Cleaning a fuel tank

[Chap260sig]

Hey guys so I had another thread about losing power in the rpm range. I've discovered after diagnosing that my fuel in the tank is bad or should I say the fuel has a ton of stuff in it. It kinda looks llike sand or like a brown sugar looking substance. Does anyone know if the fuel tank is removable or how I can clean it out?? The boat is a 1998 chaparral 260 signature with a 7.4 liter 454 and a bravo 3. Thank chris

 

[tpenfield]

Fuel tanks are not readily removable, but it can be done with some deconstruction of the boat. Your better bet may be clean out the tank by removing the fuel gauge sender and pumping out the sediment.

You will want to make sure the fuel tank is not corroding, else you are best to replace the tank.

 

[Chap260sig]

Thank you that's kinda what I thought by looking at it quickly. How could I tell if the tank is corroding if I can't really see it or see in it?? I'm just trying to get some answers before I go taking everything apart lol. Thanx

 

[Bt Doctur]

You can try removing the remaining fuel , fill with detergent and water to the very top . Any remaining gas will float on top and remove with towels or rags. Shop vac the remaining water out . Should you leave any gas or gas vapor in the tank the shop vac will ignite it and blow the shopvac out of the boat.
Can also use a manual hand pump "Mr Thirsty" type

 

[Bt Doctur]

 

[Chap260sig]

Ok I will see what I can do thank you.