Mercedes Mullins
Emptying a boat's fuel tank is an important step in boat maintenance, as it helps prolong the life of the tank and keeps the engine running smoothly. There are various methods to drain a boat's fuel tank, including siphoning, using a fuel pump, or disconnecting the fuel hose. When draining a boat's fuel tank, it is important to take safety precautions, such as wearing gloves, goggles, and a face mask to avoid skin irritation and inhalation of fumes. Additionally, proper disposal of old fuel at a hazardous waste centre is crucial to prevent potential ignition from residue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety gear | Rubber gloves, goggles, face mask |
| Fuel pump types | Manual, electric, or battery |
| Electric pump price range | $150-$300 |
| Fuel pump kit components | Fuel hose, clamps, duplex wire, alligator clamps |
| Fuel disposal | Dispose of old gas at a hazardous waste disposal centre |
| Fuel testing | Check colour, smell, and evidence of layers |
| Fuel tank draining | Siphoning, using a blow gun and hose, or a fuel transfer pump |
| Fuel sender removal | Unhook wires, remove screws, and replace the gasket |
| Fuel flushing | Run fresh gas through the tank to flush water/sediment |
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What You'll Learn
Using a fuel pump
Manual Fuel Pump:
Manual fuel pumps are a cheap and readily available option for draining fuel. They are typically sold as kits at local marina or auto parts stores. These pumps require you to manually operate the pump to drain the fuel. Before using a manual pump, ensure that the receptacle you are using to store the old fuel is lower than the boat's fuel tank and within range of the hose. Attach the suction pump to the hose and submerge it in the gas tank, making sure it reaches the bottom of the tank. Place the other end of the hose into the container. Start operating the manual pump, and the fuel will begin to flow through the hose. Depending on the amount of fuel, the tank should drain within a few minutes.
Electric or Battery Pump:
An electric or battery-operated pump is a more expensive but efficient option for draining fuel. These pumps can range in price from $150 to $300. To use an electric pump, you will need an extension cord to connect to the power source. Similar to the manual pump, attach the suction pump to the hose and submerge it in the gas tank. Place the other end of the hose into your container. Turn on the pump, and it will begin to drain the fuel from the tank.
If you have a 12-volt battery, you can create a DIY fuel pump by attaching alligator clips and wires to power the pump. Make sure to keep the battery away from the pump to prevent any potential sparks.
Fuel Transfer Pump:
If you have a battery-powered fuel transfer pump, you can attach it to the fuel hose from the engine. This method is straightforward and effective.
Safety Precautions:
When using any type of fuel pump, it is important to take safety precautions. Ensure that you are careful with the fuel as it is a hazardous substance. Additionally, properly dispose of old fuel at a hazardous waste disposal centre or mix it with fresh fuel to use in your vehicle.
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Siphoning with a hose
Siphoning fuel out of a boat gas tank can be done in several ways, depending on the equipment available and the type of boat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to siphon fuel using a hose:
First, locate the fuel hose at the engine. This hose will be used to siphon the fuel out of the tank. It is important to ensure that the boat is turned off and that the engine is cool before beginning this process.
Next, disconnect the fuel hose from the engine. This may require loosening a clamp or removing screws, depending on the boat's configuration. Be careful not to spill any fuel during this step, as it is a hazardous substance.
Once the hose is disconnected, attach a suitable container to the end of the hose. This container should be large enough to hold all the fuel being siphoned and should be placed lower than the boat's fuel tank to allow the siphoning process to work effectively.
If you are using a manual pump, submerge the suction pump in the gas tank and attach it to the hose. Start operating the pump to begin siphoning the fuel. Ensure that the other end of the hose is placed in the container to catch the fuel.
If you are using an electric pump, attach the pump to the hose and power it using your boat's battery. Electric pumps may also have a suction pump that needs to be submerged in the tank. Turn on the pump and allow it to drain the tank.
During the siphoning process, it is important to wear safety gear such as rubber gloves and goggles to protect yourself from fuel exposure.
Finally, remember to properly dispose of the old fuel at a hazardous waste disposal center and thoroughly clean the hoses to prevent any potential ignition from residue.
