Question on removing water from inboard tank

[scdiver]

I recently purchased a boat from a marina (a long story in itself ) and after some extensive work correcting what the previous owner(s) had screwed up, I was ready to fire her up (88HP Evinrude with an inboard tank). The motor coughed and sputtered but would not run more than a few seconds before stalling out.

I called the marina and they said it ran fine but they used a test tank rather than the inboard tank.

OK, so there was likely bad gas and / or water in the tank. I removed the sending unit and pumped the gas out . . . . and yes, there was water in the gas. I got as much out as possible but there is still some that I can not pump out.

My question is what do you suggest to be able to put fresh oil / gas in the tank? Will adding StaBil take care of water that is left (water droplets are visible on the bottom of the tank)?

I am not sure how long the boat sat not running (registration was expired for almost a year) . . . . . I am hoping a full carb rebuild will not be needed if the marina was not fibbing about it running on the test tank.

I have 99% of the fuel (and whatever else was in the tank) out and want to know how best to eliminate the remaining water when I add new fuel and oil.

Thanks in advance

Andy

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Question on removing water from inboard tank

It should be fine with some stable or sea foam added.

 

[scdiver]

Re: Question on removing water from inboard tank

Thanks . . . . . so just fill the tank with fresh gas . . . add the correct amount of oil and some Sea Foam as directed on the can . . . and try to get her restarted . . . .

I figure trailering the boat will mix it all up. Will the Sea Foam cleanup the water

Andy

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Question on removing water from inboard tank

Yes sea foam will mix with the water and once you have some fuel in it perge the fuel line to, That will make it easer starting. And the sea foam will help clean out any remaining crud in the system.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Question on removing water from inboard tank

Agree with the above posts. I'd also change whatever fuel filter/fuel-water separator you have hooked up now, then change it again once the fuel system is purged of water. Make that change an annual routine if you don't already.

My .02