I have a 2002 Ram 1500 Van. Through hurricane Sandy, In the event of a power outage, I filled up my two gas containers to power my emergency generator. I also filled up both the van and my other vehicle, a Honda Pilot, so between the cans, the vehicles, I thought I could siphon out the 60+ gallons in case things got "Real Bad". I didn't lose power but what I did find out is that vehicles have valves installed in the tank to keep the gas inside of it should the vehicle experience a roll-over and that valve also prevents siphoning the gas out if needed.

So, what would be the easiest (non-damaging) option to have reasonably easy access to the gas in the tank if needed? Generally, my online searches talk about removing the fuel pump completely (sounds like a big hassle) or accessing an access port used to test fuel pressure and I'm not even sure if the van has such an access port. Maybe this question is all for nothing as I've not tried to siphon gas straight out of the tank filler neck, I'm just assuming it has the anti-roll-over valve.

Thanks,

Carolyn

 

I too was looking to use my 2000/B1500 Ram Van as a storage receptacle for 30+ gallons of fuel.
Imagine my amazement ( and my discontent) when I found out after pumping ALL that fuel that I could not siphon it out.
Well...necessity being a mother and all, I decided to look a little deeper at this stopper valve in the tank.
I am even happier to say that the solution is MUCH easier than perhaps we thought.
My van has a plastic tank mounted midway on the left side.
There are 2 rubber hoses running from the filler neck to the tank.
One is the larger filler hose and the other a smaller overflow/return hose.
If you go under the vehicle you can see where they are simply hose clamped to the tank.
I undid the smaller hose from the tank and fished a small diameter siphon hose into the tank past the stopper valve and POW, how ya like me now...fuel!
I suppose you could undo the larger filler hose as well and perhaps use a larger diameter siphon hose as well for faster siphoning?
A little bit of trouble, it's true but still much easier than even I expected.
The trick is to use a small diameter hose to get past the stopper/flapper valve and into the tank.
A small hose will siphon 1 gal in about 3 mins.
I registered here just to give dodge folks a heads up and hopefully this will provide some relief to those seeking to store that precious fuel and avoid those long lines at the pumps.
Regards...The Sradiator

 

You guys have an accessable fuel pump relay on yours. Not internal like the late model TIPM guy I posted for a few days ago. Take the shell off the relay and you can actuate the pump by closing the relay contacts. If you are inclined electrically, you can jump the terminals if needed. If you can get the fuel line off the rail and find a hose to run from it, you're in business. I can't remember but there may be a quick connect somewhere along the frame rail that you can access easier. Of my memory serves me right, just at the front edge of the fuel tank there is one where the flexible plastic line from the pump taps into a metal one that runs up to the front of the van/truck. Sorry, but I don't have one of these handy to take any pics. Here are some service manual pics though>>>>

Other than the gas lines, how are things up there?













1 - INDEX ARROW2 - TANK INDEX MARKS3 - FILTER/REGULATOR4 - FUEL SUPPLY FITTING5 - PLASTIC LOCKNUT6 - FUEL TANK7 - FUEL PUMP MODULE

 

I didn't want to mess with the fuel rail or undo the coupling.
Plus...the flapper valve intrigued me a bit as to how it operated.
I figured it had to let fuel buy it while fueling otherwise the stations pump handle would constantly be clicking off from the back pressure.
Turns out the was enough room to sneak a siphon hose by it via the smaller hole in your diagram above.

 

I too would simply disconnect the fuel line at the fuel rail and add a hose extension running to a gas can. Turn the key on and the fuel pump will do all of the work for you.

 

Thanks for all your help. I did try pushing the larger siphon hose into the tank as well as as a small diameter tube and couldn't get anything past the flapper valve. As this would be the easiest option for me I'd like more information on how Sradiator bypassed the flapper valve. Maybe my 2002's valve is different? I wasn't using a fuel line, but a small diameter blood line left over from my husband's dialysis equipment. It might not have been rigid enough to push through? I simply don't understand how this flap works. Does the fuel nozzle push it out of the way when fueling? If so, couldn't you use a similar metal tube to push the flap out of the way and then insert your siphon tube through the metal one to access the tank?

I did find the fuel pressure access port. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks like you can access it from the dog box on the driver's side. There, I'd need the tool to remove the valve core and a line slip snuggly over the top of it. (I believe this is the same as removing the inside of a tire stem?) My nephew worked at a dealership and this is procedure they used to remove gas from tanks when they needed service. Would this be a safer way than removing the fuel line? I don't suppose there is an adapter someone already designed that could screw straight onto the port without having to remove the inside of the port.

Sorry for what I am sure are pretty basic questions but this is not something I've ever looked into before.


Carolyn

 

The flapper appears to be hinged at/on 1 side.
You have to do a little wiggling with the hose but I ASSure you it will go in.
The line I used is about the same size as yours but it is fairly rigid as it came from a siphoning device from autozone with a squeeze bulb included.
I think the flapper is hinged in the middle as my line went in at the far rear of the small hole.
You won't be able to push it straight in but on an angle will work just give it a little wiggle so it can find the opening.
I siphoned 3 times and had to do it all 3 times so this is how I envision what the flapper/stopper looks like.
If you have ever seen the flapper in a toilet tank, I believe that will give you a better idea what it looks like and how it works and how to snake the line into the opening.

PS...Carolyn, I am in queens n.y. if you need assistance or want me to further elaborate over the phone then private message me your number and I'll be happy to call you.
Regards...The Sradiator