out. You will most likely have no problem with the fuel pump, as long as you do not run it with any contaminates in the fuel. In other words, don't even think about turning on the ignition. Any crap in the fuel tank will get sucked up into the fuel system. If you have, you'll have to disconnect the fuel delivery line and return line at the throttle body and blow them out with compressed air, just to make sure there is nothing in the fuel lines. |
|
|
| rolftheganger | Sep 11 2012, 11:10 AM Post #11 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
So, I've disconnected every hose connected with the metal fasteners that I'm used to, and didn't see any fuel come out. The only remaining hoses, and those that you must be referring to, have strange black and white plastic connectors. How do I go about detaching them? |
![]() |
|
| rolftheganger | Sep 11 2012, 11:25 AM Post #12 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
As fas as I can gather they're dorman quick connect fuel line connectors |
![]() |
|
| Deleted User | Sep 11 2012, 11:26 AM Post #13 |
|
Deleted User
|
No fuel coming out is not good. I can't change a fuel filter without getting fuel up my arms to the armpits. Either someone helped themselves to your fuel, or something is blocking the flow of fuel. It's a little more difficult to remove a fuel tank that has fuel in it. Get some help to lower it. Take your time, and keep everything very clean. |
|
|
| rolftheganger | Sep 11 2012, 11:26 AM Post #14 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Also, thank you so much Geo Glenn! You are saving my behind and my job! |
![]() |
|
| Deleted User | Sep 11 2012, 11:27 AM Post #15 |
|
Deleted User
|
Also, you will not have a chassis fuel filter. There are no chassis fuel filters installed after 1997. |
|
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · Engine Tech & Diagnostics · Next Topic » |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2


Welcome to the all new Geo Metro Forum. We hope you enjoy your visit.


![]](http://z3.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)






7:13 PM Jul 10