What's the best way to drain the fuel tank

I finally got my fuel filter (42+shipping) I had starting issues always starting on second attempt and not 1st and mechanic friend recommended to change the fuel filter and the bike being 11 yr old is due for new filter.
I read the service manual which recommended to loosen the bongo bolt to release the fuel pressure but then it says I must replace the spacer (washer).Well I did not order the spacer and don't really want to run around town for a washer.
Can I just unhook the hose from the tank and drain directly from the tank?
What's the best method guys.

 

You can just pinch off the hose change your filter that way.

 

best method........I would say ride it till its empty.......

but since you cant do that..... try using gravity........ just let it drain out

 

What year is your bike? Is it FI?

 

1998 FI

Guys I am not an idiot!! I can take the fking hose off the tank and drain the fuel.The reason I am asking is that bongo bolt mentioned on the service manual is necessary step or just skip it.

No running the engine dry is no option.Just because I post a thread does not mean I am a moron.

Thanks

 

They want you to relieve pressure so fuel does not spray all over you when you go to change the filter. You do not have to touch the bolt if you can remove the filter without doing it just be careful of fuel that may spray out as it may be under some pressure. Nobody thinks your a moron sometimes we read too quick or just need more information. If you do loosen the bolt you do not need to replace that washer so no worries. As stated I would crimp off and lines to the tank, change filter and be done.

 

Kind of touchy arent you? Relax, all posts are here to help... There are alot of people here that have very little mechanical experience so most sugestions start at the basics.

 

Maybe little defensive since I got hate mail from a member wishing my death calling me filthy names because I posted a thread about a center stand.
Not joking.

 

Its cool man! What member did that and why??? What was the title of your thread?

 

Replacing the banjo bolt washers is overkill. I've disconnected and reconnected that bolt several times already with no replacement of washers and no problems.

 

Please fwd any emails like this to the mods or admins and they will be delt with!

 

His post got deleted by the Mods but PM was harsh to put it mildly.I am over it not worth mentioning name.
I have been very helpful for others for whatever wisdom,experience,knowledge I acquire.I posted years in SV forums and never had issues about bike related contents.
I just hope that was a single case and I assume there will always be people with severe negative Karmas.

 

I could explain the validity of the questions I asked, but instead I will just move along. Good luck with your project. :thumbsup:

PS: In the future it would probably be a good idea to refer to that bolt as the BANJO bolt so that people won't accidentally assume that you are an idiot or a moron. :wink:

 

Who is this "Rubo" character, and where does he get off!!!!!!

I did not think "moron" when I read the post, just non-native speaker.
Also, I detect someone a little touchy; hair trigger temper and suspicious.
Piecing together this evidence, I think "Rubo" just may be the on-line name for Kim Jong-il.
The whole H-D thing is just a story to throw off his enemies.
A crafty one, that Jong-il!
:smile::boink::smile:
And NorCal- you screwed it up. I wanted "Bongo bolt" to go uncorrected along with the chance that it might be used again and eventually adopted! From this point forward, that is its new name for me. Thank you, "Rubo" (Kim!)!!!!
Sure banjo bolt is festive, but sooooo yesterday. Bongo is a little more jazzy.

 

auto parts store and get a fuel siphon only a few bucks, I have had mine apart a few times and have used the crush washers on banjo bolt 4 times now w/ no leaks.
Honda must have forgotten to put in a fuel shut off or disconnect on line, HMMMMMM
nice of them.
Note when reusing the same crush washers be sure to check a few times for leaks before ridding.

 

1st off heart felt thanks to all forum members for their contribution! No I am not weird guy beyond other people names.I am an artist, a painter struggling in my career and always in financial crises one form or other.
I think I explained my "touchy" attitude already...and I am sorry about the spelling it was never my strong subject in schools...

On with the subject.
Even though VFR Rider mentioned I had already gone auto to store and bought a 4 dollar gallon pump and attached a longer tube and after few pumps gravity took over.I drained 90% gas but you will never be able to get all.
see the picture

Few pointers in my amateur experience and I could be help to someone.
I have 1/2 torque wrench but I read that most click types lower torque setting are very inaccurate meaning between 10-40lb and unless you have a 200 dollar micro torque wrench I recommend good quality old style rod type torque wrench which I posted in my picture.

I had solved the problem of my bike not starting in 1st attempts.Thread here
http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanic...tarts-2nd-attempt-not-1st-any-ideas-guys.html
The mechanic friend was correct it was the clogged up fuel filter.

Almost forgot do buy that 5 dollar gasket that is on the base of the tank supporting the pump.Mine was all squeezed up.

Once again thank you guys

 

Good for you Rubo, i'm glad to see that everything worked out OK. :thumbsup:

 

cool Rubo
if you want to get the all the fuel out attach the hose to a piece of theaded rod or wood dowl and this will make it reach and stay in bottom of the tank to get all the fuel out.

 

Guys thank you. Lesson learned if you buy a used bike more then 5 yrs change the fuel filter.Mine was 11 yr old 1998 model and it was never changed.
I cut opened the filter to see the inside and it was dirty for sure.I am impressed by the quality of the filter OEM. Sure expansive but you don't have to worry for another 5yrs.The rugged construction metal and heavy duty filter element was worth 42 dollars.
See the cut open filter.