Regan Brown
Draining old gas from your inboard boat fuel tank is an important step in boat maintenance as it helps prolong the life of your tank and keeps the engine running smoothly. There are several ways to drain a boat fuel tank, including using a manual or electric pump, a siphon pump, or a drain valve if your tank has one. This process can be done cheaply and will help you save money on boating and fishing, which can be an expensive hobby.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Once a year, before the off-season |
| Tools | Fuel pump, siphon pump, hose, duct tape, towel, fuel stabilizer, fuel filter, pressure washer, cloths, paper towels |
| Steps | 1. Remove fuel level sensor. 2. Place an empty container under the drain valve. 3. Submerge tubing in the tank and run the other end of the hose into the container. 4. Pump the primer bulb to start the siphon action. 5. Clean the inside of the tank with an access hatch or pressure washer. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a manual pump
To drain an inboard boat fuel tank using a manual pump, you will first need to ensure your boat is out of the water and in a dry, well-ventilated place. You will also need to wear safety gear, such as rubber gloves and goggles, as fuel is a skin irritant.
Before you begin, you will need to purchase a manual pump kit. These are typically sold at your local marina store and usually come with a 3/8-inch fuel hose. If your kit does not include a hose, you will need to purchase one separately.
Once you have your kit, follow these steps:
- Submerge the suction pump in the gas tank.
- Attach the pump to the fuel hose, ensuring there is enough slack to reach the bottom of the tank.
- Place the other end of the hose in a container that will catch the fuel.
- Start operating the manual pump.
- Depending on how much fuel is in the tank, it should be fully drained within a few minutes.
You can also use a primer bulb with a hose and a solid copper pipe to siphon the fuel out of the tank. Attach the hose to the suction side of the bulb, and the copper pipe to the hose. The copper pipe acts as a "probe" to reach all corners of the tank. Attach another hose to the outlet side of the bulb, which will then go into your catch bucket.
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Using an electric pump
To use an electric pump, first make sure you have a suitable pump for combustible liquids. You will also need an extension cord, an appropriate fuel container, and a hose.
Next, shut off the fuel line to the outboard and run it dry. Make sure that the final tank of fuel is treated with stabilizer so that any fuel remaining in the system is conditioned.
Then, disconnect the fuel hose leading from the tank at the primer bulb. Attach one end of the hose to the pump’s inlet barb and secure the line with a hose clamp. Attach the fuel line to the pump’s outflow barb with another hose clamp and place the other end of the hose into your fuel container.
Finally, 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.
Remember to properly dispose of old gas at your local hazardous waste disposal center and thoroughly clean the hoses on your fuel pump to prevent any potential ignition from residue.
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Siphoning the fuel
Firstly, you need to ensure your boat is out of the water and in a well-ventilated area. It is also important to wear safety gear when handling fuel. Before beginning the siphoning process, it is recommended to reduce the fuel level in the tank. This can be done by running the boat's engine until the fuel level is below 1/8 of a tank.
If your boat is equipped with a drain valve, simply place an empty container underneath and open the valve to drain the fuel. For boats without a drain valve, a siphon pump can be used. Place an empty container on the ground next to the boat, ensuring it is lower than the fuel tank. Remove the fitting from the engine end of the fuel line and place the end of the fuel line into the empty container. If using a manual pump, submerge the suction pump in the gas tank and attach it to the hose, ensuring the hose reaches the bottom of the tank.
To start the siphoning action, pump the primer bulb until the fuel begins to flow. If using a syringe, insert the tubing into the tank, attach the syringe, and pull the plunger until fuel begins to enter the syringe. Detach the syringe and place the tube into the empty container, allowing the siphon to continue.
It is important to note that siphoning fuel can be dangerous, and caution should be exercised to avoid ingesting fuel or causing sparks near the fuel.
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Draining without a valve
If your boat fuel tank does not have a drain valve, there are a few methods you can use to drain it. One common method is to use a siphon pump to suction the fuel into containers. You can also use a manual or electric fuel pump to drain the tank.
If you are using a siphon pump, you can follow these steps:
- Purchase a siphon pump kit from your local marina store.
- 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.
- Stand by as the fuel is sucked out of the boat's fuel tank and transferred to containers or your vehicle's fuel tank.
If you are using a manual or electric fuel pump, the process is similar:
- Connect the pump to the fuel line leading to the boat's fuel tank.
- Attach the pump to a hose, making sure you have enough slack to reach the bottom of the tank.
- Submerge the suction pump in the gas tank.
- Power the pump manually or by connecting it to a power source, and drain the fuel into containers or your vehicle's fuel tank.
It is important to note that if your boat fuel tank has an anti-siphon valve, you may need to use a pump with sufficient suction to override the safety feature. Additionally, make sure that you are working in a dry, well-ventilated place and that you have the appropriate fuel containers to capture the drained fuel.
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Using a fuel stabilizer
Choosing the Right Fuel Stabilizer
Firstly, select a suitable marine fuel stabilizer for your boat. Opt for a product that addresses the specific issues you want to prevent, such as corrosion, oxidation, gumming, varnish buildup, or ethanol damage. Check the treat rate of the product, which indicates how much stabilizer is needed relative to the amount of fuel. For example, a treat rate of 1:2000 means one ounce of stabilizer per 10 gallons of fuel.
Preparing the Fuel Tank
Before adding the stabilizer, ensure your boat's fuel tank is almost empty. Use up most of the fuel, leaving just a small amount remaining. This step is important because you'll want to fill the tank with fresh fuel after adding the stabilizer.
Adding the Fuel Stabilizer
Calculate the correct amount of stabilizer required based on the treat rate and the capacity of your fuel tank. You can usually find the instructions on the packaging of the stabilizer. Once you've measured the appropriate amount, carefully pour the stabilizer into the fuel tank.
Filling the Tank with Fresh Fuel
After adding the stabilizer, it's time to fill up your fuel tank with fresh fuel. Use ethanol-free gasoline if possible, as ethanol can cause phase separation and moisture issues. Leave a small air gap at the top of the tank to accommodate fuel expansion during storage.
Running the Engine
Finally, start your boat's engine and let it run for 5 to 10 minutes. This step ensures that the fuel stabilizer circulates throughout the entire fuel system, including the fuel lines, carburetor, and injectors. Perform this step in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
By following these steps, you can effectively use a fuel stabilizer to maintain your boat's fuel system, prevent common issues, and ensure a smooth start when you take your boat out for the next season.
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Frequently asked questions
Draining your inboard boat fuel tank is a simple process that can be done cheaply and quickly. The first step is to check the fuel level. If it is above 1/8 of a tank, you should run your boat to reduce the fuel level. The next step is to remove the boat from the water and place it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Now, you can begin siphoning the fuel into a container. If your tank has a drain valve, simply place a container underneath and open the valve. If not, you can use a manual or electric pump to siphon the fuel.
Manual pumps are a good choice if you only need to drain your tank occasionally and are cheaper, but they require more effort. Electric pumps are more expensive but are more efficient and easier to use.
You will need to ensure that your container is large enough to capture all of the fuel and that it is placed lower than the boat's fuel tank to allow the fuel to siphon correctly. It is also important to wear safety gear and ensure the area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling fuel vapours.
Yes, you can use a boat fuel stabilizer to neutralise free radicals in the fuel and prevent residue build-up. This is a faster and easier process than draining the tank but may not be suitable for long-term storage.
