Need a gasoline transfer pump

[dmp240da]

Due to the extreme drought we are having here in the South it looks like our boat is going to spend the summer on the lift in the boathouse.

Now the problem is I need to pump out 75 gal. of gas that is only stabilized thru October and start all over.

Due to the layout of our boathouse I cannot siphon the gas but need to pump it a total vertical lift of around 5 feet into our gas caddy for transfer to other vehicles.

I was thinking of buying a Fill-Rite rotary pump and adding about 7' of hose to the suction line and was wondering if anyone has had experience with this.

Your ideas would be appreciated!!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Need a gasoline transfer pump

I have used the rotary pumps on 55 gallon drums of diesel or gasoline on the farm. Problem with a hand cranked pump is that you will be exhausted long before you get your 75 gallons removed......but it will work. (Enter friends and a case of beer.....Ha)

I have used the rotary and piston (handle moves back and forth) and one is as bad as the other. I guess the piston would get the go as there is less lower back stress/pain.

Tractor Supply (www) is a national chain (of retail stores) that carries all three types. The elec is about $260, piston $90, and the rotary $50. Other places sell them also. I guess if you could pull the friends/beer thing off, you could buy the rotary and the beer would essentially be free when considering the cost of the others.

Maybe you can rent a battery powered unit or bite the bullet and buy one. Might find another use for it or sell it when finished.

Mark

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Need a gasoline transfer pump

Funny about the weather. For the last two years we have had a severe drought in Texas (at least N. Texas). This year is exactly opposite. Rain has been over norm, especially in April and May where we just finished receiving over 20" in May alone. Farmer's Almanac hit it right on. Now let's see if they get the rest of the summer right (somewhat dry) so that I can bale some hay that went wild with all this water.

So yesterday I am reading Fox News and learn that Lake Okeechobee (Florida) is drying up due to drought, and that it is the backup water supply for the entire Florida (maybe southern) east coast. You must be in that area. Isn't weather amazing.

Mark

 

[DaveM]

Re: Need a gasoline transfer pump

I am by nature a lazy person and hand cranking 75 gallons of fuel sounds like a real drag to me. Given that task I think I would buy a generic electric fuel pump and several feet of gas hose from the local auto store. Place your new fuel pump as far away from the battery as possible and pump away. Take the standard precautions when dealing with gasoline.

 

[dmp240da]

Re: Need a gasoline transfer pump

Thanks for all of your input!

I'm going to look at a battery powered pump today (need to see if it has adequate lift) for doing the job.

I agree need to keep electrical connections far away from pump and transfer tank.

As far as the drought we have a lake house on Lake Martin, AL and this is the worst drought they've had since 1986! Started during the winter when we had very little rain during the "rainy" season. FYI we have had 0.19" for the entire month of May (normal is around 4.8")--crazy!!

Thanks again.

 

[QC]

Re: Need a gasoline transfer pump

The good news is that as soon as you get all of that gasoline pumped outta there you'll get a big enough storm to float your boat and end the drought. Good thinkin'!!!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Need a gasoline transfer pump

My farm pump is 12v electric and I stick it on top of 55 gallon drums of fuel. It has no problem sucking up all the fuel till the opening is exposed....about 2" off the bottom. I bought it from Tractor Supply, p/n 39-58105....under $200.

Main thing is to adequately size the suction line so that the pump sucks fuel, not air (if it can't suck fast enough) and cavitates. You are going to want the largest hose you can get thru the opening to the tank and remember you are sucking so get one that won't collapse. I think mine is about 1 1/2" dia.

Mark