Old Fuel removal

[ralpht44]

I am in the process of attempting to remove the old fuel from my 19-6 family fish. I tried putting a primer ball on the fuel line where it hits the filter and no luck. Gas is two years old with roughly 40 gallons so it is shot and that is a guess since I bought it last year and don't really know the history. Last year I just used a few 12 gallon portable tanks. Any idea on how to siphon this out? I can dispose of the old gas at work for no charge and I was able to find a 55 gallon drum to put the old gas in. I found paperwork that the tank was replaced in 2002 so it should be in good shape. Thoughts on getting the gas out?

[damnitbadger]

If it's on the trailer put the siphon tank on the ground, run the hose well below the main tank and you should be good to go with a primer bulb to start the siphon. Bypass the filter if possible.

[John Jones]

This could be construed as un-safe so proceed at your own risk.


I bought a "universal electric fuel pump" from an auto parts store for about $35.  Wire it up with LONG wires and battery clips and keep any chance of electrical spark well away from gasoline fumes.  Don't use the battery in the boat!  Use appropriate hoses to connect the pump to your fuel line and pump into whatever container you intend to use.  It only pumps a couple of gallons per minute but it's faster than siphoning and it's a lot better than having gasoline breath.  You can also draw it through the filter if you intend to try to use it in something.  I rigged this for an easy way to get fuel from the boats to the generator the next time a hurricane knocks out power for days or weeks.  

[JimCt]

I'll second JJ's warning about his procedure.  Keep all potential spark risk well away from the boat and preferably upwind.  If the boat's stored inside, move it outside before pumping.  Enclosed space + fuel + air + spark = BOOM!

[John Jones]

Many years ago a guy I worked with was rebuilding his lawnmower engine in the basement using gasoline as a solvent.  When the fumes made their way to the gas hot water tank...  Well, you know the rest.  R.I.P.

[JimCt]

Some mistakes you only get to make once.

[Tailgunner]

There is a fuel transfer pump that can be had for under $20 at AutoZone. It looks like a manual bilge pump. Works great. A little time consuming but it works well.