Need advice on draining fuel tank

[Soupdaddy]

I have a 98 2.7l 2wd that has been sitting for five years without a motor. I'm getting close to finishing up and giving her a start.

I believe the existing fuel should be drained. I have searched this forum and have read the FSM for a how-to, but no joy.

What is the easiest way to drain the fuel tank?

 

[KidVermicious]

If you don't have a drain valve underneath the tank, you can pop the fuel line at the filter and run it to a bucket, then give the pump 12 volts and wait.

 

[lude and rude]

Take off the skid plate on the gas tank and there should be a drain bolt. remove and crack open a beer lol... if no drain bolt (some of the older toys didnt have one) you can either drop the tank or do what kidvermicious said and pop a line off and add 12v. i would shy away from this thou because 5 year old gas is going thru your fuel pump, unless your going to replace it any ways.

i like to drop the tank that way i can look inside and see if its needing a cleaning, old fuel will turn into a nasty mess esp if ethanol was in it.

 

[sportscarfan]

It's very likely you've cultivated some rust in the tank...might be worth pulling the fuel pump to have a look inside.

 

[Soupdaddy]

Thanks for the info! I agree about not running the unknown fuel filth though the fuel pump. I was also hoping to not drop the tank, but better safe than sorry as my wife always reminds me. Why can't there ever be an easy and safe?