How I Drained My Motorcycle Gas Tank (My Carbureted Grom Clone)

Now I just wanted to cover how to drain the motorcycle gas tank since this operation is potentially dangerous. My Boom Vader, a Grom Clone, has a gas tank leak ( Why Is My Motorcycle Leaking Gas? ). I ran through my head. How would I drain my motorcycle gas tank without creating a disaster?

Here Is How I Drained My Motorcycle Gas Tank.

First, a warning: Handling gasoline is dangerous due to the amount of energy gasoline contains. Gasoline is also toxic and can enter the body through inhalation or contact. Please, be safe and understand what I am doing is best performed by an expert. Not me.

Read more about gasoline safety issues: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline#Safety

How To Drain A Motorcycle Gas Tank, Safely:

Remember, this is based on my experience, and I might have taken too many steps to drain the gas tank or need more safely. Please comment below on what you think.

I had skin covered, used gloves, wore safety glasses ( safety glasses with readers ), and only used approved storage containers for the drained gasoline. Nearby was my trusty fire extinguisher, and my garage was ventilated. FAQ: Motorcycle Garage Safety Rules.

Found Two Ways To Drain The Motorcycle Gas Tank.

On the Boom Vader, like many Grom Clones, the only fuel cut-off valve is mounted on the stock carburetor. This design will be crucial for the second method of draining the gas tank.

The One And Done Gas Tank Draining Method:

Open the fuel tank cap to vent air into the motorcycle gas tank. FYI, Boom Vader Gas tank venting is an issue in general, and it’s not Boom Vader Vapor Lock I found.

Drain the gas tank and whole fuel system through the carburetor drain. The end of my carburetor drain was mounted on the engine, and I pulled the hose end out of the mount and directed it to an approved gas container.

Using a flat-head screwdriver, I turned the carburetor drain screw counterclockwise till I had gasoline flow. I then stopped. Not sure if the screw can be taken entirely out, but I wasn’t going to experiment now.

A little tip, the carburetor drain will only drain the carburetor. To drain the motorcycle gas tank, you have to open the fuel cut-off valve. As the carburetor drains, the carburetor float will open the fuel line allowing gasoline to flow through the carb and out the drain.

Pros with this motorcycle gas tank draining method:

• Minimize gasoline spillage, splashing, and vapors, it seems.
• Gasoline is run through the fuel filter, cleaning the gas of any motorcycle gas tank contaminants ( Boom Vader Motorcycle Gas Tank Rust ).
• Easier than gas tank draining method #2.

Cons with this motorcycle gas tank draining method:

• Appears slower than the second method, based on the visual flow out of gasoline.

Second Method To Drain Motorcycle Gas Tank:

Open the fuel tank cap to vent air into the motorcycle gas tank. FYI(again), Boom Vader Gas tank venting is an issue in general, and it’s not Boom Vader Vapor Lock I found.

Stage the gas collection container close to the motorcycle, and possibly use a funnel to have an opening ready to receive gasoline near the carburetor.

While pinching the fuel line near the carburetor, pull the fuel line off the carburetor and direct the end to the funnel or collection container. Unpinch the hose.

Carefully stage the hose to minimize splashing and prevent spillage. You might have to hold the tank and end of the hose while draining. 

Pros with this gas tank draining method:

• It drains faster than method #1, or atleast how I saw it.
• Gasoline is run through the fuel filter, cleaning the gas of any motorcycle gas tank contaminants ( Boom Vader Motorcycle Gas Tank Rust ).

Cons with this gas tank draining method:

• Risk of gasoline spillage, splashing, or vapor creation.
• If your container is low, you might have to use a funnel.
• I might have to hold the hose during the draining process.
• Do not drain fuel from the carburetor if needed.
• No shut-off. With method #1, you close the shut-off valve if you want to stop gasoline flow. This method has no shut-off. To stop gasoline flow, you have to pinch the hose and replace it on the carburetor.
• Both methods pose a risk, but this method is MORE DANGEROUS.

Again, I am not going to recommend either method. I just wanted to illustrate the first job of fixing my leaky motorcycle gas tank is draining it. Draining a motorcycle gas tank poses a significant risk to DIY’ers like me. Hoping you learn from what I learned and make the right decision.

My Grom Clone Motorcycle Gas Tank Status.

It’s drained. Nuff said.  No fires, no accidents, 100% Safe! My Boom Vader motorcycle survived.

Again, Ride Safe, Ride Fun!

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Boom Vader Gen 2 Upgrades