Draining fuel tank

[jon_bailey]

First post for a while so I must be buying a new boat!

Fast fisher with a 150 Mercury Verado outboard. Not what I was expecting, but having been on today I am very pleased.

Anyway, due to previous owner's illness, the boat has not been used for some time (at least six months). Due to availability of lift and surveyor, I want to do sea trial on Monday. How can I remove all of the old fuel from the tank?

It is not easy to get to the tank, so a removing the sender will be a bit of a challenge. Also, I do not have time to get a Pella or similar pump. Boat has very few hours so I am not expecting much contamination in the tank. Also fuel gauge says the tank is empty, but I cannot confirm visually. So, any advice for how to remove the dregs would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[smudge837]

fuel

Hi John. I just did the same thing. I went with a primer hand bulb, from the fuel pick up into my first filter. Will not get the very last dregs out but I took 25 litre + out in an evening. Then changed both filters and bled the system. I also could not get to the inspection plate without major floor removal. All in cost £9 and all chandlers have them and a few feet of pipe. Not my first choice but worked well once going. Hope it helps.
Cheers Smudge

 

[theoldsalt]

You haven't said why you want to remove the fuel. If it's a little over 6 months old what's the problem ?

 

[jon_bailey]

You haven't said why you want to remove the fuel. If it's a little over 6 months old what's the problem ?

theoldsalt: Fuel could be up to a year old, not clear if anything has been added, of if there is water ingress. The sea trial and engine/boat performance will be the deal clincher, so I just want to make sure that fuel contamination is not a factor.

 

[Otter]

Maybe easier to borrow a couple of 20lt fuel tanks - it's an outboard so no fuel return - what's the running time on 40ltrs?

 

[jon_bailey]

Draining a fuel tank

Took advice and used a fuel bulb connected to the fuel line at the engine, starting up a siphon into a container took off 100 ltrs and tank still not empty, but only about 20 ltrs left so added 50 of new and engine started first turn of key. Also ran well.

Pleased with performance of boat and engine so deal is nearly complete.