How do I completely empty portable fuel tanks?

[ThreeSummers]

I've managed to pour out all the petrol from my tanks. One two stroke (went to disposal) and one four stroke (went into car), but due to the design of the tanks I can't get the last few ml out.

I need to have these completely empty and dry for transport, and can't figure a way of doing it short of leaving them open to evaporate (don't have the time for this) so am open to any ideas...

Any help appreciated.

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Tim.

 

[BobnLesley]

Evaporation's the way to go; you can accellerate the process with a box of matches, but you'd need to be in a very great hurry to do that as there are risks involved. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[cliff]

1) Warm them up in a bath of hot water to assist the fuel to evaporate or ..............

2) Wash out with hot soapy water a couple of times then rinse well, finally place in hotpress / warm airing cupboard to dry (overnight) or .............

3) blow them out with compressed air if oyu have acces to a compressor and airline.
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Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity

 

[pete]

Low tech solution

use an absorbent cloth tied to the end os a coat hanger /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

has always worked for me.

pete

 

[kieronriley]

ad some meths this should mix with the last of the fuel and will evaporate at a far faster rate than the fuel will,no naked flames or sparks though

 

[Refueler]

When we have to clear residues out of containers - best and safest method is to overflow with water. Do it at good rate to really turbulate the contents. Once most is out - then add washing up liquid to break up the last bit.

Empty as best as possible, then siphon or suck out last drops.

If the fuel was diesel - then air-blowing can dry it out. But if petrol then air-blowing <u>before washing out</u> can be extremely dangerous due to static.

A good way of drying out a container is to use real hot water as last rinse. Let it stand and heat up the container material. Then drain out as best as possible. The heat still in the container especially if metal will help to dry it.

 

[ThreeSummers]

[ QUOTE ]
use an absorbent cloth tied to the end os a coat hanger

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll try that one tomorrow, then leave to evaporate and see how it goes. Thanks for the responses.

Tim.

 

[PembrokeshirePromise]

I was always taught there is no such thing as an "empty" tank - its just a case of what its filled with !

Ideally I'd go for the overflowing with water - and then drying - hopefully any residual liquid is then water - and gas is water laden air rather than anything more dangerous.

 

[oldharry]

Cleaning out with water - yes it gets rid of the fuel, but then, blast, theres a few mls of water left, which you definitely dont want in your fuel!

I 'borrow' a garden cane, split the end and catch a soft rag in it, or length of kitchen roll (more absorbent) to wipe out the residue. Picks up any dirt too and you can wipe it all properly clean with a bit of perseverance. Coat hanger does just as well.

I would never risk putting water in a fuel can.