Gas Tank Spills

[papawebb]

We are a GM dealer and find that we have to replace many gas tank fuel gauges. Because of restrictions in the filler neck and gas tank neck we can no longer pump out the gas with an approved enclosed pump, thus requiring dropping the tank and then accessing the tank below the filler neck or pouring the gas out of the tank. This usually entails gasoline spills and an open drain pan. Many years ago we had a complete fire loss from just such a practice when the fumes from an open drain pan crept over to a pilot light. Do yhou know of any equipment or solution to this problem where the gasoline can be completely enclosed and the danger of fumes and ultimately fire be minimized?

[warr_wiz]

Most gas caddy's have a hose that will go in the tank neck so fuel can be pumped out. After repairs the fuel can be put back in the vehicle. If most of the problems are for fuel level sensors, just disconnect the fuel line at the filter, install a hose, and turn on the fuel pump. This can be done with either a 12 volt source to the pump or using the scan tool you usually use. Most OBD2 systems have the capabilities to turn on fuel pumps. The last choice would be to have the customer drive the vehicle for a day or 2 to use up some/most of the fuel.

[This message has been edited by warr_wiz (edited 01-09-2004).]

[wrenchbender]

Gas caddy option thru filler neck, is not an option anymore due to the baffles in the tanks. Plus a lot of times you are in the tank, to replace the inoperative fuel pump, so the fuel pump cant be used to empty the tank. We did somthing that I might recomend- we purchased an air operated paint thinner fluid pump from our local paint supplier and mounted it to our gasoline caddy. (They are built to pump flamables safely, and require no electricity, only compressed air-it cost was like $300) we found in most cases, you can hook up to the fuel pump pressure hose down as close to the tank as possible, and the pump will suck fuel by the valving and inoperative pump to empty the tank most of the way. This doesnt get you by the fact that it takes a long time to empty a tank in this manner,( as well as if you use the fuel pump), but does give you a way to more safely empty the tank. I submitted this idea to gm with a request of how we are to empty the tanks with the current baffle systems. The service manuals just say to remove the fuel. They dont seem to want to be involved with how that gets done out here in the shops. Too many shortcuts in this area occur, and when you try to more safely manage it, there are notany safe options currently available. The air pump i describe here, does get used by the techs, and that speaks to its acceptance by them. A little help by the OEM's would really help this by installing a drain, or siphon hose installation in the tanks. spose that would cost a quarter. ( Some of the vehicles are providing access to the fuel pumps and senders without dropping the tanks, and that would help) I never rec'd any responses from GM on this subject. too volatile a subject I guess.

[service guru]

We make our customers come with tank almost empty. It's the easiest way.