Old Fuel

[SunsetSailor2]

Hi I am a new to me boat owner. The Hunter 28.5 has been sitting on the hard for 4 years with a full tank of diesel fuel. What should I do to prevent problems. remove fuel & rinse tank w/ fresh diesel or replace entire tank 10 gallons?
Thanks for your help

 

[Steve Dion]

I would remove the fuel from the tank and try to inspect it the best you can.

I think kerosene is a good cleaner for this purpose. If you can remove the tank, you can also power wash it to remove any crap in the tank. Be sure that you have a new filter.

If you are so inclined you can also remove the hoses to elimiate another potential area for problems.

 

[anchorclanker]

I would pump it into another tank, bring it home and try filtering it and get any water out of it. But thats because i'm cheap. Otherwise you could give it away or dispose of it somewhere.

Once the tanks empty, put a couple gallons clean fuel in it and pump that out, too. Then filll it most of the way and add some water treatment/biocide, just in case then top it off.

 

[s sauer]

28.5 Fuel Tanks

There are a few different fuel tank constructions in the Hunter 28.5's depending on what year you have. We have a 1986 with a polyethylene 11.5 gallon fuel tank in the bottom of the starboard side sail locker, just behind the water lift muffler. Apparently in other years, the water lift compartment and the fuel 'tank' were built into the hull, which can result in water/ fuel leakage issues.
You should be able to see a separate water lift and fuel tank with a partial plywood hold down panel across the tank. I have cut in a clean-out opening and installed a Sea Built Access hatch; but you may just pump outt the fuel ans see what kind of crud comes out toward the bottom of the tank. Rinsing with a couple gallons of clean fuel will not 'clean' the tank. The original Fram fuel filter could be replaced with a better Raycor water separator type, and the OEM fuel lines should be replaced, if they are the original equipment.
Check onto www.huntertwentyeightfive.com for more specifics on this model.

 

[amcmahon]

Re: 28.5 Fuel Tanks

Just one more, before you start usung the boat, be sure to have extra fuel filters with you. If the engine stops, it's probably the filter.