Boat sitting for 2 years

[redskeet100]

Guys,

Need some advice. I have a boat that has sat for over 2 years without being run. I took it in to get summarized and the boat shop told me I should drain the gas and they doubted the motors would run. The motors are in great shape and I am sure they will run, but am wondering what everyone thinks about the gas. How would you guys go about removing the gas? The tanks are in the hull, so it is not like I can have them removed and drained. There is probably 15-20 gallons of gas in there, so I am guessing there is a service that will remove the gas and dispose of it properly? I live in the Dallas area, so if anyone knows who can do it or where I can take it I would appreciate it.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

take the quick-disconnect fitting off the engine end of the fuel line and use the primer bulb to start your siphon. the gas will just run out.

unless there's water or other visible contaminants in it, burn it in your vehicles. they have systems to deal with fuel quality issues.

wait a minute...just noticed you said Dallas...didn't I just answer this question on the fishing forum............

 

[Lrider]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

Have the same issue with about thirty gallons, just bulb pumping into 8 dollar Wal-Mart 5 gal cans, will give them to hazmat when they come around, they will keep the cans but cheaper then doing it other ways

 

[Stachi]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

briing the used fuel to your local auto repair shop...at my shop , we happily accept it into our waste oil tank ,... we get paid for the stuff...or , if it doesn't stink too bad , we run it in our 1968 John Deere 140....lol

 

[Liberated]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

Most auto parts stores take used oil 5 gallons at a time. I have mixed old gas 50/50 with old oil and taken that in. It takes a couple of trips, but its free!

 

[tnduc]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

My boat sat without running for over 6 years when I got it. Drained the fuel tank, had the carbs rebuilt, new spark plug, new impeller, changed all the fluids and has run great since.

 

[redskeet100]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

tnduc, did you have all that work done, or do it yourself? I am having trouble finding a place that will actually work on Johnson\Evinrude motors. Not sure what the big deal is, but nobody wants to touch them. Just curious how someone without much knowledge of outbaords would tackle something like that.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

"Just curious how someone without much knowledge of outbaords would tackle something like that"

what they usually do is, order a factory service manual and join iboats.com; after that, they don't need to find a shop to work on their motors. You're halfway there already.

there's a repair guy goes by the name "spanky's" on the texasfishingforum, makes housecalls. I haven't met him myself but he's got good reviews on the board, and no complaints that I've seen.

 

[md-lucky]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

I'd 100% drain it.

Lets be realistic.. 20 gallons of fuel at our prices around here is around $60.

I'd rather take a $100 bill out of my pocket and light it on fire than try to save $60 by running old gas through anything I value.

I had a similar story with my old boat. Was plum full of fuel when the steering on it froze and it was parked for the next 4 years. I got as much out as I could by syphoning, and I've replaced the fuel filter every other trip out for the first 8 trips or so.

 

[tnduc]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

tnduc, did you have all that work done, or do it yourself? I am having trouble finding a place that will actually work on Johnson\Evinrude motors. Not sure what the big deal is, but nobody wants to touch them. Just curious how someone without much knowledge of outbaords would tackle something like that.

I took it to an Evinrude dealer. They turned it around pretty fast, seemed like it was no big deal to get it going.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

2 years isn't that long. If it still smells good, I'd burn it in my truck/lawn mower. Then again, if you aren't sure, take it to a service station and get rid of it. The last motorcycle I restored sat for 13 years. Drained/rehabed the fuel tank, pulled the carbs and gave them a thorough cleaning, put new gas in, started on 3rd kick. Only sitting two years - I'd replace the gas, add some seafoam (carb cleaner that you can buy from auto stores), and run it.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

About two years ago I did a search on the internet about disposal of old gasoline. Most of the articles I read recommended mixing about 1/3 old gas with 2/3 fresh gas. I mixed it at about 1/4 to 3/4 and burned it in my old Suburban with no problems. (No way I was going to put that stuff back in my precious boat!) 2 year old gas probably shouldn't be that much of a problem if you mix it with plenty of fresh gas.

 

[GXL205 Deke]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

I am with JTexas!

 

[redskeet100]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

Thanks for the replys. I have it at a boat place now and they are going to give me a best effort even thought they do not work on Johnsons\Evinrude engines anymore. So I have to wait for them before I can get it back and take the next steps.

I will definitely drain the gas, it appears from the replys that it is a lot easier than it first sounded. I will also look into the seafoam and figure out how to use it. I have been researching how to rebuild the carbs, not sure if I can pull that off or not. Maybe the boat place will be able to get it usable and I will have little to do.

 

[redskeet100]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

Well, got the boat back. They had drained the gas for me, which turned out great. I put new gas in, added a Johnsons motor addative to clean the carbs. Took it out on the lake and it ran like it was brand new. Idled around a lot and opened it up for a while. Then took it out the next day and fished with it for half the day, running around the lake and idling. Looks like all the Winterize\Summarizing that was done kept the motors in great shape. No issues with impellers either. Thanks for the input from everyone.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

Great that it worked out so well for you. Congrats!

 

[Andy'sDelight]

Re: Boat sitting for 2 years

Well, got the boat back. They had drained the gas for me, which turned out great. I put new gas in, added a Johnsons motor addative to clean the carbs. Took it out on the lake and it ran like it was brand new. Idled around a lot and opened it up for a while. Then took it out the next day and fished with it for half the day, running around the lake and idling. Looks like all the Winterize\Summarizing that was done kept the motors in great shape. No issues with impellers either. Thanks for the input from everyone.

I suggest you play the lottery!