Believe it or not, but learning how to transfer gasoline from a car to a drum or can isn't just for fuel thieves! This technique comes in handy in any situation such as running out of fuel in the middle of the road or refueling specific equipment without having to go to the gas station. Read the methods below to find out how to transfer with just two plastic tubes and an empty container. Please note: the tips in this article may not work with fuel tanks that have special protective measures (although you can open them with a screwdriver).
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Applying Pressure to the Tank to Transfer Fuel
Step 1. Use a drum or other container with a lid to receive the fuel
Any container with sufficient volume will do as long as it has a lid. Do not use an open bucket or anything as gasoline releases vapors that can be harmful to your health or you could spill the fuel.
Step 2. Buy two 2.5 cm diameter clear plastic tubes
Your objective is to transfer the fuel from the tank to the new container. For this, it is better to use something transparent so that you can see the movement of the gasoline - but, as there is no possibility of you accidentally swallowing the liquid, any opaque tube will also do.
For this method, use two tubes of different lengths: a long one (to dive into the fuel tank) and a shorter one (to go into the end of the tank only). You can buy two separate tubes or cut one in two; the effect is the same
Step 3. Place the drum on the ground near the opening of the vehicle's fuel tank
The transfer works because of gravity: once gasoline starts passing through the tube, it continues as long as it is at a lower height than the tank itself. That's why it's good to put the drum right under the car.
Step 4. Place the two tubes in the tank
Insert one end of the longer tube into the tank (until it is submerged in gasoline) and the other into the drum. Since you can't really see how deep it is, you can lightly blow on the accessory and try to hear the sound of bubbles. Then place one end of the shorter tube into the mouth of the tank, next to the end of the first fitting.
Step 5. Use a cloth to seal the tank outlet to the pipes
This will increase the pressure in the tank to pass fuel through the longer tube to the drum. For this, its exit must be sealed, with no air passage. Use a cloth or an old towel (which can get dirty) and insulate the area well, but not to the point of preventing the passage of gasoline.
If you cannot seal the tank well, wet the cloth and then wring it out. Generally, the wet cloth creates a more efficient barrier
Step 6. Blow hard into the smaller tube
Make sure the end of the longer tube is fully seated in the drum, then blow into the shorter tube to increase pressure in the tank. Draw plenty of air from your lungs (being careful not to breathe in gasoline vapors) or use a mechanical air pump to facilitate transfer.
If you can't blow out, make sure the tank outlet is properly closed with the cloth. Air cannot enter or exit the tank through the shorter tube
Step 7. Keep an eye on the fuel flow
You will see the gasoline go through the longer tube and reach the drum as it blows (as long as it is transparent). Stop pushing when the fuel starts to pass - gravity will do the job. When finished, cap the longer tube with your thumb, raise it higher than the tank and remove your finger. The remaining gasoline will return to the vehicle. Ready! You have completed the transfer. Remove the equipment from the site and close the tank.
If the gasoline does not return to the tank when finished, make sure the shorter tube is not being compressed and, if necessary, remove the mouth cloth from the area. The air has to pass for the fuel to return to the tank
Method 2 of 3: Using a Fuel Transfer Pump
Step 1. Purchase a fuel transfer pump
You can find something like that for less than R$ 70.00 if you don't want to improvise. These pumps can come in a variety of sizes and shapes - some are automatic, some are manual. Still, most of them work in a similar way: there is a tube with a pump in the middle that serves to pull the liquid.
The pumps are ideal for the risk-averse as they help transfer fuel safely and easily without getting your hands dirty or exposing yourself to toxic fumes
Step 2. Place the drum or can on the floor under the tank and connect both with the tube
As with the previous method, suction only generates the initial force needed to begin the transfer. Once the fuel starts to pass through, gravity facilitates the process. Therefore, the final container has to be at a lower height than the tank itself.
Attention: the transfer pump has a specific tip for the liquid inlet and another for the outlet. Use it correctly, or you'll end up injecting air into the fuel tank
Step 3. Pump in fuel
As pumps operate in many different ways, the exact process varies somewhat. If your pump is manual, you may have to use a plunger to inflate the accessory. If it's mechanical, you might have to activate a button.
