The 'E' Type Forum

Hello, time has come to try and start my car again after many years sitting. First I’d like to change the gasoline in the fuel tank. Is there an easy way to drain the tank? Any drain holes underneath?

Thanks,
Pablo

Look under the fuel tank..there is a sump filter unit...see service manual....Steve

Depends on how much gas is in tank and how your sump canister is configured.

Ensure VERY GOOD ventilation with NO open flame like water heaters….
Remember, gas fumes are heavier than air and will travel downhill.

If there is significant gas in tank, pump or siphon out all you can from the filler. You will not get it all out. Maybe a couple of gallons or so will be in the tank, was like that for me. Much more controlled and safer than draining a significant amount of gas out the bottom. Then go to the sump as below. Have a new seal available. Do NOT tighten the sump excessively, it will leak. Do not lube the seal.

Once removed it will be difficult to replace the sump or plug with gas draining without getting gas all over.

1. Your sump canister on bottom of tank may have a drain bolt. If so carefully remove it with an ADEQUATE container in place and drain. Be prepared for splashes.
2. If no drain plug in the canister and with very little gas in tank unscrew the canister with an ADEQUATE container in place and drain. Be prepared for splashes.
3. If you pull the fuel pickup/pump in top of tank almost all fuel can be accessed and pumped out.

Thank you very much.! My car is a late 67, it does seem to have a bolt underneath the sump filter. I’ll try to take as much fuel out from the filler before I unscrew the bolt. Do I need to seal that bolt somehow (before I unscrew it just want to know so I can do It again) or is it just a regular bolt ?

Also wanted to ask what kind of oil should I use for the engine?

Thanks again..!

"3. If you pull the fuel pickup/pump in top of tank almost all fuel can be accessed and pumped out."


Or, just disconnect the fuel line at the fuel pump, attach a piece of gas line hose to the outflow side of the pump and use the pump to empty the tank.

Make sure it’s a separate bolt. My bolt is brazed onto the canister. I do think they went to a removable bolt on later cars.

If a bolt i think it will have a sealing washer of some sort, it should anyway. Copper, fiber, nylon.
It is not pipe thread so a sealing compound or tape is not used.

I use Valvoline VR1 10/30 Racing for classic / flat tappet engines, dino oil not synthetic. Most use a 20/50 weight. VR1 is designed for flat tappet engines, high zinc, very highly rated. There is also VR1 Racing Syn, not designed for street use.

Here is my tank








Does look like a separate bolt. I’ll try to empty the tank as much as I can from the filler.

Yes looks like a seperate bolt.....use 2 spanners. ....one to hold the cylindrical houseing on the nut shaped fitti h and one to undo the bolt....Steve