Inboard Fuel Tank Question?

[Engine344]

Hey all, just purchased a lightly used 1998 Bass Boat with a 15 Gallon inboard fuel tank. I was told by a rather honest seller that the fuel tank has not been used in 7 years. I did the old sniff test it smells like old fuel (bad) but I cannot confirm of there is standing fuel in it. I want to used this tank with my new outboard. Any suggestion on cleaning it out and prep it for use this summer? Thanks in advance!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Inboard Fuel Tank Question?

Any suggestion on cleaning it out and prep it for use this summer?

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,...

Find the tank, pull the gauge sender, pump out the Crap, Inspect it, 'n then decide whether to run it, or replace it....

 

[Engine344]

Re: Inboard Fuel Tank Question?

Wow...I belive there is bazillion rivits that would have to be removed to even entertain taking that fuel tank out! Guess there are not many options? Was wondering if there was a flush of somekind...I will pull the sender (easy) and check it out. Thank you for the reply.......psssst I am a bailout from another boat forum that became too political, and less about helping guys out with issues. I have always referenced Iboats forums but never became a member in fear my wife would throw my laptop out of the window! Shame to because with over 2500 post and a few years of boat restoration experience under my belt I really enjoyed helping new boaters out with issues and problems!

 

[tin]

Re: Inboard Fuel Tank Question?

Hi Engine I'm restoring a 1989 sylvan boat with hundreds of rivets my one arm looks like popeye's...Get that drill out and get a workin....

 

[legoman67]

Re: Inboard Fuel Tank Question?

besides opening it up, you could try to pump/syphin it out through the engine pickup.

take a sample of the gas into a clear container that wont get eaten(glass) and you should get a good idea of how the tank is, if the gas is just simply stale, get as much as you can out and whatever is left will be diluted with fresh gas.

If there is significant water or debris that comes out then you may have a problem...

If its an aluminium tank and is properly sealed up, and there are no traces of gas or oder in the bilge, then odds are you just need to put some fresh gas in and go..

 

[Engine344]

Re: Inboard Fuel Tank Question?

Awesome, last restoration was a 16 foot sylvan Jon boat....I feel your pain that boat has more rivits than my Fisher does! Have my interest peaked now, when the weather breaks I will by diving in....Thanks to all for your suggestions they are truly appreciated!