built in gas tank draining

[oddysea1]

I have a 1989 18 ft. wellcraft center console sport model with a below deck built in tank.I have access to the top of the tank only through a inspection plate.I just puchased the boat which has been sitting for five years, the tank is a quarter full and Im looking to drain the tank in a efficient and safe way.Any idears would be appreciated.Thankyou for the responses on several other issues they were very helpful.Andy

 

[Silverbullet555]

Re: built in gas tank draining

When I need to train my tank I used 10' of fuel line and a west systems epoxy pump (because I had it) to pump out the gas into a 5 gallon gas can. The trick will be getting rid of it as in some states it can be tough. My gas was fresh enough that it went into the truck.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: built in gas tank draining

Syphon through the fuel hose that goes to the motor,then remove the inspection plate,syphon out as much as possible,mop it out with a rag on a stick or something.if the tank has little to no water/dirt in it should be fine with a fillup,and some fuel treatment.

 

[Ming15237]

Re: built in gas tank draining

This is what we use at our shop on car fuel tanks, it works like a champ! Simple Siphon Plus :: Home

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: built in gas tank draining

This is what we use at our shop on car fuel tanks, it works like a champ! Simple Siphon Plus :: Home

Its also known as a jiggler or shaker siphon and can be found at many hardware stores, auto parts stores, and harbor freight tools. I'm not sure if it will work if the receptacle is above the height of the source tank. I don't think siphoning works in such a way.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: built in gas tank draining

one trick is to run the drain hose out the bilge drain, to keep everything low and the gas outside the boat.

remember you probably have an anti-syphon valve at the top of the tank; may be worth replacing with an open fitting for this operation.

you may be able to use the bulb to get things started.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: built in gas tank draining

I use the shake siphon that was mentioned. In the end of the hose I stick a 1/2" copper pipe piece. That just fits thru the garboard drain fitting in the bilge at the stern. It sticks thru the transom and I direct the fuel into jerry cans. Safe and pretty fast....

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: built in gas tank draining

one trick is to run the drain hose out the bilge drain, to keep everything low and the gas outside the boat.

Yep...That's the easiest I've found, provided you have the clearance under the drain.

 

[woodsyfeller]

Re: built in gas tank draining

you can get a 12 volt fuel pump and about 6'-8' fuel hose ,connect the pump to the fuel line in some place between tank and motor (fuel/water filter connection is a good spot)and pump it out into a proper container. Use plenty of wire so when your making the connection at the battery there will be less of a chance of arcing possibly igniting fuel fumes.

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: built in gas tank draining

I use the shake siphon that was mentioned. In the end of the hose I stick a 1/2" copper pipe piece. That just fits thru the garboard drain fitting in the bilge at the stern. It sticks thru the transom and I direct the fuel into jerry cans. Safe and pretty fast....

I like that idea with the copper pipe. Don't know why i didn't think of that. I've been draining my motor oil through a tiny rubber hose, but that there will work much better. Thanks for the idea.