Regan Brown
Draining old gas from your boat's belly fuel tank is an important step in boat maintenance. It helps prolong the life of your tank, prevents residue build-up, and keeps the engine running smoothly. This process can be done relatively cheaply, depending on the type of fuel pump you use. For example, a manual fuel pump kit can be purchased at a local marina store, while an electric pump is a pricier but more efficient option. Before draining, it is recommended to reduce the fuel level by running your boat, and to ensure you are wearing safety gear and that your boat is in a dry, well-ventilated place.
Characteristics and Values Table for Draining Boat Belly Fuel Tank Easily
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Once a year, before the off-season |
| Tools | Fuel pump (manual, electric, or battery-operated), fuel hose, fuel container or gas can |
| Process | Remove boat from water, wear safety gear, ensure well-ventilated area, attach fuel hose to fuel tank and pump, use pump to siphon fuel, store drained fuel |
| Alternative | Using a boat fuel stabilizer to neutralize free radicals and prevent engine gum-up |
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$9.97
What You'll Learn
Using a manual pump
Draining old gas from your boat's belly fuel tank is an important step in boat maintenance, as it helps prolong the life of your tank and keeps the engine running smoothly. It is also important to drain the tank before the off-season to prevent residue build-up.
To drain your boat's fuel tank using a manual pump, first, ensure that you are wearing your safety gear and that your boat is in a dry, well-ventilated place. You will also need to remove the boat from the water. Depending on how much gas is still in the tank, you may want to run your boat to reduce the fuel level further. Less than 1/8 of a tank is a good range to have on the boat's fuel gauge before draining it. If necessary, go for a quick ride before draining your tank.
Next, you will need to submerge the suction pump in the gas tank. Attach the pump to the hose, and ensure you have enough slack to reach the bottom of the tank. Whatever type of receptacle you opt to use to store the old gas, it needs to be lower than the boat's fuel tank for the transfer process to work. It will also need to be within range of the hose.
If you are using a Seachoice fuel pump, you can follow these steps:
- Shut off the fuel line to the outboard and then run it dry, either in the water at the ramp or in the driveway using water muffs, until it stalls after burning all the fuel out of the carburetor.
- Make sure that the final tank of fuel is treated with stabilizer, so that any that runs through and/or remains in the system is treated.
- Disconnect the fuel hose leading from the tank at the primer bulb and place it on the pump’s inlet barb, securing the line with a hose clamp.
- Attach the separate ten-foot section of fuel line to the pump’s outflow barb with a hose clamp and stick the other end of that hose into your truck’s fuel filler port.
- Connect the pump to the fuel line leading to the boat’s fuel tank.
- Attach the alligator clips to the battery posts to power the pump and stand by as the fuel is sucked out of the boat’s fuel tank and transferred to your truck’s tank.
If you are not using a Seachoice pump, you can follow the general steps outlined above, but the specific steps may vary depending on the type of manual pump you are using.
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Using an electric pump
Firstly, purchase a suitable electric pump. The Seachoice Fuel Pump Dura-Lift Electronic 11 PSI 12v model is one option, which can be purchased for around $100. Other options include the Delphi FD0002-11B1 Electric Fuel Pump and the Gastapper, which is a 12v electric fuel pump in a box with some hoses.
Next, you will need to assemble the pump. This will involve attaching hoses to the inlet and outlet of the pump. The hoses should be around 3/8" in diameter and long enough to reach the bottom of the tank and a vehicle parked alongside. You will also need to attach wires to the pump so that it can be connected to a power source. This could involve attaching alligator clips to the end of the wires, which can then be connected to the boat's battery.
Once the pump is assembled, you can begin draining the fuel tank. Place a container to catch the fuel next to the boat, ensuring that it is lower than the boat's fuel tank. Then, submerge the suction pump in the fuel tank, ensuring that it reaches the bottom. Turn on the pump and allow it to drain the tank, which should take around 5 to 10 minutes depending on the size of the tank.
Finally, turn off the pump and remove the suction pump from the tank. Clean the pump thoroughly and allow it to dry before storing it in a cool, dry place.
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Siphoning with a hose
To begin, ensure you are wearing safety gear and that your boat is in a dry, well-ventilated place. You will also need to remove the boat from the water to properly drain the fuel tank.
