News about thieves stealing fuel from cars isn’t new, but siphoning is more than a theft tactic. Siphoning can be helpful in various scenarios and even prevent problems down the line. So it’s crucial you know when and how to do it.
Taking gas out of a car is your best option in the following scenarios:
Contaminated fuel can damage your engine and lead to costly repairs. The best way to prevent such problems is to remove the contaminated fuel via siphoning.
If there’s a power outage in your area, you might need your vehicle’s gas to power your generator. Siphoning the gas, then using it to power your electrical devices, is a fallback for emergencies.
Getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a shortage of gas supply is a recipe for disaster. If there’s a car nearby with fuel, you can transfer its gas to your ride’s tank can be a lifesaver. Of course, don’t forget to ask for permission before siphoning.
Before you consider siphoning gas, take note that newer vehicles have a block at the base of the fuel filler neck designed to prevent a hose from being pushed into the tank to siphon the gas, so shoving a hose into the tank may well be a non-starter on your particular vehicle.
Siphoning is a tricky process that transfers liquid from one container to the other. It works by creating a “vacuum” to displace the fluid. Here’s how to do it:
Make sure the can is clean and uncontaminated. If it isn’t an emergency, you can buy one at a local hardware shop.
This process wouldn’t work without a siphon pump, as it creates a “vacuum” to seep fuel out of the gas tank.
You can use a manual or automatic siphon pump. You’ll need to pump the former several times to such the fuel out, while the latter makes siphoning as easy as pressing a button.
This step can be tricky because new cars often have small fuel-filler openings and spring-loaded flaps to stop fuel vapors from escaping. Again, most new vehicles have a blocking mechanism at the bottom end of the filler neck to prevent pushing a siphon hose into the gas tank. If you’re unsure how to insert the hose, consult the pump’s manual.
Make sure the end of the hose is pointing down. If you’re using an automatic pump, the fuel should flow out of the gas tank and into the can. Otherwise, you’ll have to pump a few times to get the gas flowing. Keep in mind that the receiving container needs to be placed lower than the inlet of the hose where it’s in the tank or the fuel won’t flow.
Consult your pump’s manual for the exact steps on how to use it. Make sure to secure the hose and submerge it in the fuel tank to keep air from ruining the process.
This will stop the flow and make excess fuel seep back into the gas tank. Afterward, remove the pump carefully. Don’t forget to seal your gas tank again after siphoning fuel out of it to prevent contamination.
Aside from using a siphon pump, there are other ways to seep fuel out of your vehicle’s tank.
Note from Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician: Old timers would actually siphon by mouth, but this is a bad idea. Note that this is not recommended for the dangers it poses, but if you absolutely have to do it this way, have a piece of clear hose on hand such as you can get at some hardware stores and online.
Using a siphon pump is the best way. However, with the clear hose, you can see the gas coming and get your mouth out of the way before it begins flowing out of the hose. Remember: the outlet of the hose needs to be lower than the inlet.
Again, we do not recommend this process because it’s dangerous, as you might swallow gasoline or inhale its vapors.
Some new vehicles come equipped with a rollover valve, which lessens tank pressure and stops back-flow. However, these valves also prevent siphoning.
Moreover, some new models also have an anti-siphon mesh screen at the higher part of the fuel pipe. The screen prevents anyone from feeding anything solid into the gas tank, including siphon pumps.
Generally, it’s not recommended to siphon gas from your car if it has an anti-siphon—unless it’s an emergency. After all, you might have to damage that part of your car beyond repair to do it.
You can break the anti-siphon mesh screen to enter the hose into the fuel-filler opening. However, do this carefully, as the debris from the screen can block fuel flow. Make sure you have the right tools for the job.
Siphoning gas can be dangerous if you don’t do it properly. So before doing it or any other task that involves fuel, consult with a trusted mechanic or read a manual or step-by-step guide. Seep gas out of your tank only when the need is dire.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.