3 year old gas in tank

madmans

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Messages
43
I just bought a 22 foot 1983 Starcraft Ilander, Tried today to siphon the gas from the Tank with various hoses ...didnt work so I took of the gas line at the engine. How do i best drain out the gas? Anyideas guys? Thanx Mike
 

fmalott

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
561
Re: 3 year old gas in tank

well you can use one of those primer balls like you would use on a outboard???
 

Bob's Garage

Chief Petty Officer
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Apr 10, 2008
Messages
590
Re: 3 year old gas in tank

I just bought a 22 foot 1983 Starcraft Ilander, Tried today to siphon the gas from the Tank with various hoses ...didnt work so I took of the gas line at the engine. How do i best drain out the gas? Anyideas guys? Thanx Mike

Not familiar with the boat but that wont stop a suggestion. I am assuming this is an I/O.

Option #1. If you can run a tube thru the bilge drain and connect it to the fuel line coming from the tank, with a valve on the line to stop the flow, then you could drain it into a container from the outside comfort of your driveway.

Of course this process is dependent on your boat being on a trailer. If not the process becomes more challenging.

Option #2. With the hose removed install a shut off valve on the end, raise the tongue of the trailer as high as it will go, using an appropriately sized container for the available space, and start draining into it.

Option #3. If the boat is in the water, call a fuel disposal company.

On the plus side, after 3 years the fuel is probably not as volatile as it was when fresh. Remember to keep the air fresh, and moving, in a confined space so as not to succumb to the fumes, but don't have any electrical equipment or open flames in the area.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
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50,425
Re: 3 year old gas in tank

there may be an access panel above your tank sending unit. If there is, pull the sending unit and drain from that hole. it also gives you the ability to see the other gunk in the tank and take appropriate actions.
 

series60

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 4, 2010
Messages
420
Re: 3 year old gas in tank

Connect a 12 volt inline fuel pump just before the engine fuel pump with a hose leading to a gas can.
 

madmans

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Messages
43
Re: 3 year old gas in tank

Well hooked up pumps sucked on end of fuel line also put air pressure into tank filler nothing comes out (xcept some spiders blown out of the fuel vent ) at least I know thats clear... Now difficulty putting gas in the boat since filler cap is lower then the hose after it,,what a stupid design? Oh Well was gonna start it up today but have to wait for a taller friend to come over since the oompa loompa wifes only 5 feet tall and too shor tto hold the funnel with hose attached ha ha ha Hope it fires up went to NGK plugs also since i always hated champions Later Mike (new boat owner)
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: 3 year old gas in tank

Do a search on polishing fuel. That will get the crud out of the fuel so you won't have to drain the tank. Whatever you do don't run the engine untill you have good fuel. Years back I had a carb rebuilt and not realizing I had bad fuel fired it up resulting in the need for a second rebuild - after I had the fuel polished.
 
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