There are different types of manual pumps available, which are typically sold as kits at your local marina store. Most kits come with a 3/8-inch fuel hose, but if yours does not, you will need to purchase one separately. If you are using a manual pump, submerge the suction pump in the gas tank, ensuring that the pump is attached to the hose and that you have enough hose to reach the bottom of the tank.
If you are not using a pump, you can insert a siphon hose into the main fuel fill point located on the side of the boat. Alternatively, you can remove the fuel line connector that connects the gas line to the motor and insert a siphon hose down the line.
It is important to note that some boats may have a blockage in the main fuel fill point to prevent theft. In this case, you may need to use the fuel line connector method or consult a professional.
Once you have inserted the hose, simply suck on the hose to start the flow of gas. This method may only produce a temporary flow, so be prepared to repeatedly suck on the hose to keep the gas flowing.
Make sure you have a receptacle to store the old gas, such as an appropriate fuel container or gas can. The receptacle should be lower than the boat's fuel tank for the transfer process to work and within range of the hose.
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Removing the fuel sending unit
To remove the fuel sending unit, you must first determine whether the problem is with the gauge or the sending unit. Check that the gauge is receiving 12 volts of power by turning on the engine's ignition and probing with a multimeter between the ground and the positive terminal on the back of the gauge. It should be marked with a "+" or an "I". If there is no voltage, the fault is in the ignition circuit, and the gauge is likely functional. If there are 12 volts at the gauge, the sender, the gauge, or its wiring may be the issue.
With power running to the gauge, disconnect the sending wire, which will be marked with an "S" at the back of the gauge. Once the wire is disconnected, the gauge should jump to its highest possible reading. Next, disconnect the sending wire and the ground wire on the old sending unit. There may also be a ground wire coming off a second post at the edge of the flange. Both wires lead to the back of the fuel gauge.
Turn off the power running to the boat's systems before disconnecting any wires. Remove the screws that hold the sending unit to the tank and take it out. Then, remove the three wires on the back of the old gauge. One wire goes to the center pin on the tank sending unit, one goes to ground, and the third connects to a 12-volt source, usually the ignition switch. Remove the fuel gauge.
Before installing a new sender, you must first lower the float and float arm into the tank. Be sure to slide a new gasket into place under the flange, then align the gasket with the holes in the sender and in the tank.
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Using a fuel stabilizer
Fuel stabilizers are particularly useful if you plan to store your boat for a few weeks or months. They prevent fuel breakdown, which can cause gum deposits in your engine, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, they protect against ethanol damage. Ethanol in fuel attracts moisture, which can lead to phase separation in your fuel tank and corrosion in your engine.
Many boaters prefer using a fuel stabilizer because it is a much easier and faster process than draining the fuel tank. However, it is important to note that fuel stabilizers are not just for treating the fuel in the tank. They also treat the fuel remaining in the fuel lines and engine fuel system. Therefore, if you choose to use a fuel stabilizer, it is recommended to first treat the fuel and then run the engine to get the treated fuel through the rest of the system.
When using a fuel stabilizer, it is important to follow the instructions on the product and take the necessary safety precautions. Make sure to wear protective gear and have your boat in a dry, well-ventilated place. Additionally, consider the amount of fuel in your tank and whether you need to reduce the fuel level by running your boat before adding the stabilizer.
By using a fuel stabilizer, you can effectively maintain your boat's fuel system and engine, ensuring smooth operation when you take your boat out on the water again.
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Frequently asked questions
Draining old gas from your boat's fuel tank is an important step in boat maintenance. You can drain the tank manually or use an electric pump. To drain manually, insert a hose into the main fuel fill point and suck the gas out. For an electric pump, attach the alligator clips to the battery posts to power the pump and stand by as the fuel is sucked out of the tank.
The easiest way to drain the tank is to get a primer bulb and put about 6 to 12 inches of rubber hose on the suction side of the bulb. Attach a piece of solid copper pipe to the hose, which will act as a "probe" to get into all the corners of the tank.
It is recommended to drain your boat's fuel tank at least once a year, before the off-season. You should also drain the tank when you notice a build-up of residue or if you plan to store your boat for a few weeks or months.
Yes, instead of draining the tank, you can use a boat fuel stabilizer to neutralise free radicals in the fuel and prevent engine issues. This is a much easier and faster process than draining the tank.
