[Realtor]

Okay, I have not had a single problem with the Fat Jax cncerning the new ethanol fuel. My question is:

I have a 150 gallon tank, I am currently down 100 Gallons, so about 50 left in the tank. (this is the lowest amount of gas I have had in it, I keep it filled up) think I should run the last gas out and re fill, or do you think this may get anything stirred up that may be on the bottom of the tank. Or, have the tank pumped to see if there is water or anything on the bottom?

The boat is a 2007, and I have never ever had a problem thus far.... Think I may be opening up a can of bad worms?

Thoughts?

 

[Contender]

I would fill it and add stabilizer, second choice burn it off and refill. A partially full tank allows for condensation as the temp changes which will put water in your tank.

Ethanol is bad on gaskets, seals hoses, etc. rubber and plastic things. Keep a close eye on your hoses etc for softening and / or cracks.

Keep you tank nearly full to avoid water build-up and use a stabilizer. Change your fuel filters frequently.

I have mostly avoided gas with ethanol and have had no fuel problems not that the two are directly related. I keep the tank full and filters swapped out. Going on ten years now.

A mechanic might have a different/better answer.

 

[sealark]

Jim stabilizer isn't worth crap it doesn't work. Keep the tank full and use it regularly. In answer to your question take the sending unit cover off the top of the tank and get a Gas pump with a pickup tube on it and raise the boat so the tank is tilted slightly high in front and run the pickup tube around the lowest edge of the tank in back. Check what comes out and when clean fill the tank and keep it filled after every trip. When you get the cover off the sending unit give me a call and I will help with the rest.

 

[Realtor]

hey Ron, Thanks, do you have one of those pumps?

 

[Ocean Master]

Jim,

You can borrow my setup shown below.

Put the long pickup fuel hose thru the removed sender hole, prime the unit with the primer bulb, connect another fuel line to the outlet on the filter and put the gas wherever you want to. I have the extra fuel hose.

The power cord is long enough to get away from any fumes from the tank. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, get comfortable and let it run. It's not real fast but it works well.

 

[Realtor]

Thanks everyone for your responses, I removed the sender unit and took a look in the tank with a flashlight, good news NOTHING BUT GASOLINE in there! Clean and shiny as a whistle in there, nothing in any of the corners I could see, just gas in a CLEAN tank! Whew, I have been wondering about this…. Now I know….. Replaced the gasket and replaced the unit. All is well!

 

[sealark]

Live and learn Jim, Glad you got it checked.

 

[Realtor]

thanks Ron, thanks for the pointers.

 

[lil'skeet]

If there is water in your tank it will be at the bottom of the tank. It will seperate fairly quickly from the fuel as long as the boat is still. Tip your bow as high as possible and jack up one side of you trailer so the water goes to a rear corner of the fuel tank. Let it sit overnight to let the water and fuel seperate and the next day push a piece of fuel line to that corner of the tank. A piece of wire zip tied to the hose will help direct it thru the sending unit hole. Prime it with a primer bulb and run the other end out of the boat and into a jug. Gravity should allow it to draw fluid out once primed. Use clear line and you should see water leave the tank and good gas should follow. Works good for getting out any sediment in the tank too. I don't use any type of fuel filter since I use that "bad" fuel to light up the burn pit.
Watch for corrosion on your tank and around fittings. I am replacing my tank right now due to corrosion.
Hope this is helpful.