UK Car Repair: Emptying a Rover 216 GTI TC petrol tank, rover 216 gti, petrol tank

Question
Hi,
I've a Rover 216 GTI TC (Honda engine), which although the engine is sound has an expiring differential. I reluctantly have to scrap it as it not cost effective to repair, but want to remove the petrol from the full tank. Is this possible with syphoning or is there some anti-theft feature? I have tried with a hosepipe (yes, the old method) but the hose doesn't appear to get to the bottom i.e. no suction, just bubbling sounds.
Many thanks
Peter


Answer
The easiest way is by pumping it out using the cars fuel pump.  You can disconnect the feed line at a convenient place near the engine, attach an extension hose and switch on the ignition, if you have a small battery charger it might help to keep the power up.