Old Fuel

[Guest]

Ive got a 1986 model Ranger 375V. Its got dual 12 gallon fuel tanks.

The left tank is almost empty, but its got an 1" of fuel in there and the other tank has 4 gallons.

I need to drain the tanks of this old gas. Its been in there for 6 months at least.

Whats the easiest way to drain these fuel tanks?

Do I pull the fuel line and wedge the ball open so I can hand pump the bulb?

Should I cut off the fitting and pump the bulb? Or use some other kinda pump?

Any advice would appreciated.

#evilethanol

[fishinwrench]

Remove the fuel guage sender and tilt the boat so that the remaining fuel goes to the most convenient corner of the tank. Siphon as much out as you can, then use a rag (old dish towel) on a piece of stiff wire to soak up the rest.

If it looks clean but you just want to get "most of it" out and it doesnt have a anti-siphon valve on the tank you can just cut off the engine fitting and let it siphon out the supply hose. But most older Rangers do have the valve..... which you can eliminate and replace with a straight nipple BTW.

[gotmuddy]

6 months isnt too bad if its premixed.

[Guest]

6 months isnt too bad if its premixed.

I mixed it kinda heavy, but its got stabil added.

The gas is from a local gas station with no ethanol.

Their regular gas is 93 octane and the premium is racing fuel. Maybe 109 octane

[Guest]

Remove the fuel guage sender and tilt the boat so that the remaining fuel goes to the most convenient corner of the tank. Siphon as much out as you can, then use a rag (old dish towel) on a piece of stiff wire to soak up the rest.

If it looks clean but you just want to get "most of it" out and it doesnt have a anti-siphon valve on the tank you can just cut off the engine fitting and let it siphon out the supply hose. But most older Rangers do have the valve..... which you can eliminate and replace with a straight nipple BTW.

Im going to lowes and get a siphon pump.

That gauge is bigger than a half dollar and right on top of the tank?

[gotmuddy]

I honestly wouldnt be concerned. fill the tank up with new gas and run it all out.

[fishinwrench]

Not to butt heads with GM, but his judgement calls are questionable lately.

6 month old fuel in a vented tank is not gonna be very good. I doubt that it would damage anything but it could screw up a good fishing day.

Burn it up in your chainsaw....you won't be near as disappointed if you get screwed out of a day of cutting wood.

[gotmuddy]

its pure judgement call. If the gas smells bad dump it.

I will admit that running the 11pt monday was questionable at best.

[Guest]

Not to butt heads with GM, but his judgement calls are questionable lately.

6 month old fuel in a vented tank is not gonna be very good. I doubt that it would damage anything but it could screw up a good fishing day.

Burn it up in your chainsaw....you won't be near as disappointed if you get screwed out of a day of cutting wood.

Theres not too many good fishing days left and I can cut wood anytime.

Thanks

[Guest]

Well, the pump that I bought says "not for gasoline" but its okay for kerosene.

So, I cut the end off the fuel line and pumped the gas into a mason jar.

It looked very good and smelled okay.

Then, it dawned on me that I had put gas in there on August 22nd.

I cranked the old mercury blackmax.

It was sluggish at first, then started to idle real good.

Keep in mind its 7pm and quiet outside.

Thats before I toughed the throttle and the old mercury howled.

Man, there was a thick cloud of smoke drifting across the yard.

Meanwhile, my 5 month old son slept right thru all the chaos.