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Disconnecting the fuel hose
To disconnect the fuel hose, start by locating the hose at the engine. Loosen the clamp connecting the hose to the fuel pump using a suitable tool. You may need to remove a stainless steel screw to access the clamp. Once the clamp is loosened, carefully pull and remove the fuel hose. This will expose the small hose, which is typically around 5/16 or 3/8 inches in diameter.
At this point, you can attach a fuel pump to the small hose to begin siphoning the fuel. Ensure that your pump is specifically designed for use with flammable liquids, such as a 12-volt portable electric pump. If you don't have a fuel pump, you can use a simple siphoning method by attaching a hose to the small hose and placing the other end in a suitable container.
If you're working with a trailered boat, you can disconnect the outlet of the fuel primer bulb from the outboard motor and attach a long hose to siphon the fuel into a container. Alternatively, you can use a cheap manual or battery-operated pump to make the process more efficient. Remember to dispose of the old fuel at a hazardous waste disposal centre and thoroughly clean the hoses to prevent any residue build-up.
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Removing the fuel sending unit
First, it is important to wear the necessary safety gear when handling boat fuel. This includes rubber gloves to protect your skin from irritation and goggles or even a face mask to shield yourself from fumes and potential splashes.
Next, locate the fuel sending unit on the top of the tank. Before removing it, you may need to unhook the electrical connections. For example, in some cases, you would unhook the pink and black wires connected to the unit. Additionally, make sure to mark the orientation of the unit before removal, so you can reinstall it correctly.
Now, you can start removing the screws holding the fuel sending unit in place. Typically, there are five screws, but the spacing between them might be irregular, so pay close attention to their positions. Once the screws are removed, carefully take out the old gasket, ensuring it remains intact. If it's in good condition, you can reuse it with the new sending unit.
After removing the old sending unit, take measurements of the tank depth at the sender hole to determine the correct length for the replacement. Contact the manufacturer or a dealer to obtain a sending unit specific to your tank model. When installing the new sending unit, be cautious not to over-tighten the screws.
Finally, remember to properly dispose of the old fuel at a hazardous waste disposal center and thoroughly clean your equipment, including the hoses, to prevent any potential ignition from residue.
By following these steps, you can successfully remove and replace the fuel sending unit, contributing to the longevity and optimal performance of your boat's fuel system.
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Disposing of old fuel
Firstly, it is important to wear basic safety gear when handling boat fuel. This includes rubber gloves, as fuel is a skin irritant, and goggles. If the smell of fumes bothers you, a face mask can also be worn.
Once you have drained the old fuel from your tank, you will need to take it to a local hazardous waste disposal centre or recycling centre. Many marinas will advise you on how to do this. It is important to note that transporting large quantities of old fuel is restricted by law, so it may need to be delivered in smaller quantities.
If you are unsure what to do with your old fuel, you can ask a local garage or car dealership for advice. Some people choose to burn their old fuel, for example, by mixing it with waste oil to heat a garage, or giving it to someone with a waste-oil heater. Old fuel can also be used for cleaning, or to kill weeds.
However, it is important to dispose of old fuel in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. Do not leave it by the dumpster or dump it on the ground or down the storm drain.
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Frequently asked questions
Siphoning is a common method for removing fuel from a boat's tank. You can use a manual fuel pump, which can be purchased as a kit, or an electric pump, which is more efficient but pricier. If you're up on a trailer, pull the gas line that goes to the engine, put a hose long enough to reach a gas can on the ground and start a siphon.
A manual pump is a good choice if you only need to drain your boat's fuel pump occasionally (once a year, before the off-season). An electric pump is more efficient but requires an extension cord and a higher price range of $150 to $300.
It is important to wear basic safety gear when handling boat fuel, such as rubber gloves and goggles. Fuel is a skin irritant, so avoid letting it come into contact with your skin. A face mask can also be worn if the smell of fumes bothers you.
Remember to properly dispose of old fuel at your local hazardous waste disposal centre. Clean the hoses on your fuel pump to prevent any potential ignition from residue. Run a couple of gallons of fresh gas through the tank to ensure any remaining water or sediment is flushed out.
