How to Siphon Gas?

[mcmurray]

Does anyone know how (if it can be done) to siphon gas out of the tank. I have tried to put a 1/4" tube down into the tank but cannot get it low enough to touch the gas (2 feet maybe). I do have a real need to do this so this is not a flippant query.

[efusco]

Originally Posted by mcmurray

Does anyone know how (if it can be done) to siphon gas out of the tank. I have tried to put a 1/4" tube down into the tank but cannot get it low enough to touch the gas (2 feet maybe). I do have a real need to do this so this is not a flippant query.

It may not be possible and I've never heard of anyone successfully doing so in the Prius ('04+). Can't tell you the exact reason, but the collapsable bladder and emissions control stuff somehow have a roll.

I'd think a small pump would be able to get it out though...

[mcmurray]

Originally Posted by efusco

It may not be possible and I've never heard of anyone successfully doing so in the Prius ('04+). Can't tell you the exact reason, but the collapsable bladder and emissions control stuff somehow have a roll.

I'd think a small pump would be able to get it out though...

Thanks for that Evan, Not sure if we have bladders in Australia but there seems to be something about 2 feet down the tank (maybe just a very tight set of bends). The tube I tried has a small plastic hand squeeze pump at the top end to prime the tube when siphoning - but if the tube can't reach the fuel level - then I guess nothing can work.

[efusco]

Originally Posted by mcmurray

Thanks for that Evan, Not sure if we have bladders in Australia but there seems to be something about 2 feet down the tank (maybe just a very tight set of bends). The tube I tried has a small plastic hand squeeze pump at the top end to prime the tube when siphoning - but if the tube can't reach the fuel level - then I guess nothing can work.

Ah, sorry, didn't notice the "Gold Coast" thing...you're correct, I don't think you do have the bladders.
I've never personally tried, there's gotta be a way around the spot, but you may need an endoscope to successfully get there!

[patsparks]

There is a baffle in the tank which stops a hose going in. It's an anti theft device. My sons Celica has it too. Try putting a bend in the end of the hose and if the hose stops pull back 25mm then twist and push again.
Alternatively if removing some petrol is imperative remove the rear seat, there is most likely an inspection panel there that once removed you can remove the fuel gauge sender to access the tank. I don't know this for sure but it is common for Toyota.

[galaxee]

siphoning gas out of one of these is damn near impossible.

[richard schumacher]

Why th' heck do you want to do this?

[statultra]

if u have a windshield washer pump, u can hook it up to a 12 volt battery and run a hose into the tank and itll suck out most of the gas.

i had to do this once, we were selling a Honda Odyssey, and i didnt want to sell a full tank of gas, so i ended up siphoning it out

forgot to mention, i dont think itll work on a new prius

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by mcmurray

Thanks for that Evan, Not sure if we have bladders in Australia but there seems to be something about 2 feet down the tank (maybe just a very tight set of bends). <snip>

That's the prostate. You must have a male Prius, and an older one at that. You could try dropping a couple of Flomax into the filler.


Tom

[jayman]

Originally Posted by qbee42

You could try dropping a couple of Flomax into the filler.

Tom

Flomax works wonders for my Dad. However, if you're on it, do NOT stop taking it. Even if you stop FLomax for only 24 hours, the prostate can seek revenge and cork off altogether.

Not sure if you've had a foley catheter, didn't look too fun when my Dad had one

Oh, getting back to topic: there is an anti-theft screen thing in the tube. Good luck getting a siphon hose in

jay