Have a boat w/enclosed gas tank-gas more than 4 yrs old-need suggestion on how to remove the gas?

Question

Have a boat w/enclosed gas tank-gas more than 4 yrs old-need suggestion on how to remove the gas?

Answer 1

Without a drain, the auto type siphons or pumps are the way to go.  

BTW, Just cuz its 4 yrs old, doesn't mean it won't burn.  Don't smoke, and have a fire extinguisher ready nearby (preferably with a friend).

Answer 2

Siphon

Answer 3

They make hand pumps that will do it. Just drop a hose, from the inlet of the pump, into the tank and run the outlet to a storage tank then hand crank the pump. If you don't have a whole lot some parts stores sell a small "squeeze Bulb" pump with tubing that will work.

Answer 4

Here's an idea.  disconnect the fuel line, and direct it to a plastic gas tank and use the fuel pump to pump out the fuel.  BUT Lay down a coating of Absorbant.

Answer 5

if it dont have a drain plug on the bottom then go to autozone and get a hand pump to siphon it out.

Answer 6

A vacuum pump...........

Answer 7

garden hose, a gas can, and suction. also nice to have some cover, or do it at night ;)

Answer 8

Don't know of many fuel tanks that will have a drain plug on the bottom and even if it did how in the heck would you get to it?

Tank size: you don't mention how many gallons she holds or how much is in it but if enclosed it's probably more than you want to try to remove. What are you going to remove it to? Have anything big enough to hold the fuel? Then what are you going to do with it?

Pump: definitely go with a hand pump and nothing electrical if you elect to actually remove the fuel

BUT you may want to consider the following:

Start by removing the fuel/water separator. Poor the contents into a glass jar and let it set for about 1/2 hour. You'll be able to see if there is water as the water will separate from the fuel.

Next...add the appropriate amount of "dry gas" to the tank for the amount of fuel in the tank. Follow this step with adding an octane boost following the manufacturers directions. Try starting the engines and let them run if they fire. If so, head to a fueling station and top off the tank with fresh fuel so that it mixes with the old and you should be good to go.

Remember...if you do drain the tank dry what are you going to do with any sediment that may be there? This could present a bigger problem for you and the boat.

Good luck.