Pump Recommendation for Draining Fuel Tank

[daniel123]

What type of pump/method do you recommend for draining gas out of fuel tanks for the off-season? (And please refrain from the "what's an off season?" cracks from you guys south of the Mason-Dixon...!) 

[Blue Agave]

I have never personally used this but I'd bet it should do the job fine.

http://m.harborfreight.com/fluid-siphon-pump-60598.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided

[daniel123]

Thanks for the input, BA. That might work if I am left with a few gallons, but I fear it would take a while and cost some fist cramping to drain more than 10 gallons or so. Speaking of fist cramps, it is better than the shaker-type drain hose I tested in the presence of my 16 year son -- who started laughing so hard he had Mtn Dew come out his nose...

[Blue Agave]

If the recepticale is lower than the boat fuel tank after a few pumps gravity will take over and you will not have to pump anymore. It's a "Siphon" pump.

[Capt. Bob]

That's basically what I use.
I have dual pickups on my tank. One goes to the motor (duh) and the other is used for tank drainage. It has a length of permanently attached fuel line with a primer bulb. The bulb is reversed and the fuel line end plugged (belt with suspenders). I reverse the primer bulb, place the unplugged end in a 30 gal. plastic drum and begin squeezing. Flow begins very quickly and I then go and drink a beer (maybe 2 or more but I digress). Works very well so....

I'm thinking this is a good tool for a portable devise.

Good luck.

[daniel123]

That sounds like a good system. But how do you add another outlet on a common on-board tank that is fitted with just the one to the engine?

[Capt. Bob]

Can't help you there.
I added it when I had the new tank made expressly for that purpose.

Point was that siphoning works. You just can't be in a rush. Since you seemed like you were looking for a method or device, I assumed you had the hard part (access) solved. Just thinking out loud, you could disconnect your existing fuel line, say maybe at the filter/water separator and add a piece of clear, disposable tubing (so you can monitor the flow) long enough to reach your holding container.

For the record, I always assumed "off season" was some sort of spice but then I never was much of a cook.

[daniel123]

That may just work, Bob. As more people are learning about the problems posed by 'old' (a relative term, but reality with ethanol) gas, I think there might be interest in a magazine article on DIY methods for draining tanks. Are you aware of any products out there targeted to the task? I am not. 

Just using the term 'off season' sticks in my craw after five years of endless summer in the Keys...and I appreciated your spicy remark!

Dan

[kevinhussey]

I bought something on the Amazon called 'Gastapper'.  Got the job done; relatively easy to use-didn't really need the kit though. You could buy the necessary parts individually cheaper.