fuel tank? long expl....

[fmf]

1985 Bayliner 19.5/125 Force Outboard<br />I have a strong suspicion that my fuel tank has "stuff" in it that is clogging my lines and filter. I had intermittent RPM change that people on this site helped with, I have narrowed down the problem to (I believe) old clogged fuel lines and "stuff" in the tank. I plan on replacing all the fuel lines, including the main fill line to the tank, and installing an inline water seperator filter with the new lines. My question is since I am unwilling to even attempt to take out the tank, is there a way to clean it out once I take off the lines? I did a search and couldn't find anything that didn't involve tank removal. Thanks in advance.

 

[steelespike]

Re: fuel tank? long expl....

When you remove the old fill line try to get a look into the tank.You could use a flashlight and dental mirror.Be very careful of sparks even with your flashlight as gas fumes are trecherous.Fumes can collect in the bilge.You can try to syphon by putting the syphon into the open fill connection.<br /> You will need to get the open end of the hose below the tank even if you have to put it outside the boat.<br /> Once you get it flowing it will continue as long as it is below the tank.If you need to rinse the tank I would use something a little less volitile like kerosene.If a little is left it won't foul up the system.If there is any gunk <br />try to get it to collect in a low spot so you can syphon it out.

 

[fmf]

Re: fuel tank? long expl....

Sounds like a good plan. When I replace the lines I'll park the rig on an incline so I should be able to get everything to one side of the tank.<br />Thanks for the help.

 

[ole glory]

Re: fuel tank? long expl....

fmf, I just replaced the entire floor and stringers in a friends boat. He had been under the impression that there was stuff in the tank causing the boat not to run 100%. While I had the floor out I drained the tank, rinsed it with a gallon of new, patched any inprefections and replaced. The floor has been completed and it did make a difference. If you plan on replacing your floor soon, just complete it then. Not to sure about a 1985 Bayliner, but his was a 1988 and boy was the floor in bad shape. Good luck.<br /><br />Ray

 

[ljshein]

Re: fuel tank? long expl....

fmf,<br /><br />Same problem with my 84. I'm running on an external 6 gallon tank. I removed the sending unit and was able to siphon all the bad stuff out of the tank. The tank worked great for a few weeks and then I got some water in the boat and fouled the tank again so I went back to the external tank. When I do the floor this winter, I'll pull the tank and either repair or replace it.<br /><br />Good luck!<br />Jeff