Fuel Fun

[rbecker08]

So there was this hurricane and my boat was outside and worried some water got in the tank. I have a 60 gallon tank that is about half full and tried to snake a standard siphon down there....it didn't work I don't think it would go around the 90. How does one usually do this, I pictured the tank access, does one of those fittings usually come off, or what is the standard way to get gas out. Thanks Rich

[rbecker08]

Well it won't let me post pictures on this forum but there is a 1/2 inch and cap screwed into a 90 coming out of the tank and there is a 3 inches circle thing held in by screws that has wires(assuming the gauge data out)

[Kenfyoozed]

Yes the "circle thing with screws " should be your fuel gauge. The other 90 coming off the tank with a the 1/2" plug should be another access point. You could try opening that and using a jump. Or you could pump it all out with the primer bulb.

[rbecker08]

Yes the "circle thing with screws " should be your fuel gauge. The other 90 coming off the tank with a the 1/2" plug should be another access point. You could try opening that and using a jump. Or you could pump it all out with the primer bulb.

Does the gauge have nuts on the backside and if so how do I stop from losing them

[rbecker08]

So for anyone facing this fun the gauge is the way to go.....easy and wide access. No nuts and they are really not screwed down all that hard

[Kenfyoozed]

Make sure you seal it back up properly or you will be doing it again soon

[cape man]

Temporarily extend the fuel line going to the motor so you can use it as a siphon. If you have water in the fuel you'll see it in the first bit you take out as it will settle to the bottom of the tank.

[fallguy1000]

Well, it is easy to drain the fuel. Take the hose off the engine. Remove the fitting. Extend the line with a coupling and some fuel line or clear line. Line up the buckets.

Prime and keep the hose low.

It is a bit dangerous to have all that much fuel in five gallon buckets as the vapors coming off the top are super flammable. A cigarette can explode them. Worse if no wind and hot.

Water settles to the bottom of the tank, but usually the pickup tube is up off the bottom a bit.

So, you could run out say 10 gallons and have a real good idea about the amount of water you pulled out.

The bad news is water will remain, but you can also install a largerish fuel and water separator in line. Some water gets into my lawn mowers now and then. It usually will burn through it. Coughs and sputters some.

[rbecker08]

So I have never claimed to be a smart man.....I figured out how to siphon the gas and was well on my way to getting this tank ready to go for today but a new problem. I either got wrapped around something or a crazy strong vacuum pull but the brass fitting at the end of my siphon hose came off in the tank....

Taking it to the marina tomorrow but how big of a problem is this......I have nightmares about having to cut out and replace the tank. Its brass with a captured ball bearing, 5/8ish wide and about 1 one long

[Fuzz]

So you have a lose fitting in the tank from the siphon hose If so I am not sure what harm it will cause.