Gas Draining

[harrydnyc]

Got a quick question. I have a Mercruiser 230 on a Sea Way Weekender 230 (1987). I am a complete novice at this. The boat has been sitting for 2 years and change. I was told that the gas that is in the tank needs to be drained. The mechanic I spoke to told me this would cost me about $350. I am curious, is this something I can do myself. Is there something special he is doing besides draining the gas? I was told that gas an turn into varnish after a while. Any pointers.. Thanks....

 

[MooseHootie]

Re: Gas Draining

Any where the gas set like the carburetor the filter can varnished up. The only real good way is to drain everything and clean it. Install new gaskets and refill.

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: Gas Draining

Harry, If you have access to the tank you may be able to pump out the old gas using a hand pump or an electric fuel pump. There is usually a rubber hose connection from tank to motor you could hook up an elec. fuel pump there and pump the gas into an approved container being careful of course not to blow yourself up.You could then use small amounts of the gas when fueling up with fresh fuel to get rid of it.You also might access the fuel through the sending unit hole.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Gas Draining

Harry, You can siphon the old fuel out through the gas tank's Sender's guage fitting. Use at least a 3/8" tube or it will take forever. I have one of those "shake to start" siphon hose. I can drain a 30 gal tank in 20 minutes.<br /><br />You will want to install new fuel filters. There is likely one on the manual fuel pump, and one on the carb where the fuel line attaches. After you put in fresh gas, try the motor. Maybe it is not too gummed up and you will not need to clean the carb.

 

[Skipster1]

Re: Gas Draining

Draining a fuel tank is usually an easy chore and should NOT cost hundreds of dollars. Find another mechanic.<br />You can buy pumps from NAPA that will speed up the draining process. Just use common sense and be safe.<br />Check the fuel you've drained to see if there is any foreign junk in it. If it is bad, you might need a new tank.

 

[harrydnyc]

Re: Gas Draining

Do I need to clean the gas tank out after? What should I use to clean it? How would I clean the carb? Thanks guys. I am really new to this. I am sorry if my questions sound a little dumb.

 

[beezee28]

Re: Gas Draining

Do not forget the fuel hose. Check the fuel hose to see if it is also gummed up. Chances thay are not but you never know. good luck

 

[Skipster1]

Re: Gas Draining

There are very few dumb questions and you aren't even close to asking them - your asking good basic questions.<br /> .... I wouldn't try to clean the gas tank. See what the gas, that you drained, looks like and get back to us if it looks funny.<br />There are a few decent additives to clean a carb but I wouldn't use em unless you're sure it's needed.<br />After you drain the gas tank...and, hopefully, find little or no sediment or rust ....(if it were me, I'd also change the fuel filter now) ... try starting the engine. No high RPMs, just see if it is running okay. If not, get back to us.

 

[placebo]

Re: Gas Draining

Harry, I have been able to drain my tank almost completely by unhooking fuel line at the filter in the engine compartment and running it out the drain hole in the hull to a bucket. I had to raise the front of the boat a bit, but it worked. Just be sure to have a large enough container or baby-sit it while it is draining. And like the others said, check what comes out of the tank to get an idea of the condition of the tank.<br /><br />David