Everton

So I have a DEAD fuel pump on my 2000 A6 2.7T Quattro that I need to change. Only problem is I have a full tank of gas. I removed the fuel level sensor unit accessible from the trunk, but have only been able to pump out about 5 gallons. Can't seam to get the hose of my pump down the sides of the tank to get more gas. What am I missing or doing wrong? Any useful comment would be appreciated.

twentysevenlitres

Why are you emptying the tank?
Or trying to anyway?

mithrilG60

There is an anti-ciphon valve at the bottom of the gooseneck. To drain further you will need to use one of the access plates under your rear bench. If you're careful you'll just dump gas to the ground. That is, unfortunately, pretty much inevitable.

Everton

Trying to get tank down to at least 1/4 full so when I pull the pump I don't have gas flowing all over my garage floor.

Prospeeder

I hate when this happens. Theres really no way to siphon. Just position a drain pan on either side of that half of the tank. Slowly lift up the cover so fuel is released slower, not just a huge gush. I usually manage to do it with only a small amount of fuel on the floor. Once you have it open, just siphon away till its low enough for you.

Everton

After looking at the cut-away section view of the gas tank in the Bentley manual, I thought it best to feed a hose from the opening for the fuel level sensor (from the trunk), in line with the sensor float, down the left side of the tank in hope of reaching the bottom of the tank by the other fuel level sensor. A 5ft section of 3/16 fuel line did the trick. Was able to siphon gas down to 1/4 tank, which from other post appears to at least limit the spillage to a manageable quantity of fuel when the pump is actually removed.

chungachanga

Stumbled upon this thread 3 years later and just had to sign up to thank you! Couldn't figure out for the life of me how to drain the gas to ~1/4 tank on my 2004 Audi A4 because of the mesh screen in the tank and without making a giant, hazardous mess.

All it took was lifting the carpet mat in the trunk, unscrewing the black, metal panel, blowing some forced air around the fuel pump cover to loosen age-old dirt, and knocking the cover seal off with a flathead/hammer (I know, very professional.) Didn't have to unplug anything since I just propped that all up and snuck a fuel pump hose as far down as I could. Then I just pumped away until there were about 4 gallons left in the tank, which was exactly what I needed. Thanks again!