How to clean an old fuel tank????

[Naiscoot]

I am wondering what would be the best way to clean out a built in fuel tank. My fuel vent has been collecting water so I replaced the water separator and drained the one on the engine. I then replaced my fuel vent with a waterproof one. I took and outboard hose without the engine and tank fittings and siphoned out what I could. There still is some fuel and debris that the siphon will not get out. A guy advised to use a shop vac but the last time I checked fuel and electricity are not the best of friends. Any suggestions? Thanks again, Naiscoot

[Frank Molé]

A SHOP VAC:confused: :confused: that guy is #1 azzhole,you should kill him:eek: just run 2 filters for a while:D

[delawarerick]

I bought a cheap electric fuel pump made 20+ft cables not near what I pump out and got 3/8 inch hose and I put down the bottom of the tank then pour in a gallon mixed with some dry gas and pump that out and then I disconect the fuel line and hook it to the pump that cleans the sypon tube. Pain in the ass but better than leaning a motor down or trying to burn water. Rick

[Naiscoot]

I could not believe it myself but this guy swore by it. He said to remove the batteries and anything else electrical in the compartment then cover up the housing on top of the vacuum with aluminum foil and make sure your filter is on the vacuum. Then to run at least eight feet of hose and turn it on. Either he was the biggest dumbass in the world or is the biggest bull****er. I think the latter applies. You advise to run to fuel filters correct? I have one on the boat as it is. Where should you run the second? Thanks, Naiscoot

[j_martin]

Go for it with the vacuum. Just remember that all space cadets have to wear their space helmets.:D


Seriously, a vacuum pulls the air through the motor, past the sparking brushes for cooling. If you do it, you'll likely need the helmet.

[capnzee]

Disconnect your fuel line after the fuel pump and before your filter or engine. Return the fuel line to the filler cap of your fuel tank. Pour a few gallons in the tank. Make yourself a good filter from a chamois and start pumping fuel back into your tank through your "home made" filter. As you recycle the fuel through your "filter" it will get cleaner and cleaner. Once all of the debris has been pumped out of the tank and recycled thru your filter several times you will be good to go and you can even use the couple of gallons of gas you put into the tank to start the process. This will take care of any debris in the tank (the chamois should filter out most of the water) and a water/fuel separator should take care of the rest while you are running. . Been there, done that! :) Capnzee

[Naiscoot]

Thanks for the advice. I will pass on the shop vacum though, Naiscoot

[capnzee]

I would assume that your tank "pumps" from the bottom. If there is water in the fuel it should come out first. Pump the fuel/water into a glass container and you will be able to detect any water present in the fuel. (If you use a shop vac, you may not have to wait long!!!) Capnzee

[Naiscoot]

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Thanks for all the input. The tank had lots of debris in it. Probably the first time it ever has been cleaned. Do you have any recommendations on a water separator kit? Mine has the top assembly only with a screw plug to release pressure. I was wondering if they made a kit with a drain plug on the bottom. This would eliminate the need to pull off the filter to drain the water out. Reaching that thing is tight and sometimes there hard to screw off. You familiar with Huntington Beach or HB? I grew up their as well as my wife and our families. I miss that cool beach weather. Thanks, Naiscoot<o:p></o:p>
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[capnzee]

The only separator I am familiar with is made by Mercury, however, I am certain there are many others. I would do the major filtering with the chamois and you shouldn't have to do much after that. Just keep recycling the fuel, taking a sample from time to time until all the water is out. You may add a little alcohol which will quickly absorb the water, then dump everything. Manhattan Beach has been in the high 70's with beautiful sunsets. Capnzee