Believe it or not, knowing how to siphon gasoline is not just something that low-class criminals do! This ability can come in handy in all sorts of situations, whether you're running out of gas while miles from civilization, needing to winterize a vehicle, or just wanting to refuel your lawnmower without having to go to the car station. service. Start with step 1 below to learn how to use a siphon to siphon gasoline with nothing more than a length or two of a plastic tube and an empty gasoline can. Note: These methods may not work on gasoline tanks with special siphon barriers (although such barriers can sometimes be opened with the help of a screwdriver).
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Extract gasoline by creating pressure in the tank
Step 1. Find a gasoline can or other closed container to siphon gasoline
Any conventional gasoline can of sufficient volume will suffice, as long as it is closed. Since gasoline fumes can be dangerous to your health and you should never risk spilling it, it is generally unwise or even dangerous to transport gasoline in a bucket or other open container.
Step 2. Get a 3/8-inch diameter clear plastic tube
Using a siphon involves sucking the gasoline through a tube or hose into a container. Using a transparent tube is recommended because it allows you to see the gasoline passing through it, but since this particular method does not carry any risk of gasoline getting into your mouth, an opaque tube will also work.
For this method, you will need two lengths of tubing, one long enough to reach deep into the gas tank and a shorter length that only reaches the inside of the tank. You can get two sections of tube separately or cut a longer length to create two shorter ones, the effect is the same
Step 3. Place the gas can on the ground near the opening of the car's gas tank
The extraction of gasoline through a siphon works thanks to gravity; Once the gasoline flows through the tube, it will continue to flow naturally as long as you keep the tube at a lower level than the gasoline in the tank. Because of this, it is generally recommended to place the gas can or receptacle on the floor under the tank.
Step 4. Place both tubes inside the tank
Tuck the longest tube into the bottom of the gas tank (keeping the other end in the empty gas can). The end of this tube should be submerged in the gasoline in the tank. Since you can't see the location of the end, you can check it by carefully blowing (so as not to inhale the gases) through the tube and listening to the sound of the bubbles. Place the shorter tube just a few inches into the tank so that the two are located next to each other.
Step 5. Use a rag to create a seal around the tubes
This method works by increasing the air pressure in the tank to move the gasoline through the longer tube towards the receptacle. To create this high air pressure, it is important that you do not allow air to escape from the tank. Take an insignificant cloth or towel (that you don't mind getting dirty) and wrap it around the tubes to create an airtight seal. The rag should fit tightly around the tubes, but also shouldn't compress them to the point of preventing the flow of air and gasoline.
If you're having trouble creating a tight seal, soak the rag in water and wring it out, then wrap it around the tubes. Damp rags generally create a tighter seal than dry rags
Step 6. When you're ready, blow through the shorter tube
Make sure the end of the longer tube fits snugly into the gas canister, then blow through the shorter tube to increase the air pressure inside the tank. You can blow using your lungs (in which case, be careful not to breathe through the tube and inhale the gases), but it might be better to use a mechanical air pump. Forcing air through the short tube increases the air pressure above the gasoline inside the tank, causing it to flow through the longer tube into the container.
If you have difficulties, make sure you have hermetically sealed the area around the tubes. It is important to ensure that air does not enter or exit the gas tank except through the shortest tube
Step 7. Check the flow of gasoline
As you blow into the tank, you should see the gasoline move through the longer tube into the can (assuming you used a clear tube). Once the gas flows freely from the tank into the can, you don't need to keep blowing, as gravity will do the rest of the work. When you want to stop drawing gas, cover the longer tube with your thumb, raise it above the level of the gas in the tank, and remove your finger. Any remaining gasoline in the tube will flow back into the tank. Congratulations! You have finished. Remove the tubes and close the gas tank.
If the gasoline in the tube does not flow back into the tank when you want to stop drawing it, make sure the shorter tube is clear of any obstructions and, if necessary, remove the airtight seal around them. Air needs to escape from the tank to make room for the gasoline to return
Method 2 of 3: Using a siphon pump
Step 1. Get a siphon pump
If you don't want to use a makeshift siphon, you can find commercially available siphon pumps for as little as $ 10 to $ 15. These pumps come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, some are automatic and some are manual. However, most work in a similar way: a pump in the middle of a length of tube creates a suction that draws liquid from one end of the tube to the other.
These pumps allow you to easily and safely extract gasoline without getting your hands dirty or exposing yourself to fumes. As such, they are ideal alternatives for those cautious
Step 2. Place a gas can on the ground below the tank and place a tube connecting the two
As with the other methods described in this article, the suction only provides the initial force necessary to begin the extraction. After the gasoline begins to flow, gravity will do the rest of the work. Because of this, it is important that the receptacle is below the level of gasoline in the tank.
Note: Siphon pumps have one end designed for liquid to flow in and the other for liquid to flow out. Make sure you use the correct ends. If you set them upside down, the pump will simply draw air into the gas tank
Step 3. Pump when you are ready
Since the siphon pump works in a wide variety of ways, the exact measurements you will need to take will vary. If you have a hand pump, you may need to hold a plunger and push in and out or squeeze an inflatable light bulb. If you have a mechanical pump, you may only need to flip a switch.
