Drain the gas

[bruceb]

I'm working on emergency preparedness. Have a generator. Looking for backup sources of gasoline. Like the gas tank.

Can't slip a tube down the filler tube any longer. Back up suggestion - tap into the gas line to the fuel rail, hot wire the fuel pump relay to pump continuously. Take care not to run the pump dry. Like this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfEFA_sVIt8

Is this a reasonable idea? If so, where should I connect my hose? Suggestions on hotwiring the relay?

If not, what else could I consider?

Thanks much!

Bruce

 

[geops]

I'm working on emergency preparedness. Have a generator. Looking for backup sources of gasoline. Like the gas tank.

Can't slip a tube down the filler tube any longer. Back up suggestion - tap into the gas line to the fuel rail, hot wire the fuel pump relay to pump continuously. Take care not to run the pump dry. Like this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfEFA_sVIt8

Is this a reasonable idea? If so, where should I connect my hose? Suggestions on hotwiring the relay?

If not, what else could I consider?

Thanks much!

Bruce

How about saving yourself a lot of trouble and just buying extra gas cans?

 

[kn5owa]

Looking for backup sources of gasoline. Like the gas tank.

Is this a reasonable idea?

If not, what else could I consider?

Bruce

It is unreasonable and dangerous - this is the problem with gasoline powered generators - they drink large amts. of gasoline, gas goes bad, etc. I researched the idea to death.

For emergency lighting - use LED lamps ( with 12 v. bulbs), solar panels, storage batteries, etc..

For large generators, you gotta spend money and go with natural gas or propane. Go with the gasoline idea (esp. using the car for a reserve) and you will likely be the emergency.

 

[scottdk]

 

[landtuna]

Consider the fuel pump is operating at relatively high pressure which you must take into account at the generator. Most generator's are expecting gravity feed pressure, not fuel injected.

This doesn't sound like a great idea to me - risking my car fuel system. Why not consider a propane fuel generator and install a large capacity propane fuel tank on your property? Yes, it might be more expensive but also safer.

Are you really out of electric service that often?

 

[craigt]

Perhaps a little too much of this? http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/doomsday-preppers/

 

[bruceb]

You guys need to pay more attention to your surroundings.

http://www.ibtimes.com/aging-us-power-grid-blacks-out-more-any-other-developed-nation-1631086

From this FEMA booklet on preparedness http://www.fema.gov/pdf/areyouready/areyouready_full.pdf
You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. [snipped]

Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may
be cut off for days, or even a week or longer. Or, you may have to evacuate at a
moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You probably will not have the opportunity
to shop or search for the supplies you need.

I live on the WA Olympic Peninsula, a rural area. In a disaster, man-made or natural, our area will not be a priority. OTOH, people in a city fully depend on municipal services and supplies trucked in from other places. They are probably less prepared, with many more people to rescue by a relatively small number of emergency workers.

@landtuna - I was only thinking of filling gas cans from the car fuel system. BTW you do know that if the electricity fails in AZ, the Valley of the Sun will dry up in a few days, even sooner in the summer.

Thanks for all the replies, tho no one actually answered my question. Fortunately my preparations do not require much electricity in a crisis.

 

[Mark_888]

I live on the WA Olympic Peninsula, a rural area.

That still does not answer the question of why you don't just store some extra gas in cans on your premises. That would be a lot easier than having to figure out how to get it out of your car's gas tank in an emergency.

 

[84FordMan]

Gas? You need to be more concerned about your water chip.

 

[craigt]

If you are really concerned about an upcoming doomsday, you can put a big-ass propane tank in the ground, keep it filled, and buy a propane generator. Probably safer then what you describe above about draining gas from the injector pump

This also continues to provide access to your car so you can get away when armed invaders come and ransack your house.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[landtuna]

@landtuna - I was only thinking of filling gas cans from the car fuel system. BTW you do know that if the electricity fails in AZ, the Valley of the Sun will dry up in a few days, even sooner in the summer.

Considering where you live I would think your concern regarding a huge natural disaster is far more warranted than my location (a geological dormant desert) but consider this - I used to have a co-worker who was a Mormon and the Mormons apparently believe in stocking up for a disaster that compares to what you are thinking. I used to pose a question to him - what do you think will happen if your neighbors (a) are deprived of food and water and (b) discover you have a huge stash in your house? That's right - gone in a flash - unless, of course, you are willing to defend your stash by shooting your neighbors.

And, I grew up here in the Phoenix area long before we had air conditioning or even evaporative coolers. It would be a major PITA but I could get along very nicely for a long time without those luxuries and I don't have a whole range of explosive mountains nearby.

Meanwhile, I still think it very unwise to modify your car fuel system and use it as a storage facility. You would be much safer going the propane route as was suggested by a couple of us.

 

[kn5owa]

I still think it very unwise to modify your car fuel system and use it as a storage facility. You would be much safer going the propane route as was suggested by a couple of us.

Natural gas is also a safe alternative.

But, if you want to go cheap, which I think the orig. poster had in mind, a chinese generator from Harbor Freight and a tap into your car is definitely the cheap route.

Of course, you might not live to enjoy it long.