Draining Fuel
- Thread starter GNUCKS
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Siphon is the safest way. Just put the 'receiver' at a position LOWER than the tank, create suction in the hose (polypropylene, preferred) until the fuel begins to 'run downhill' to the receiver and simply put the hose to the very bottom of the 'receiver'. Easier to do with a boat on the hard as the height of the 'receiver' below the tank will be quite significant.
Google Super Siphon, or just undo a hose at your primary filter, depending on where your tank is. If it's lower down you'll have to pump it up and out.
If you can't get under the tank, it appears, then, that your tank is low in the boat. That means there must be some kind of fuel pump that bring the fuel up to the primary filter.
So, undo the hose to or from the filter, run another hose into a jug and engage your fuel pump.
So, undo the hose to or from the filter, run another hose into a jug and engage your fuel pump.
Gnucks, You should have an access port somewhere on the top of your fuel tank that can be removed to allow a portable fuel pump with a hose to drain the fuel. After draining, pour some fresh diesel into the tank and scrub the bottom with a brush to loosen any debris and repump. Then take some smooth (non nap) diesel soaked rags and wipe the remaining bottom of your tank clean. It will be good as new. Don't forget to change your fuel filters after using your first tank of diesel to prevent undue clogging of your filters from any potentially remaining debris. Good luck and good sailing, Ron
Many boats do not have inspection ports on their fuel tanks.
Buying a separate pump may be unnecessary if he already has an operating fuel lift pump.
Why complicate matters?
Buying a separate pump may be unnecessary if he already has an operating fuel lift pump.
Why complicate matters?
Stu, Firstly, I don't think you're complicating matters but rather doing a proper job. If you're going to drain the tank, why not clean it as well? Secondly,
a lift pump has a rubber/synthetic diaphragm that could become severely compromised if substantial sediment in the tank exists increasing the possibility of damage to the part and possible replacement. Thirdly, can you imagine trying to empty a 30 gallon tank by pumping the miniscule handle of a lift pump? I think even Schwarzenegger would tire of that chore. Best, Ron
When I wanted to drain the tank on my GS41 I picked up a 12v pump at HF http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-marine-utility-water-pump-94639.html
which has fittings for water hose. Cut an old (and dry) water hose long enough to reach from my work station (where I had the pump, battery and cans) on the dock down the fill pipe to the bottom of the tank, My tank had a bronze 90 at the top of the tank and I removed this and fed the hose from the down pipe into the tank. and cut the piece from the outlet side of the pump (need a hose female for this) about 12' long so that I could fill my 6 fuel cans without having to shuffle anything. Once I was set up it took maybe 1/2 hour to fill the cans. I used a tarp with sorbent pads spread on it in case of spill.
The pump is not rated for fuel but all the parts are SS, including the internals and even if it had been destroyed by diesel it was still way cheaper than the $500 I was quoted. I wouldn't use this pump/battery/sparks/etc for gasoline but it was fine for diesel.
Our county landfill allows old fuel drop offs. I think it gets recycle for asphault machines.
which has fittings for water hose. Cut an old (and dry) water hose long enough to reach from my work station (where I had the pump, battery and cans) on the dock down the fill pipe to the bottom of the tank, My tank had a bronze 90 at the top of the tank and I removed this and fed the hose from the down pipe into the tank. and cut the piece from the outlet side of the pump (need a hose female for this) about 12' long so that I could fill my 6 fuel cans without having to shuffle anything. Once I was set up it took maybe 1/2 hour to fill the cans. I used a tarp with sorbent pads spread on it in case of spill.
The pump is not rated for fuel but all the parts are SS, including the internals and even if it had been destroyed by diesel it was still way cheaper than the $500 I was quoted. I wouldn't use this pump/battery/sparks/etc for gasoline but it was fine for diesel.
Our county landfill allows old fuel drop offs. I think it gets recycle for asphault machines.
Some tanks have inspection ports, others don't. A while back I contracted a guy with a fuel polishing machine. He advertised that in addition to polishing the fuel he would get must of the crud out of the tank. He charged like $150 and ran the fuel in and out about three times. The end result is that I have not had fuel problems since and probably have paid myself back in Racor filters alone.
Oil Changer
I would think if you have one those oil changing pump hand or 12 volt could be used to get some of or all of the fuel out at the pickup tube or fuel gauge,and yes try checking and cleaning out the tank for any gunk in the bottom.
Nick
I would think if you have one those oil changing pump hand or 12 volt could be used to get some of or all of the fuel out at the pickup tube or fuel gauge,and yes try checking and cleaning out the tank for any gunk in the bottom.
Nick
Ron,
1. If there's no inspection port, the issue is moot.
2. If the fuel pump is before the primary filter, it's in the wrong place, because of exactly what you say. The order should be: tank, primary filter, lift pump.
3. I assumed an electric lift pump. I agree, my right index finger is still sore from using the lift pump on a Racor filter housing from way back in 1998!!!
Then the lightbulb on the top of my head went on, and I started the electric pump to bleed the engine. Lots easier! 
Many motors have only mechanical fuel pumps. You would have to crank the engine long enough to pump many gallons through the fuel pump at the cost of a starter, and battery. Not a good choice.Ron,
1. If there's no inspection port, the issue is moot.
2. If the fuel pump is before the primary filter, it's in the wrong place, because of exactly what you say. The order should be: tank, primary filter, lift pump.
3. I assumed an electric lift pump. I agree, my right index finger is still sore from using the lift pump on a Racor filter housing from way back in 1998!!!
Mount an electric fuel pump on a board and a make a portable fuel transfer pump.
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