- Most hand pumps only require a few pumps to get the liquid to flow; after that, the gasoline should flow freely.
- Automatic pumps may or may not function independently throughout the pumping process. See the instructions that came with the siphon pump for more information.
Step 4. When you are close to the desired amount of gasoline, raise the end of the tube (or the container itself) to stop the flow
Raising the end of the tube to a level higher than the level of gasoline in the tank causes the flow to reverse, so that any remaining in the pump must be drained back into the tank. If you are using an automatic pump, you may need to turn it off at this point.
Step 5. Remove the siphon pump from the tank
When there is no excess gas in the tube, you can safely remove it from the tank. You have finished. Close the gas tank and seal the container, then disassemble and store the siphon pump.
Some siphon pumps need cleaning after use. See the instructions given for more information; Usually all you need to do is pump a soap and water mixture through the device and allow it to air dry
Method 3 of 3: Traditional way of extraction using the mouth (not recommended)
Step 1. Understand the danger of gasoline poisoning
Gasoline contains various chemical compounds called hydrocarbons, which are toxic to humans. Swallowing gasoline or breathing its vapors can cause numerous unpleasant (even potentially life-threatening) symptoms, including shortness of breath, localized irritation, loss of vision, stomach pain, vomiting (sometimes with the presence of blood), drowsiness, cognitive impairment and many more. If you do attempt this method, take all possible precautions to ensure that you do not swallow gasoline or breathe its vapors.
If you have been exposed to gasoline in any way and begin to have symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local poison control center
Step 2. Get a 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter clear tube and a closed gas container
As with the previous method, this requires a length of tube and a receptacle to contain the extracted gasoline. As mentioned above, it is important to use a closed gasoline can to prevent spillage or gases from being inhaled. However, with this particular method, a clear tube is not only a recommended alternative, it is crucial. Since ingesting gasoline is dangerous to your health, you need to be able to see it passing through the tube so that you can get the latter out of your mouth before the gasoline reaches that end.
Step 3. Place one end of the tube into the gas tank
Place the gas can on the ground near the vehicle's tank. Put one end of the tube into the gas tank deep enough to reach the bottom of the tank. To determine if the tube is below the gas level, blow out the other end (being careful not to inhale the gases through the tube as you do so) and listen for the sound of bubbles.
Step 4. Place the free end of the tube in your mouth
This method of siphoning gasoline works by using your mouth to create suction on the tube, which draws the gasoline out of the tank. Once the gasoline is flowing freely, gravity will cause the siphon to keep sucking it out of the tank. You must be careful to make sure you don't swallow gasoline or inhale the fumes. Once the tube is in your mouth, breathe only through your nose and pay close attention to the level of gasoline in the tube.
Step 5. Keep your fingers around the tube near your mouth so that you are ready to bend it before the gasoline enters your mouth
Once you start sucking through the tube, the gasoline can start to flow quickly. Keep one hand ready to stop the flow of gasoline and prevent it from entering your mouth.
Step 6. Suction through the tube and observe the flow of gasoline in it
To minimize (but by no means eliminate) the risk of inhaling gasoline vapors, try to suck it up with your mouth rather than your lungs, as if you were smoking a cigar instead of a cigarette. When the gasoline starts to flow through the tube, it can do so quickly, so be vigilant. When the gasoline is about 6 inches (15 cm) away, bend the tube firmly near the end and remove it from your mouth.
Step 7. Check for air bubbles in the tube
Air bubbles are a common obstacle when siphoning gasoline, as they can impede proper flow, forcing you to suck harder, which is dangerous. If you see air bubbles, straighten the tube again and let the gas flow back into the tank, then try again.
Try to position the tube so that you can suck directly above the tank. According to some sources, air bubbles are more common when the tube is on its side rather than up or down
Step 8. Attach the end of the tube to the gas can and straighten it
Gasoline should start to flow into the gas can. From this point on, the force of gravity should continue to pull the gasoline out of the tank towards the can. Control the flow to make sure the container is filling at a steady rate.
Step 9. Remove the tube from the tank when you are about to reach the desired amount of gasoline
Doing so stops the flow of gasoline and allows the excess in the tube to reach the container safely. Be aware of the volume of gasoline remaining in the tube before removing it from the tank, as you don't want to wait too long and risk spilling it.
Alternatively, simply cover the free end of the tube and raise it to a higher level than the gasoline in the tank. Gravity will cause the gasoline to flow back into the tank. You can even lift the container itself with the tube still in it to achieve the same effect
Step 10. Remove the tube from the fuel container once the fuel is completely out
You have finished! Close the gas tank and seal the can so you don't inhale the gases.
Warnings
- Be careful that the gasoline gets into your mouth. Use the tube only as far as you can see the fuel level. Inhaling or swallowing gasoline can have serious harmful effects.
- Gasoline fumes can be bad for your lungs and can taste really bad. If you want, use a siphon pump.
- Prevents the gasoline can from overflowing.