Removing gas?

[pafisher1234]

I just purchased a 21' 77 mako and it hasnt been registered since 97 so as far as I can tell thats the last time its been filled. It has a quarter tank of gas. I want to remove the gas because I feel like it is no good or has debris in it. So my question is how would i remove it? Shopvac? some kind of 12v pump?

 

[dodgeramsst2003]

Re: Removing gas?

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, don't use a shop vac or anything else that isn't designed for fuel. My personal suggestion is to use a syphon tube and pull it out that way. Be careful with anything that can cause sparks as that could be the end of you. If you decide you have to use electric, get a pump designed for fuel, with a sparkless motor and have at it.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Removing gas?

Shop vac that would probably be your first attempt and last all in a few seconds..... the gas would go away but I doubt you will be in any shape to watch the pretty flames. Do not use a shop vac!!

Set up a siphon and possible a hand crank pump available at most hardware stores....... or go to an auto parts store and get a cheap inline electric 12 V pump designed for fuel.

 

[pafisher1234]

Re: Removing gas?

hahha yeah was not planning on it.

 

[gss036]

Re: Removing gas?

You didn't say how big your tank is, 25-125 gallons??? Do you have access to the tank fuel sender hole, if so, you can remove the sender and insert a siphon hose. You would need to load the boat a little crocked on the trailer ( if on one) and raise the bow, that the fuel would accumulate in the corner. Chances are the pick tube is about 1/4-12 inch off the bottom of the tank so the siphon hose would do a better job.

 

[David Greer]

Re: Removing gas?

disconnect the fuel line at the motor and run from the tank through the bilge and out the drainplug hole. Cut off all power first. Use a bulb to pump and get a siphon pressure going.

 

[pafisher1234]

Re: Removing gas?

Sorry its an 86 gallon tank. I can get access through the gauge I believe. I like the drain through the drain hole with the hose.

 

[gss036]

Re: Removing gas?

Do you have scuppers you could run the hose through? 25-26 gallons is a lot of gas to drain, but that is what I drained out of mine a couple ago to be able to replace the tank. Just takes a little time. I used my 1/4" fuel line and let it run into 5 gal plastic containers. Takes about 20 minutes per container. You need need to be close by to monitor the fuel flow.

 

[David Greer]

Re: Removing gas?

Look up USA Fuel Services to see if they operate in your area.
When I drained mine, i was able to pump my priming bulb w/ my foot to speed it along. Might be worth splicing one in just for this operation.

 

[rs2k]

Re: Removing gas?

Get an $8 hand pump from autozone. Make sure you were some gloves because they leak a little. Between myself and my farmer friend, I've drained hundreds of gallons using the pump I have Just get about 10 feet of fuel line that fits the ID of the hand pump, connect the suction end to the suction line of the fuel tank and pump away. You can let it drain by itself once you get a syphon effect going, but I usually just help it along. 20 minutes to fill 5 gallons seems about right.