Clean debris from the fuel tank

[Brent]

I am replacing the fuel tank pickup tube, ASV and elbow. If I find any debris in the tank, what have you used to pump it out safely? I dont think a gravity fed siphon line will be optimal. I am planning to use the old fuel pickup tube connected to a line to a pump and may ned to remove the fuel tank sender unit. Anyone use a mechanical or electric pump for gas?

 

[BradV]

gonna be tough to go in through the pick ups its what 1/2" threaded. I guess it depends on what size debris you think youre going to pick up? I think if you can get in through the fill you might be able to get something bigger in there. I would think if you get a siphon in there at least the diameter of the pick ups youre safe because then they cant get sucked up into.

 

[cbigma]

I found this manual piston pump (essentially a fuel-rated version of a bilge pump) at Boater's World. I used it when I drained my taink and replaced my fuel sensor Fuel Sensor Replacement Project. You can use it to "slurp" stuff up manually with the piston action.

Although Boaters World retail shops are now out of business, and I can't find it on their on-line store, here is an equivalent Fuel Pump

 

[cbigma]

I agree with BradV regarding the access, and when I used mine, I opened the fuel sender. It was the only good way to get a good visual on what was in there. I didn't have any spooge to remove, but could have when I had the fuel sender cover open.

 

[Brent]

I dont know if I will find any goop in the tank just something is reducing the fuel flow and I dont like to be around gas for very long after pumping gas at full service gas station in 70's on weekends. I siphoned 80 gal from our old boat after Hurricane Charley and it took hours mainly b/c I had only a several gas cans but the flumes bother me like tobacco smoke. Now I have several cans and cant find a Black and Decker Jack Rabbit hand pump so looking at Jabsco hand pumps.
thanks for the reply

 

[Primo]

I've used the same pump cbigma refers to. It's a Beckson Siphon-mate Transfer Pump. It can be used with gasoline, oil, water, etc. Boatersworld.com has it for $40.00. If you're just trying to get rid of the crap at the very bottom of the tank, it will work fine. If you go through the sending unit opening, you will need to attach something rigid to the hose. I used a wooden dowel attached with wire ties.

 

[BradV]

Why dont you get 3m Respirator? I got one from home depot for like 20 bucks. Works great when working with resins, epoxy, and i would assume gas.

 

[Brent]

Thanks everyone
I will buy a pump and respirator

 

[Brent]

Do the pumps leak?

 

[Brent]

Are they rated for gasoline?

 

[Primo]

They are rated for fuel. I have had mine for eight years and I have not experienced any leaking. If you buy a respirator, make sure it is rated for the appropriate application. One other consideration is that depending on how much debris, water, and other crap you pull out, that you are able and prepared to dispose of it properly. Click on the link for the product information.

http://www.beckson.com/109PC.html

 

[Brent]

thanks again.
Yes I am prepared to take it to County Disposal Site in Pt Charlotte in old metal rusty cans that I been saving for such as purpose and have more room for fishing stuff

 

[Brent]

I replaced both fuel pickup assemblies (nylon tube, elbow, ASV, fuel lines)
The old main fuel pickup tube was good and had a screen at the bottom with just a couple of pieces of debris. The other pickup tube was bad and broken at halfway point with a piece of copper tubing inside of it. I didnt pump the tank yet. Now the engine is running rough but had no fuel starvation issues.
I will check the plugs in the am. Open to other suggestions

 

[mildew2]

Harbor Freight sells that same pump that is pictured above....

 

[Striperswiper]

Here's a suggestion on the fuel starvation problem.

If you're experiencing it at over 3000 RPM's and have not replaced the three low pressure fuel pumps in the last 3 years they are most likely the problem.

The rear of the pumps have a hole in them that allows the engine exhuast to hit a rubber diaphram inside the pump and that pumps the fuel the the VST where your high pressure pump sends it to the fuel injectors.

The diaprhams get a hole in them and dump raw gas into the engine through the same hole the exhaust goes through.

The result is a rough idle, exessive smoke, engine running out of fuel at high RPMS, surging at all speeds and a messed up O2 sensor as the raw gas being introduced into the engine makes the sensor think the engine is running rich. The O2 sensor leans out the engine to compensate and everything is out of wack as a result.

A very easy test is unbolt or loosen the 6 bolts holding the low pressure pumps on and squeeze your primer ball. If you have a hole in any diaphram raw fuel will leak out the rear (engine side) of the bad pump.

If you haven't changed the pumps in the last 3 years change them anyway and every 3 years thereafter

 

[Brent]

Thanks
does
this apply to 02 yam 225 four stroke hpdi?
It runs a little rough and does not go past 3400 toms
and is rough but no stravation
the bulb has gas and not collapsed
I can't work on until Tuesday
but admiral is with the boat
any other thoughts?

 

[Brent]

Engine does not run of fuel and no smoking

 

[Brent]

Engine does not run of fuel and no smoking

 

[Striperswiper]

Sorry,
I assumed you had a 2 stroke.

I believe the 4 stroke has an electonic low pressure pump as well as a high pressure fuel pump.

You could go to http://www.thehulltruth.com/ and ask there. There are alot of 4 stroke owners on that site.

Did you clean the filter on the high pressure fuel pump in the VST? That is a real problem area and I've seen it clogged on 2 and 4 strokes.

 

[Brent]

No
but will check after I lookup the location