Bad fuel, Van has been sitting

[Tim H]

Hey guys new here and have an 86' van wagon. The van has been sitting for 6 years and I need to drain the gas. Anyone know if there is a plug on the tank or if I will have to siphon or pump it out? Thanks!

[zack_008]

Have you tried getting under the van and looking? Typically if left mostly empty everything rusts inside which would include your pickup tube, fuel lever arm dealio, and the pump. You'd also want to replace the fuel filter. And if things really went south injectors. You're not going to get all the gas out of it, no matter how hard you try, unless you drop the tank.

[Tim H]

I don't have access to the van all the time as I am 2 hours away from it so I haven't gotten a lot of time to look at it and am fairly new to working on older vehicles. I just wanted to make sure if I needed any special equipment to drain the gas or if I could just release a plug and it would drain. Thanks for your help, I'll look into replacing the fuel filter as well.

[Metalghost]

I have an 86 and there is a square head plug to drain the gas tank. There is a gasket that is identified in the manual as one time use. But if you inspect and clean the surface it is prob ok to use again.

[Tim H]

Ok sweet thank you!

[89van]

someone else already provided a good answer for the drain plug, but if you're lazy, or strapped for tools like I was, you can also siphon out the gas with a hand pump I.E. one from AutoZone. I'll warn ya, those pumps are cheap and break-more like a one time use thing. Hope it helps :thmbup:

[Toyovan]

Tim quick question sir. Does the fuel plug on the gas tank (to drain) need any type of washer? Mines leaking from there no matter how tight I make it. I recently had it sealed and might had gotten some on the threads (I had the plug removed) I don't remember it having a washer when I removed it. I even put loctite 592 that's made for fuel and a copper washer and still leaks.

[Tim H]

Yes there is a gasket that seals the drain plug not necessary a washer. I just used my old one which wasn’t in the greatest shape but I’m sure you could find an aftermarket one pretty easy. Hope this helps!

[Toyovan]

Do you know the original part number? What type of material does it have to be since it needs to seal fuel.

[Tim H]

If I remember correctly, it's a rubber gasket similar to an oil drain plug. As long as it fits around the gas drain plug bolt and is rubber, you're probably fine.