gas tank cleaning

daveski1964

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 20, 2014
Messages
39
tried everything I could to try to get all gas out of tank,,still 1/2 gallon or so ,bad gas I can't get out. going to get carbs rebuilt want all bad gas out of system..??????????
 

gregmsr

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 20, 2006
Messages
391
Re: gas tank cleaning

I assume your tank is concealed under the floor?
Jack up the bow, get all you can from the fill tube. Then, like me, be satisfied you got what you could (short of removing the guage for access or remove the entire tank.)
I'm sure others will chime in with their fuel tank cleaning results.....
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,605
Re: gas tank cleaning

tried everything I could to try to get all gas out of tank,,still 1/2 gallon or so ,bad gas I can't get out. going to get carbs rebuilt want all bad gas out of system..??????????

Not knowing the type of gas tank or your ability or access, it is hard to make reasonable suggestions. If your tank is permanently installed and therefore not easy to access, then the only option I see is to remove the gas gauge sending unit or maybe the filler fuel hose if that is easier, to gain access to the remaining gas. Then either use a siphon pump. OR the old rag and wring out method... Use extreme care using the rag method because any little spark can be very dangerous indeed. That is just my 1 1/2 cents worth... :D
 

daveski1964

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 20, 2014
Messages
39
Re: gas tank cleaning

tried all but rag trick ,I will tape rag to rubber hose and give a try:)
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,075
Re: gas tank cleaning

Taking the sending unit out of an older boat can be a MESS.
Lot's of times the screws strip and it ends up a bigger job.
Don't use a vacuum.Even an air suction for the compressior.BOOM!!!
No power tools.BOOM!!!
If you can't get the last bit out? Fill it with premium for the first tankfull or two.
Install a water sep filter and a small particle filter "before" the pump.
Boat stove alcohol will absorb water in the tank.

Worked for a large company in Md. One location someone brought a boat in to replace the tank.
The mechanic ripped up the carpet and started using an electric saw to cut up the floor.BOOM!!!
The saw ignited the gas fumes in the bildge.
Burns over 65/70% of his body.
 

Big Fish Billy

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 31, 2009
Messages
301
Re: gas tank cleaning

Painters blow things up too....always sink gassy and thinner rags in a pot of water before disposing...a lady had a nice 20' x 20' glassed in addition built on the back of her house. The floor sanders finished sanding her nice new oak floors. Her grandfather had given her an old fashioned Coke machine which she was displaying on a nice little brick landing in the addition. The painters showed up and put the first coat of lacquer based sealer on the newly sanded floor....luckily he smoked....he went out to his car for a little smoke break...the Coke machine kicked on....and blew the addition off the house...."vapors....very dangerous."
 

Jiggz

Captain
Joined
Oct 23, 2009
Messages
3,909
Re: gas tank cleaning

Jerry, I've seen first hand a big kaboom on gas fumes on a 30' aluminum boat and the only cause was the two boaters tried jumpering their batteries without first activating the vent fan. It destroyed the entire boat! The center console was uprooted and fell over the sides! Most of the flooring was lifted off their stringers too.
 

daveski1964

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 20, 2014
Messages
39
Re: gas tank cleaning

I know about boom,have 3rd degree burns on chest from a boom..be carefull all
 
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