Fuel tank inspection help...

[jstaz]

I purchased a boat recently from a guy that told me instead of using the inboard fuel tank that he used 6 gal. portables.

He stated he did this because he didnt take the boat out enough to use all the fuel in the inboard tank and the fuel would go bad. He bought the boat from an ex-navy man. But the guy I got it from was not sure if the navy man used the tank or not. My guess is he did at some point.

That worries me that there could be corrosion of just particals in the tank to mess up my fuel system.

My question is this. How can I check to see if there is any corrosion in the fuel tank before I fill it and use it. I plan on using it all up before it goes bad. But I do not want to introduce crap into my motor obviously. I don't know the last time the inboard fuekl system was used. What other checks should I do before using it?

I am new at this and look forward to y'alls help.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fuel tank inspection help...

Two words....

FUEL FILTER


Try just a small amount of gas at first so, if it is a bad tank you will not be pumping it out forever.

I would absolutely use a fuel filter.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Fuel tank inspection help...

My 2nd on the fuel filter. Walmart sells a fuel/water separater for $27, easy to install, can save you a lot of fuel related problems. Of course, it will be a great idea to remove all the old contaminated fuel and clean your tank as much as possible prior to use, but I understand that's not always easy with built in tanks. Good luck and let us know how you come out on this!

 

[jstaz]

Re: Fuel tank inspection help...

This may sound crazy but how can I clean the tank? Just by adding sea foam to the fuel or is there other methods?

I will definatly change the filter and start with a little amount of gas. Thank you for your pointers and help.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fuel tank inspection help...

Call me frugal (pronounced cheap ) but I would use a clear cheap see through filter before I invest $27 on a filter for a tank that may not be worth it.

If you can get to the tank outlet (safely) ....... you could do a slight flush with kerosene before I used the tank. Run about a gallon through the tank and lines. I would put a gallon in there and let it slosh around for a week or so then drain it.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Fuel tank inspection help...

For sure the built-in tanks can be problematic regarding inspection and/or cleaning. Maybe start by pumping/draining all(as much as possible) old fuel from the tank, inspect old fuel to determine how much contamination. It may possibly require cutting into deck to remove/clean/replace the old tank, but you just need to try and establish what's in it now. A gallon of Berryman's B-12 would be a good cleaner solvent(Autozone). Good Luck!

 

[109jb]

Re: Fuel tank inspection help...

Call me frugal (pronounced cheap ) but I would use a clear cheap see through filter before I invest $27 on a filter for a tank that may not be worth it.

If you can get to the tank outlet (safely) ....... you could do a slight flush with kerosene before I used the tank. Run about a gallon through the tank and lines. I would put a gallon in there and let it slosh around for a week or so then drain it.

I agree and disagree. If all you want to do is see if the tank is spewing garbage toward the engine then I agree, just get a cheap inline see-through filter. However, the Wal-mart filter is actually a spin-on water separating filter that would be a good addition to the boat even with a brand new tank. Personally, I would put the spin on water separating filter on it at some point, but the see-through will tell you quickly if the tank is contaminated and is probably a good first step.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Fuel tank inspection help...

but I would use a clear cheap see through filter before I invest $27 on a filter for a tank that may not be worth it.

The only problem with that Bob is it's not USCG compliant... and you know all the risks involved with that!

Any boat should have a FW sep filter. I've installed them for customers with 9.9's, every customer i've done a carb job for never balks at adding a filter kit.

As far as cleaning the tank. If you can't get it out of the boat. The best you can do is find the fuel tank sender an pull it out. That will give you a 2 inch hole you can dangle a flashlight and inspection mirror in to look around. It isn't much, but it's better than nothing.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Fuel tank inspection help...

Is it a metal tank? I've heard that fiberglass tanks are damaged by the 10% and 15% fuels.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Fuel tank inspection help...

The only problem with that Bob is it's not USCG compliant... and you know all the risks involved with that!

Huh, and all this time I have been using them because they are approved for Marine use! It is a filter not a fuel water separator.......... it is better to test with cheaper first.

Yes, I have also heard about ethanol doing fuel tank harm to older fiberglass tanks but chances are you tank is not fiberglass based on the age of the boat