I have a leak in 2003 impreza tank.....only when it is over 1/2 full

I need to try and find the source

 

In the meantime (it is not registered and I filled the tank)......I need to drain 3/4 of the tank

 

I did not realize that I cant register it until I get a special NY State inspection due to it being technically totaled last year

 

I don't want the leak showing during this inspection.....my son used to drive it below 1/2 full all the time

I will have the tank changed but that will have to come later

 

I tried a garden hose and then inserted a rigid poly tube into it.....I still could not get  anything into the tank

If there is a drain plug underneath (not sure) I hate to mess with that

 

Anyone????  thanks!

 

 

Probably the easiest thing to do is unhook the fuel line at the filter, run the pump . Be aware that the fuel will come out quick.

Dave....how do I run the pump?

Not as familiar with theseverely newer models - is there a test mode that guns the pump like the old gen cars?

 

Or find the power lines to the pump and unplug, then apply 12v. But check the schematics for specifics first.

If fuel filter is in the engine bay and has 3 lines, the return line to tank could be routed to a jerry can and the engine run.

 

I have to drain down mine this week prior to it going to the scrapyard (my '03 LL bean H6 with exhaust gas in the coolant).

 

Scrap prices really suck right now!

 

$80/ton for a car (4 cents/lb!)

If you use the fuel pump to pump it out you might have to leave the engine running or constantly turn the key on and off.  Most vehicles have a pump shut off built into the ECM if the engine isn't running. 

 

Other than that you could possibly bet a 1/4 or 3/8" line into the tank instead of the garden hose.  It will just take a little longer to drain.

I tried to get a thin line into my tank, there's like 6 gallons in there!

 

No go.

 

I think I will just T into the feed to the engine and use small enough line/fittings that it'll still idle.

Yeah, a T with a small valve on the open port, so you can hold enough pressure to keep it running.

FYI, there are 2 drain plugs

 

Disconnect the fuel line from the filter (yes, it has one, 04 was the last year in the Impreza), connect a good length piece of hose (3/8" IIRC), then jumper the fuel pump relay (either behind the passenger kick panel, or under the carpet near the ECU, green connector). That will keep the pump on, as long as you need it to.

 

 

Also, I bet your fuel leak is a rusted filler neck.

If you can get to the fuel pump relay, just jump the relay so the pump runs constantly.

 

Pull the supply hose off the filter and stick it in a gas can.

You guys are good....except locating the pump/relay/connectors is vague 

I don't want to hook up 12V to something and screw something up

 

I do really need to get that gas out so any further help is much appreciated

 

thanks

 

You guys are good....except locating the pump/relay/connectors is vague 

I don't want to hook up 12V to something and screw something up

 

I do really need to get that gas out so any further help is much appreciated

 

thanks

 

I'm just going off the FSM and memory, which is very vague. But it looks like it's below the dash on the passenger side. From there you'll have to start looking yourself. It's a normal Subaru relay, so it has 4 wires, 2 are fairly thin gauge, and are the control side, and 2 are much thicker, and have the load of the fuel pump going to them. Unplug the relay and use a short piece of wire to connect those 2 heavier wires together.

Yeah, a T with a small valve on the open port, so you can hold enough pressure to keep it running.

 

Did this last night, T fitting with needle-node channel locks holding hose mostly shut.

 

Slow, but captured about 5 gallons that the scrapper won't get!

Did this last night, T fitting with needle-node channel locks holding hose mostly shut.

 

Slow, but captured about 5 gallons that the scrapper won't get!

thanks dave---so you let the car idle?

How long did it take for the 5 gallons?

Yeah idled.

 

Took about 20-25 minutes I guess. Can't let much out or the pressure drops too much to even idle it.

 

easiest probably to use a C clamp or such, start crimped off, then loosen slowly until it gets rough, then tighten till runs smooth.

Yeah idled.

 

Took about 20-25 minutes I guess. Can't let much out or the pressure drops too much to even idle it.

 

easiest probably to use a C clamp or such, start crimped off, then loosen slowly until it gets rough, then tighten till runs smooth.

best idea so far Dave----thanks