- Most hand pumps need little pumping to start operating.
- Automatic pumps may or may not do the entire process themselves. Read the package instructions to find out more.
Step 4. Lift the end of the tube (or drum) to stop the transfer when finished
If you place the pump higher than the tank, the gasoline in the pipe will go back the way it came. If the pump is automatic, just turn it off when finished.
Step 5. Take the pump out of the tank
Once the tube is empty, just take it out of the tank, close the lid and disassemble and store all the equipment.
You may have to clean the bomb after using it. Read the instructions on the package to find out more information. Generally, it is enough to pass a mixture of water and soap on the equipment and let it dry in the sun
Method 3 of 3: Making the transfer by mouth (option not recommended)
Step 1. Understand the dangers of gasoline poisoning
Gasoline contains numerous chemical compounds called hydrocarbons, which are harmful to humans. Swallowing fuel or inhaling fuel vapors can cause various unpleasant (and even fatal) symptoms such as difficulty breathing, local irritation, loss of vision, stomach pain, vomiting (sometimes with blood), drowsiness, cognitive problems etc. If you use this method, take all necessary measures not to ingest or inhale the product.
If you are exposed to gasoline and begin to have symptoms, call emergency services or go to the emergency room immediately
Step 2. Buy a clear tube that is 2.5 cm in diameter and a drum or fuel can with a lid
As with the methods above, you will need the tube and a receptacle for the gasoline. This container must also have a lid so you don't spill the liquid or inhale toxic vapors. However, this time, the tube has to be transparent - so you can see the gasoline passing through it and take your mouth out without swallowing.
Step 3. Place one end of the tube into the fuel tank
Place the drum on the ground near the opening of the car's fuel tank. Then, dip one end of the tube into the bottom of the gasoline tank. Blow through the other end (being careful not to inhale the toxic fumes) and listen for the sound of bubbles to see if you are in the right place.
Step 4. Place the other end of the tube in your mouth
You will have to use your mouth to create suction in the tube and transfer the gasoline. When it starts to pass, gravity takes over and ends the transfer. Be careful not to swallow fuel or inhale toxic vapors. Breathe through your nose and pay close attention to the level of gasoline in the accessory.
Step 5. Put your fingers near the end of the tube in your mouth so you can close it before the fuel arrives
Gasoline will quickly pass through the tube. Be prepared to stop the transfer before it reaches your mouth.
Step 6. Suck the tube and watch the gasoline approach
To reduce (but not eliminate, which is impossible) the risk of inhaling gasoline, you can suck in your mouth instead of your lungs - as if you were smoking a cigar, not a cigarette. When the fuel starts to run through, it's going to be pretty fast. Squeeze the end of the tube when the gasoline is about 15 cm away and take it out of the mouth.
Step 7. Check for air bubbles in the tube
Air bubbles hinder the transfer, as they reduce the passage of gasoline and make the process more difficult and dangerous. If you notice something forming, release the tip, let the gas go back into the tank, and go back to the beginning of the process.
Try to position the tube so that it sucks directly above the tank. According to some experts, air bubbles are more common when the tube passes through the side
Step 8. Place one end of the tube in the drum or can and relax your fingers
Gasoline will start flowing into the container and gravity will continue the process on its own. Watch the passage to see if everything goes well.
Step 9. Pull the fuel tank tube when you reach the desired amount
This will stop the transfer and pass the remaining gasoline into the receptacle. Take into account the volume of gasoline remaining in the tube before pulling it out - don't wait too long, or the container will overflow.
You can also cap the loose end of the tube and raise it higher than the tank. Gravity will pass the rest back to the vehicle. You can even lift the container itself without taking out the tube
Step 10. Take the tube out of the drum after the transfer is complete
Ready! Cover the tank and container so as not to inhale vapors.
Notices
- Be careful not to swallow gasoline. Only use clear tubes to follow the process well. If you inhale or swallow fuel, you will experience harmful side effects.
- Gasoline vapors have a strong taste and can harm your lungs. If possible, use a transfer pump.
- Be careful not to overflow the drum or can.
