Georgia Fiero Club Forum

All Things Fiero => General Fiero Discussion => Topic started by: HarryT on August 22, 2012, 12:14:08 am

Title: Best way to drain gas tank???
Post by: HarryT on August 22, 2012, 12:14:08 am
I just purchased a Fiero that has not been run in 5 years and want to get the old gas out of the tank so I can fill it with fresh gas.  What is the best way to drain a Fiero tank????
Thanks;
Harry
Title: Re: Best way to drain gas tank???
Post by: Tha Driver on August 22, 2012, 03:15:52 am
Drop the fuel line, pull the relay, & jumper the fuel pump to pump it all out.  Where you jumper the pump depends on the year, I'm sure someone will chime in here (or at PFF   :P ) to help with that.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)
Title: Re: Best way to drain gas tank???
Post by: jwrape on August 22, 2012, 06:58:08 am
After it sitting. The best way is to drop the tank and open it up. I, personally, would replace the fuel pump. If not it will most likely fail shortly. The pump is apprx. $30 and easy to replace. You can also get any trash or rust out of the tank before running it through your engine

You can see one of my fuel pump replacements here http://gafieroclub.org/bbs/index.php?topic=744.45 (http://gafieroclub.org/bbs/index.php?topic=744.45)
It was nasty. This car was sitting for 8 years.

Title: Re: Best way to drain gas tank???
Post by: TopNotch on August 22, 2012, 09:53:24 am
Drop the fuel line, pull the relay, & jumper the fuel pump to pump it all out.  Where you jumper the pump depends on the year, I'm sure someone will chime in here (or at PFF   :P ) to help with that.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Just apply 12V to pin G of the ALDL connector to run the fuel pump. Works for all years and models. That pin goes directly to the pump, so you can even b briefly apply higher voltage to it (24V) to kick start the pump if need be.
Title: Re: Best way to drain gas tank???
Post by: HarryT on August 22, 2012, 10:50:41 am
I will try one or all of the suggestions when I get a chance.  If I apply 12V to pin G of the ALDL and the pump works, I will at least know the pump is working.  For how long may be another question, but at least I will be able to put some gas in and get it running.
Thanks, Y'all;
Harry
Title: Re: Best way to drain gas tank???
Post by: TopNotch on August 22, 2012, 02:17:42 pm
Of course, that 12V to pin G has to be referenced to ground. If you are using voltage from the cigarette lighter, it will already be referenced. If you are using a separate battery or charger, connect the negative to pin A or to the shell of the cigarette lighter.
Title: Re: Best way to drain gas tank???
Post by: HarryT on August 25, 2012, 12:17:23 pm
I have the fuel filter off and a piece of tubing running to a container to hold the old gas.  Where is the ALDL connector located?  I have the cover off under the steering column and I see two plugs.  One about 2 inchs with a few wires and one about 4 inchs with a bunch of wires.  They are labeled D through a backwards P.  Is that the ALDL or am I in the wrong area?
When I turn the key on the pump runs and pushs gas for a couple of seconds even with the big plug separated.  I know it is normal for the pump only to run a few seconds, that is why I have to feed 12v to the G pin. (I know how to find the G spot but not the G pin  8))
Thanks;
Harry
Title: Re: Best way to drain gas tank???
Post by: Fierofool on August 25, 2012, 01:00:06 pm
The ALDL is located behind the cigar lighter trim plate.  It's inside the console just to the passenger side of the cigar lighter.  Remove the black trim plate using a Torx bit.  The "G" pin is the top pin closest to the cigar lighter. 

You can take the cigar lighter out and use the black wire as a ground source or you can insert a paper clip into the "A" pin which is the terminal on the bottom row closest to the passenger.  The pins are set up as below with the passenger side being left and the drivers side being right.  Paper clips work well for inserting into the terminals. 

Passenger side:                    G          Drivers side
                              A B C D E F

A:  GROUND
B:  DIAGNOSTIC TEST TERMINAL
C:  A.I.R.  (IF USED)
D:  CHECK ENGINE LAMP
E:  SERIAL DATA PORT
F:  TORQUE CONVERTER CONTROL (AUTOMATIC TRANS)
G:  FUEL PUMP (EFI) NOT ALL ENGINES
Title: Re: Best way to drain gas tank???
Post by: HarryT on August 25, 2012, 01:27:50 pm
Thanks Charlie and Pat  :)
Title: Re: Best way to drain gas tank???
Post by: HarryT on August 25, 2012, 04:48:07 pm
It's alive.  I pumped out the tank, put in about a gallon and pumped that out, then put in a few gallons.  I hit the switch, it turned over a few times and fired up.  After it warmed up for a few minutes, burned all the leaves and debris off the rear header it smoothed out fairly well.  It sounds like it has a mild cam in it.  The oil pressure is good, didn't overheat.  The tach is very eratic, shows over 4000 at around 1500 by ear and 1600 to 1700 at around 900 idle.
I can't wait to get the control arm here and installed so I can drive it a little.
Thanks again to all;
Harry
PS  I am starting to sell the parts I remove and don't need for my final buggy project. I have someone who wants to buy the GT rocker panels.  They are both in good shape.  Does anyone know what they are selling for?
Title: Re: Best way to drain gas tank???
Post by: Fierofool on August 25, 2012, 06:52:18 pm
I believe it does have a mile cam, but you can ask Don Hulse about it.  He did quite a bigtof work on the car and has some knowledge of it.