I'm finally ready to try out the new engine I put in the wife's X-type and I'd really like to get the old gas out of the tank before starting it. The fuel smells pretty old and I'm afraid it will gum things up.

I tried putting a vacuum on the fuel line but it won't draw. Was I just not patient enough? Or will that just not work?

I tried to siphon it out of the tank but I can't get the tube deep enough. I suppose there there may be an anti-siphon device in the filler line. Is there a way to siphon the fuel out of the tank?

Is there any way to fool the fuel pump into running without the engine turning over?

The tank is nearly full so just adding some good quality fresh fuel in with the old is really not an option.

Ideas?

 

The service procedure for other Jaguars involves using the fuel pump to push the fuel out at a disconnected fuel line junction.

If you put some fuel hose at the selected spot and turn the key only to the "run" position and not the "start" position, the fuel pump should energise and pump fuel to prime the fuel line pressure. Since you never reach that pressure with an open line, it will pump. There may be a time limit, so you may have to do it multiple times. Or, you can jumper the fuel pump power lead to the battery. Sparks are your enemy when working with open fuel lines.

Trying to vacuum the fuel line is likely hampered by the fuel pump being inline. Or maybe the filter is clogged. Did you change it yet?

 

Tried that. I get great flow, huge flow, out of the fuel line disconnected at the engine fuel rail, for about 1 second. Otherwise, fuel only flows while the engine is spinning.

What I need to find is a place in the wiring harness where I can apply 12V (or supply the ground return) to the pump with the rest of the system still off. If I could find that point to supply the primary voltage (or ground) it would empty the tank in short order. Otherwise I'll will have to crank the engine something like 10 seconds on, 20 seconds off, until I get the tank empty. Seems unnecessary wear on the starter to do it that way if there is a more elegant method.

Conveniently, a half-inch ID clear flexible plastic tubing fits snuggly and leak free on the male end of the fuel supply spring lock fitting between the O-rings and the end of the fitting.

 

Is there a fuel pump relay? If so that would be a spot to place a jumper and force it to run and pump out the old fuel...

 

OK, I found an electrical manual for 2002 X-type on line and downloaded it. Seems there is no fuel pump relay. I have to remove the rear seat and access the fuel pump control module. That will happen one week from tomorrow and I will report findings when I get back to the car late next week.