How to Drain a Motorcycle Gas Tank
Motorcycles are a great way to get around, but if the gas tank isn’t drained properly, gasoline can cause damage to the motorcycle. This blog post will show you how to drain a motorcycle gas tank. Draining your motorcycle’s gas tank is a necessary precaution before storing it for an extended period.
Gasoline will slowly evaporate over time, and leaving fuel in the tank can cause corrosion and other damage to your bike’s components. Draining the gas also makes it easier to move the bike around since it will be much lighter. We’ll also cover some tips for storing your motorcycle during the winter. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, be sure to read on!
When Should You Drain Motorcycle Gas Tank?
It’s generally recommended to drain the gas tank if you won’t be riding your motorcycle for more than 30 days. However, this varies depending on the climate and storage conditions. For example, if you live in a warm climate or plan on storing your motorcycle in a garage or shed, you can get away with draining the tank every 3-4 months.
On the other hand, if you live in a cold climate or plan on storing your motorcycle outside, it’s best to drain the gas tank every month. This will help prevent any condensation from forming inside the tank and causing corrosion. If you think the gas tank may have already developed corrosion, it’s best to have it inspected by a professional before riding the motorcycle again.
Step by Step Instructions: How to Drain a Motorcycle Gas Tank
Step 1: Park the Motorcycle on a Level Surface.
Before you begin, it’s important to park the motorcycle on a level surface. This will prevent any fuel from spilling out as you drain the tank. Even if the motorcycle is turned off, there may still be some fuel in the line. So, it’s best to park on a level surface just to be safe.
Step 2: Prepare a Container for the Drained Fuel.
Next, you’ll need to find a container that can hold all the fuel you’re about to drain. Old gas can, or even a large bucket, will work perfectly. Just make sure that the container is clean and has no holes.
Step 3: Locate the Drain Plug on the Bottom of the Tank.
The next step is to locate the drain plug on the bottom of the tank. This is usually a small black knob that can be unscrewed by hand. If you can’t find the drain plug, then you should consult your motorcycle’s manual.
Step 4: Place the Container Under the Drain Plug.
Once you’ve found the drain plug, place the container under it so that the fuel will be caught when you unscrew the plug. If you think the fuel might spill, you can also place a rag or piece of cardboard under the container.
Step 5: Unscrew the Drain Plug and Allow the Fuel to Drain.
Simply unscrew the drain plug and allow the fuel to drain into the container. Depending on how much fuel is in the tank, this might take a few minutes. Once the fuel has finished draining, screw the plug back in place.
Step 6: Dispose of the Drained Fuel Properly.
The last step is to dispose of the drained fuel properly. You can either pour it into your car’s gas tank or take it to a local service station. Just make sure that you don’t pour it down the drain or leave it in the container. And that’s it! You’ve now successfully drained your motorcycle’s gas tank.
If you follow these steps on how to drain a motorcycle gas tank, you can be sure that your motorcycle will be stored safely and will be ready to ride when you are. Just remember to check the tank regularly and to always dispose of the fuel properly.
Additional Tips to Maintain Your Motorcycle Gas Tank:
- Check the tank regularly for any signs of corrosion or damage.
- If you live in a cold climate, or if you plan on storing your motorcycle outside, it’s best to drain the gas tank every month.
- Always dispose of the fuel properly.
- If you think the gas tank may have already developed corrosion, have it professionally inspected before attempting to drain it yourself.
- When draining the tank, always use a clean funnel.
- Never overfill the tank. This can cause damage to the engine.
- If your motorcycle has been sitting for a long period, it’s best to have the fuel system professionally cleaned before using it again.
Following these steps will help you safely drain your motorcycle gas tank. Be sure to take all the necessary precautions and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid any accidents.
Few Things to Keep in Mind When Draining Motorcycle Gas Tank:
1. Make Sure You Are in a Well Ventilated Area:
Draining a motorcycle gas tank can be dangerous if you are not in a well-ventilated area. The fumes from the gas can be toxic and cause you to become sick or even pass out. If you think the gas tank might be full, open all the windows and doors in the room to get as much fresh air circulating as possible.
2. Disconnect the Negative Battery Cable:
Before you do anything else, you must disconnect the negative battery cable. This will prevent any sparks from happening which could cause a fire. Once the negative battery cable is disconnected, you can proceed to the next step.
3. Place a Pan Under the Tank:
Now you will need to place a pan under the gas tank. This is to catch any gas that might spill out when you are draining the tank. Make sure the pan is large enough to catch all the gas and placed securely, so it does not tip over.
4. Do Not Use an Open Flame:
Using an open flame to help evaporate the gas can easily ignite the fumes and cause a dangerous explosion. An electric fan can help move the fumes away from you as you work. If the area is still too dangerous, you can always vent the tank outside.
5. Use Caution When Handling Gasoline:
Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when handling gasoline. This will help protect your skin from harmful chemicals. It is also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher handy in case of an accident. Also, make sure you have plenty of ventilation when working with gasoline.
6. Dispose of the Gasoline Properly:
Once you have drained the gas tank, you will need to dispose of the gasoline properly. Do not pour it down the drain or leave it where it can seep into the ground. Instead, take it to a local recycling center or hazardous waste disposal site.
You Can Check It Out to Get a Dent Out of a Motorcycle Gas Tank
What Happens If You Get Gas on Engine?
If you accidentally get gas on the engine, it’s important to clean it off immediately. Gas is a highly explosive substance, so you don’t want it anywhere near an open flame. If you can’t clean it off right away, then park the motorcycle in a well-ventilated area until you can.
In addition, gas can damage engine parts, so it’s best to avoid getting it on the engine. If you get gas on the engine, be sure to clean it off as soon as possible. When cleaning it off, be sure to use a clean cloth, so you don’t spread the gas around.
How Long Can Gas Last in a Motorcycle Tank?
The length of time that gasoline can last in a motorcycle tank depends on a few factors, such as the quality of the gas, the age of the motorcycle, and whether the motorcycle is being used regularly. For example, if you have good quality gas and ride your motorcycle often, the gas in your tank should last for about two weeks. However, if you have older gas or don’t ride your motorcycle often, the gas in your tank may only last for a few days.
To ensure that the gas in your motorcycle tank is fresh, it’s best to fill up the tank before it gets too low. This will help prevent any condensation from forming in the tank, leading to corrosion. It’s also a good idea to add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank if you plan on storing the motorcycle for an extended period. This will help keep the gas fresh and prevent any engine damage from using old gas.
Final Words
Motorcycle gas tanks can be drained in various ways, some more efficient than others. Some people choose to remove the petcock and let the fuel run out while inverted, but this can create a mess and is not always effective. A better method is to use a siphon pump or turkey baster to draw the fuel out of the tank until it’s empty.
If you have access to an air compressor, you can also blow the fuel out through the petcock opening. Make sure you take all necessary safety precautions when working with gasoline- remember, it’s highly flammable! We hope this guide helped give you instructions about how to drain a motorcycle gas tank. If you have any questions or want to know more, then feel free to comment below!
