How to Siphon Gas in Project Zomboid (Build 42.19)
Vehicle siphon · gas-pump fill · refuel · Build 42.19
Rubber Hose
Required for vehicle siphon
Gas Can
10 L petrol capacity
Jerrycan
20 L petrol capacity
What you need
| Goal | Required items | Menu name | Hose? | Power? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pull gas out of a vehicle tank | Rubber Hose + empty fuel-compatible container or partial petrol container; target tank must have fuel | Siphon Gasoline | Yes | No |
| Fill a container from a pump | Empty fuel-compatible container or partial container already holding petrol | Take Fuel (right-click pump) | No | Yes (grid or generator on the pump square) |
| Fill a vehicle from a pump | Vehicle near a powered pump with remaining fuel; tank not full | Refuel from Gas Pump | No | Yes |
| Pour a can into a vehicle | Container that already contains petrol; tank not full | Add Gasoline | No | No |
1. Siphon gasoline from a vehicle
This is the action the title refers to. In Build 42.19 the hose is mandatory: without a Rubber Hose in inventory, the vehicle menu refuses the action and shows Need a hose.
- Carry a Rubber Hose plus either an empty fuel-compatible container or a not-full container that already holds petrol. A Gas Can (10 L) or Jerrycan (20 L) is recommended for capacity.
- Find a vehicle whose gas tank still has fuel. Stop the engine if it is running—fuel transfer options only appear when the engine is off.
- Stand near the vehicle (within interaction range of the fuel area) and open the vehicle radial menu (default V) or the vehicle context menu.
- Choose Siphon Gasoline. Your character equips the hose and container, walks to the tank area, and fills the container until it is full, the tank is empty, or you cancel.
Why the siphon option is grayed out or missing
- Need a hose. — Inventory has no Rubber Hose.
- No usable container — Inventory has no empty fuel-compatible container and no not-full container already holding petrol.
- Empty vehicle tank — The tank is already empty; there is nothing to pull.
- Engine running — Fuel transfer options stay hidden while the engine is started.
- Full inventory — Menu may mark the action unavailable with a full-inventory tooltip.
- Too far / blocked — You must reach an adjacent free tile for the tank area.
2. Take fuel from a gas pump into a container
This is a different action from vehicle siphoning. You do not need a Rubber Hose. Right-click a fuel pump and use Take Fuel, then pick a container (or Fill All if you carry several).
- Bring an empty fuel-compatible container or a not-full container already holding petrol. Gas Can / Jerrycan are the practical high-capacity tools.
- Confirm the pump still has fuel and has power (grid power before shutoff, or a generator covering the pump square afterward—same idea as other powered appliances).
- Right-click the pump → Take Fuel → choose the container.
Pump menu problems
- Fuel Pump has No Power — Restore power or place a generator that electrifies the pump square.
- Fuel Pump is Empty — That pump is already drained; try another pump or siphon vehicles instead.
- No Container for Fuel — Carry an empty fuel-compatible container or a partial container already holding petrol.
- Menu missing entirely — You may be too far, inventory full, or not holding any container the fill menu accepts.
3. Refuel a vehicle
From a gas pump
Park so the fuel tank area is next to a powered pump that still has fuel. Engine off. Open the vehicle menu and choose Refuel from Gas Pump. No hose or hand can is required for this path.
From a can
Stand by the vehicle with a container that already holds petrol. Open the vehicle menu and choose Add Gasoline. The game prefers an equipped can, then the emptiest petrol-containing can in inventory.
Where to find hoses and gas cans
Build 42 uses weighted loot—not a fixed “0–4 at 4%” table. Prefer these places when searching:
| Item | Where to search | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber Hose | Auto parts / car-supply shops, mechanic garages, tool stores, gas-station storage rooms, mechanics crates and shelves | Common in mechanic and car-supply loot |
| Empty / partial Gas Cans | Gas stations, garage work areas, car-supply shelves, mechanic storage | Empties are more common than full cans |
| Full Gas Can | Mechanic garages (uncommon) | More often you find empties and fill them yourself |
| Jerrycan | Military hangars / army mechanic areas | Larger 20 L can |
Also check vehicle trunks and glove boxes while looting cars—empty cans appear there as well. For map markers of stations themselves, see where to find gas stations.
Item reference
| In-game name | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber Hose | Required for vehicle siphon | Light item; must be in inventory for Siphon Gasoline |
| Gas Can | Standard petrol container | Holds 10 L of petrol |
| Jerrycan of Gas | Large petrol container | Holds 20 L of petrol |
FAQ
Can I siphon with only a bottle?
Yes, if the bottle is empty and can hold fuel. A partially filled container is accepted only when it already contains petrol. You still need a Rubber Hose for vehicle siphoning. Gas Cans and Jerrycans are recommended because their 10 L / 20 L capacity makes the trip worthwhile.
Does siphoning need power?
No. Vehicle Siphon Gasoline only needs hose, container, and fuel in the tank. Take Fuel and Refuel from Gas Pump need a powered pump with remaining fuel.
Why does the pump still refuse me after I bring a generator?
Confirm the generator is started, connected, and actually electrifying the pump’s square (exterior generator coverage / sandbox rules). Also check that the pump is not already empty—power does not refill an emptied pump.
What is gas used for?
Vehicle tanks and portable generators. After the electrical shutoff, generators keep freezers, lights, and gas pumps running if you can feed them fuel. See generators and restoring power.
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