cleaning out the fuel tanks

[barato2]

i need to clean out the tank on the starchief as it's probably got 10+ gals of nasty used-to-be-gas in it, and it's stinkin up the boat.

1. any ideas on whether i'll need to pull the tank out? it's a nicely built-in bow tank so it won't be easy. can i just hook up an electric automotive fuel pump to pump it out?

2. what do y'all do with your old gas? i'm trying to find something more environmentally responsible than just tossing it.

thanks!

and while i'm on the topic....i'll also need to replace the tank in the Holiday....looks to be in OK shape but a steel gas tank and saltwater use don't sound like good mix. i seem to recall someone finding a Moeller etc tank that was the perfect size to fit under the splashwell. anyone know which part # this was? when i do replace it, will post the steel tank in the Sc parts thread in case someone else needs it.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: cleaning out the fuel tanks

I would use either an electrical or cheap hand pump and get as much of the old gas out, then sacrifice a gallon or two of new gas, slosh it around and suck it out as well. I would think doing that once or twice should get it all out. I've done that on smaller tanks and gas cans and it seemed to work. As far as dumping, why not pour it on some cardboard or scrap wood and light it? I did that with about 5 gal that was in an aluminum fuel tank... if you are not actually in the city of El Paso... when I lived there the yards were too small!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: cleaning out the fuel tanks

It's going to be tough to get all the old stuff out without yankin' the tank. Like 73 said toss in a couple of gal. of fresher gas to dissolve/soften any crud. Can you tow the boat? That's about the only way to agitate short of pulling the tank.

What to do with the old gas? The only environmentally friendly thing I can think of is torch a glasser. Rid the world of a non-biodegradable.

 

[arks]

Re: cleaning out the fuel tanks

Use a 12V electric fuel pump to get out the old stuff.
I usually get rid of old gas by mixing it 1:10 with good and running it thru my tractor or truck.
Fresh gas contains 10% ethanol, which is a good cleaning agent.
I suggest you put in a couple gallons, slosh it around, and pump it thru a new gas filter/ separator.

Here's how I setup my current project. The jumpbox runs the pump for about 10 hours.
The fuel pump was bought from a tractor shop. I re-circulate the filtered gas back into the tank.

 

[barato2]

Re: cleaning out the fuel tanks

around here, the burning it off on a glasser or in bonfire might not be good idea....the cops would tihink it was someone disposing of a body.....

Ark, thanks for input. your arrangement is about what i was planning. you don't have any issues with your truck running the old gas? i'm nervous about the combination of sintered-metal fuel filter in fuelie taco meeting El Sludge.

i'll post my results when i get done. and i just found camera so i promise i'll post up some pix next week

 

[arks]

Re: cleaning out the fuel tanks

you don't have any issues with your truck running the old gas? i'm nervous about the combination of sintered-metal fuel filter in fuelie taco meeting El Sludge.

No problem at all, but I make sure 10% or less is 'dirty' gas mixed with fresh.

 

[elkhunter338]

Re: cleaning out the fuel tanks

If you pump the gas into an old container you can just let it sit outside and it will evaporate away overtime.
If the gas is real bad do not try to use in your tractor.
I would just suck out what I could, mix a couple gallons of fresh fuel in there pump that out and call it good.
Make sure you have a good spin on fuel filter with a couple of spare filters just in case you plug a filter or two.

 

[Speakrdude]

Re: cleaning out the fuel tanks

I realize this post is kind of old, but, in the United States, just about every (large) county has a FREE hazordous chemical drop off station.

I buy and sell quite a few boats, jet sksi, and always end up with a 55 gallon drum of dirty, sour fuel. (not even good enough for my lawnmower) The county provides me a 55 gallon drum with a sealable lid and swaps me with an empty one when I show up.

It's the responsible thing to do.