Fuel stabilizer lid in gas tank...

[crackerjack]

I took advantage of Sunday's unseasonably warm weather here in north Texas and headed to the lake for what will probably be the last outing of the season.

I gassed up before heading out, and decided to add some fuel stabilizer to the full 20 gallon tank.

I unscrewed the plastic lid from the stabilizer bottle and went to dump it in. But just as I did so, I noticed that the little cardboard cap that should be attached inside the plastic lid had been stuck to the top of the bottle.
That's right, as I poured the stabilizer in, the cardboard cap went in with it.

How bad is this? Do I need to fish this cardboard thing out? I ran all afternoon with no problems.

The boats an i/o with a built in tank that could probably be removed in an afternoon, I just don't know what I'd do with the 15 gallons of gas that are in it. I think there are two fuel filters, one in the carburetor and another where it leaves the tank. Does this sound right?

What would you do?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fuel stabilizer lid in gas tank...

i may block the pick up tube one day, or it may never give you a problem.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Fuel stabilizer lid in gas tank...

I think that cardboard insert will gradually deteriorate into a soggy mess that will clog you up sometime. While it's still whole (and possibly still floating) try to get it out. You should have some way to access the top of the tank where the fuel level sending unit goes into the tank. Remove that if you can and have a look inside. If the gods are with you a) the port will be big enough to actually see into, b) the top will be floating within reach of some long implement you might grab it with.

Capt. Murphy usually ensures no living being ever gets this lucky, but you may be the first.

Whatever you do, be careful with metal tools and sources of ignition around that open tank. I honestly don't know even how safe a flashlight would be under those circumstances. Maybe get yourself one of those glow sticks or something instead?

 

[180shabah]

Re: Fuel stabilizer lid in gas tank...

Whatever you do, be careful with metal tools and sources of ignition around that open tank. I honestly don't know even how safe a flashlight would be under those circumstances. Maybe get yourself one of those glow sticks or something instead?

Absolutely get a glow stick or two - the flashlight is an ignition source.

 

[Windykid]

Re: Fuel stabilizer lid in gas tank...

You can buy an explosion proof flash light (military type). But I go with TD on this.

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Fuel stabilizer lid in gas tank...

Run the fuel low if you're going to remove the tank to retrieve it.

But, the other option is like TD said. It may never cause a problem, but remember it's there if you develop any fuel supply problems in the future as a first possible suspect.