How do I .................?

Northbeach · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008

I have about 3 gallons of very old gas that needs to come out of an integral gas tank in my sailboat (10 gallon tank). The Sailboat is a fiberglass ’73 Cal 24’ T/4, with the gas tank buried (at or below the water line) and very inconvenient to access. I can’t get a second gas tank below the level of the integral tank to siphon. There is a fuel line leading from the fuel tank to a two sided fuel valve that goes through the hull. From the exterior side of that fuel valve I attach a fuel hose with hand held bulb pump that leads to the fuel intake valve on the outboard motor I have mounted off the stern. Is there any safe way to pump this old gas out? I have looked at a few pumps at the auto parts store, but they all caution against pumping gasoline. Once I get it out how do I dispose of the old fuel? I suppose I could pump it out one hand squeeze after another, but I suspect there is a better way.

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008

You can probably use a fuel hose with pump bulb to transfer the fuel. You can also use one of these pumps. They're about $30.

SimonV · #3 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008

Once you get it out, good luck in finding some where to take it. I had less then 1 gallon of old dirty Gas and for the life of me no one would except it.

Freesail99 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008

You may also want to try one of those pumps that works off a drill, under $10.00.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008

Most gas stations will take it in this country, they have to by law IIRC. Same with used motor oil.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SimonV

Once you get it out, good luck in finding some where to take it. I had less then 1 gallon of old dirty Gas and for the life of me no one would except it.

Stillraining · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008

Is a great briquet starter for your Home BBQ...just stay low and up wind when lighting..

Northbeach · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freesail99

You may also want to try one of those pumps that works off a drill, under $10.00.

I like the drill idea but every one I have seen at the hardware store specifically warn against trying to pump gasoline with them.

As usual I appreciate the answers.

Rockter · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008

Pump slowly.

trecksail · #9 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008

I did a simular fuel draining on my old boat. I picked up a $10 hand pump at Ace Hardware. It's a little hand crank deal and it worked fine. And yes, they say any type of electric pump or pump with metalic internals can ignite gasoline. The ace hardware pump was all plastic parts.
Good luck.

SimonV · #10 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008

I tried everywhere, they will take oil and Deisel, not Gas.