Hi, I had a total failure of the fuel pump in the front tank of an 01 burb with the 8.1 vortec. I already have a replacement, I knew it was failing, but thought I could make it until spring. Of course it happened right after I topped it off with gas. I have had the tank down before to replace the lines, so it could come out without too much issue, but cant handle the weight of a full tank without a bunch of spillage and swearing. I am trying to figure out a way to drain that tank to some degree before dropping it. Normally would do this with the fuel pump but it is 100% failed. Has power, wont pump anymore. It is for sure a mechanical failure of that pump. I had the idea of getting onto the supply line at the back of the engine with a quick connect adapter and a length of hose using either siphon or an external pump but don't know if this can be successful trying to draw through the failed pump. Does anyone know it this could work or is a waste of time. Otherwise best I can figure out is to disconnect the fill to the front from the rear one and try to siphon out of there. I don't know if the rear tank will then spill its gas onto the ground. I really don't understand the details of the transfer of fuel from the rear to the front in normal operation. I don't want to cut a hole through the floor. Anyone successfully navigated this situation before. I have no lift and am doing this outside on a driveway.
Any useful advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

I made up a 12 volt gas-pump myself to change out my full fuel tank. The trick is two-fold.

The hose has to be 1/2 inch of softer plastic to get around any curves, with the end cut at an angle to help it get down to the fuel tank.

The other thing is to have enough containers to place the gasoline into. when it draws out. I dont know about your other fuel tanks operation to give you any advice on that, but assuming you have only one fuel pump it likely used gravity/ a hose at the bottom to stay equal with the tank that has the fuel pump. How much fuel do the two tanks hold? My search only showed one 31 gallon gas tank for a 2001 8.1 liter Chevy Suburban 2500.