Old Fuel an Issue?

rogrogers · April 2016

Due to several circumstances beyond my control I didn't use my 2007 Rinker Captiva 226 the past couple of years. I've got three year old gasoline (about 25-30 gallons in the 42 gallon tank) that is probably E10 ethanol that I'm pretty wary of. I did use StaBil when I stored the boat. Any suggestions, gang? If I did need to drain the tank what is the best method?

212rowboat · April 2016

i'm guessing you have an MPI machine w/ remote mounted fuel pump?

intercept the fuel line to the rails, use either a barb fitting, or, use a hose with an interior diameter the same as the outside diameter of the existing fuel hose and a clamp, and hit your pump with 12vdc charge- pump it into containers that can be properly disposed of...

stabil is pretty good stuff, but three years on E10 is asking a LOT from it... if it smells like varnish, don't even bother... the ethanol is a solvent to begin with... I'd be concerned about what its done to your tanks soft lines, too, in those last three years.

Glassguy54 · April 2016

As discussed in other posts here, the Gen 3 cool fuel module from that year is painted inside, and the E10 may have dissolved the paint which could enter your fuel system fouling your injectors, among other nasty outcomes. Definitely should be checked. That is if you have a Merc. Not sure about Volvo.

Michael T · April 2016

Just an opinion, but if at all possible, for the little extra money, stay away from E10. I have never used it in a boat. I won't even use it in my car if I think it is going to sit for 2 weeks and particularly if I go away for longer periods of time. IMO E10 is garbage.

MarkB · April 2016

Yeah I agree. 3 years E10 probably better to get rid of it.

randy56 · April 2016

to drain the tank, done this before, go to auto parts store, buy a 12v fuel pump, and about 16ft of fuel line rubber tubing and a couple clamps, cut rubber fuel line in half. hook-up a couple alagator clips and then to your battrie. you will need extra wire on the fuel pump. tape up all wire conections very good, You really don't need a spark, fish the rubber line deep into tank. other end in 55 gal drum with lid, , I put in a 55 gal drum in the truck, before filling and then on to a place that takes waste oil ect.

Michael T · April 2016

....just be very careful at a 20:1 air fuel ratio you have a highly explosive combination with even a static spark. ventilation, ventilation, ventilation!

Trashman · April 2016

I've been down this road, you have your hands full. Just be careful. I would remove fuel gauge sender and drop a siphon hose and run it through bilge drain to a 5 gallon gas can. That's a lot of gas to remove at once. But you DO need to remove it. Then I'd replace all my fuel lines and filters. That gas ruins more boats. I sold my last boat at a loss because of that same situation. The fuel separated at destroyed the aluminum tank. Good luck an again, be safe.