Draining the fuel tank

[tdskip]

Hi guys - newbie Spider owner here. So new I haven't even picked her up yet but wanted start getting some details together for when I bring her home.

Would a '74 have a fuel drain plug to empty the tank, or should I plan to use a siphon or just use the fuel pump to drain the tank?

Thanks

[htchevyii]

My '72 has one, so maybe?

[tdskip]

My '72 has one, so maybe?

Thanks, is the location obvious? When I was checking out the underside of the car I wasn't looking for a drain plug, I think I was too excited to have it be so solid to really be thinking much else at that point.

[giuliot60]

Don't know if yours has the same fuel pump as my 81, but I was able to just disconnect the hose from the front of the filter, connected a long fuel hose, and just turned on the ignition (the PO bypassed the AFM so it turns on with the key). It was really easy. before that I was trying to siphon it out but wasn't having any luck.

[tdskip]

Don't know if yours has the same fuel pump as my 81, but I was able to just disconnect the hose from the front of the filter, connected a long fuel hose, and just turned on the ignition (the PO bypassed the AFM so it turns on with the key). It was really easy. before that I was trying to siphon it out but wasn't having any luck.

Thanks.

I've connected an internal pump and pulled the old gas out before, that works OK but not sure if I always get the crud out that way.

What kind of pump should a '74 have BTW? Where are the fuel filters supposed to be?

[giuliot60]

Fuel injected cars have a different pump/filter because of the need for high pressure. I don't know where the filter is on the carbed/older cars (even though I did own a '74 30 years ago).

I would think you should get most of the gas out, then take the tank out to clean it properly. I've just gotten back into the Fiat game this spring and don't know for sure. I think you should be able to search for tank cleaning posts and find plenty of threads.

Good luck. The '74 is a nice year.

[aj81spider]

Just took the tank out of my 74 this weekend. Mine didn't have a drain. I disconnected the filler hose and let it run into a bucket. That got most of the gas out.

Leave the bucket there when you pull the tank, as you need to tilt it to get the tank out and whatever is left will run out at that point.

[tdskip]

Thanks guys - appreciate the info. I'll try pumping the gas out first and see where that gets me. She's only been sitting for three years, so maybe I'll be able to dodge pulling the tank.

[baltobernie]

The pickup/sending unit is easy to remove from the top of the tank. With it out, you can inspect a couple of things:

• Rust or sediment in the tank, at least the tiny portion viewable from above. Probably a good indication of the overall condition.
  Integrity of the float. They often leak, and fill with fuel. Obviously, your gage will then be off.
  Integrity of the "sock" or filter surrounding the pickup tube. Critical to keep crud from ruining your fuel pump.

Needless to say, in the presence of gasoline or its vapors, be careful not to cause an electrical or mechanical spark nearby.