FixVault

Fuel Tank Draining

Special Tools

Illustration Tool Name Tool Number
GF0004198Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Fuel Tank Drain Hose 310-F013
GF0010733Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
30 Gallon Hand-Operated Fuel Tanker 034-00002 or equivalent

All vehicles 

WARNING: Do not smoke, carry lighted tobacco or have an open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel-related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
WARNING: When handling fuel, always observe fuel handling precautions and be prepared in the event of fuel spillage. Spilled fuel may be ignited by hot vehicle components or other ignition sources. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
WARNING: Do not carry personal electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers or audio equipment of any type when working on or near any fuel-related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
WARNING: Remove the fuel filler cap slowly. The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may spray out. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
  1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
  2. Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES article.
  3. Explorer/Mountaineer (early build), Explorer Sport Trac (all vehicles) 

  4. Release the fuel tank filler cap and position aside.
  5. NOTE: Fuel tank filler pipe cap and fuel door removed from art for clarity.
  6. Insert a suitable fuel drain tube into the fuel tank filler pipe until it stops.
  7. Fig 1: Identifying Fuel Drain Tube
    GF0045191Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    Explorer/Mountaineer (late build) 

    NOTE: Fuel door removed from art for clarity.
    NOTE: The use of the refueling adapter is necessary to open the fuel tank filler pipe.
  8. Insert the refueling adapter into the fuel tank filler pipe.
  9. Fig 2: Identifying Refueling Adapter
    GF0045192Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    NOTE: Fuel door removed from art for clarity.
  10. Insert a suitable fuel drain tube through the refueling adapter and into the fuel tank filler pipe until it stops.
  11. Fig 3: Identifying Fuel Drain Tube
    GF0045193Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    All vehicles 

  12. Attach the fuel storage tanker to the fuel drain tube and remove as much fuel as possible from the fuel tank filler pipe.
  13. NOTE: There may be some residual fuel in the fuel tank filler pipe hose. Drain fuel into a suitable container.
  14. Loosen the clamp and disconnect the fuel tank filler pipe.
    • To install, tighten to 3 Nm (27 lb-in).
  15. Fig 4: Locating Fuel Tank Filler Pipe Clamp
    GF0027685Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  16. Using the special tool and the fuel tanker, siphon the fuel from the fuel tank.
  17. Fig 5: Siphoning Fuel From Fuel Tank Using Special Tool (310-F013) & Fuel Tanker
    GF0027686Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.