Gas tank problems.

[jimsource]

I have a Merc 454 330hp that was layed up for about 18 months and then used very little for the next year. The boat has two 75 gallon gas tanks build into the boat so there is no removing them unless you rip up the flooring and remove them, not a good idea. My problem is that the tanks seem to contain alot of somthing that stalls my motor and when I remove the gas filter the material is black looking. I have had to have the carbarater rebuild and cleaned twice. I can not remove the tanks or get to them very easily. Can anyone tell me what the substance is and how can I get rid of this mess. This motor always run great before this problem. Can anyone help me?

 

[180shabah]

Re: Gas tank problems.

What year is this boat? If the fuel tanks are made of fiberglass, then ethanol could be disolving them.

 

[jimsource]

Re: Gas tank problems.

The boat is a 1986 29ft Delta Boat Works Sportfisherman. It has Aluminum gas tanks.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Gas tank problems.

Diesel can get bacterial growth, don't know about gas. Could be outside contamination. Perhaps a some one poured some evil substance down the filler tube. What ever it is, you got it.
You should be able to get a remote filter cannister that you can mount inbetween the tank and your engine. It'll get full, but at least you can change the element easy enough. Cost alot less then a carb rebuild. Eventually you may have a cleaned tank. also throw in a can of sea foam or stabil.
Let us know what occurs.

 

[Coors]

Re: Gas tank problems.

Do you have access plates to the sender units? If so, take them off and get a hand pump (not electric) and pump out the old gas.

 

[jimsource]

Re: Gas tank problems.

I have an inline gas filter that I have been changing. Will the addition of a remote filter cannister do anything more than my fuel filter?

 

[Coors]

Re: Gas tank problems.

If you get a fuel/water separator, it will.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gas tank problems.

I have an inline gas filter that I have been changing.

Having a Very Easy to Change cannister Filter will Help,.......

With enough Filter Changes,...... Your Problem will Eventually Go Away..........

 

[jimsource]

Re: Gas tank problems.

The inline filter that I have looks like an Oil filter and it does collect water. Is this the same thing or would I be better to add a filter cannister in addition to the one I have?

 

[MrSand41]

Re: Gas tank problems.

Have the fuel lines been changed sometime in the past and by whom?
I had a boat come in with water hose for fuel lines and the gas was eating them up from the inside.
When you dump your water seperator can you see what looks like a bubble rolling around in the bottom? (water)
Dump the fuel into a clear glass jar and see whats laying at the bottom.
Is the gas real black or does it look like it has oil in it as if someone put in 50/1 fuel/oil mixed?

 

[dubs283]

Re: Gas tank problems.

HUH???

I would hope that after three years this fellow would have been able to figure out the problem

how did you even come across this thread??

 

[MrSand41]

Re: Gas tank problems.

HUH???

I would hope that after three years this fellow would have been able to figure out the problem

how did you even come across this thread??

Just tossed my 2 cents into an old thread just incase down the road someone look at it for an answer.
Bored i guess.