siphoning fuel from gas tank

Joined
Jan 31, 2009
Messages
68
Hi. I have a 1997 Lowe Silhouette deck boat that has been sitting since February due to medical issues. I want to siphon out the fuel (3/4 tank full) as it will probably be spring before I can take the boat out again. My problem is I can not get the fuel to flow trying to siphon. I have used two different types of pumps an nothing comes out the hose even though plenty of hose is wet with fuel. Do I need to pump fuel out through the fuel line going to the motor? Thanks for any advice.
 

mike_i

Ensign
Joined
Jun 28, 2017
Messages
942
Did you treat the gas with a stabilizer in February? Where are you trying to pump from? Can you access the tank to remove the sending unit and pump from there?
 
Joined
Jan 31, 2009
Messages
68
I am trying to pump from the filler tube. I did treat the fuel with a heavy dose of Stabil Marine fuel stabilizer. Treated for a full tank not realizing it was 3/4 full. I can access the sending unit. Didn't think of that. Do you think the Stabil will keep the fuel usable until @ February or March?
 

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Get a sample of the gas in your tank and smell of it and look at it…if it smells and looks O.K. Then it’s probably fine…especially since you treated it with Stabil….
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
Messages
49,540
no way to get any siphon valve down the fill neck. most do a 90 degree at the tank.

either pull the Anti-Siphon valve and replace with normal fitting and use the pickup tube, or remove the sending unit and siphon from there.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
27,843
The best way to siphon the fuel is to remove the fuel gauge sender and put a piece of 1/2" copper pipe in the end of the siphon hose. Now stick the pipe thru the garboard drain and into a jerry can, and start the siphon.
 

Lectro88

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 24, 2020
Messages
303
This is outside of the box. and some trouble.
You could disconnect fuel line at motor and fire up and run a minute on TruFuel. That should for sure save your carbs.
I am not a fan of Eth. sitting.
However you may be Ok with a strong dose as you described.
 

JASinIL2006

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 10, 2012
Messages
5,673
I’d leave it. Treat it with some more Stabil if you’re really worried about it. Fears of ethanol are greatly overblown.
 

hugh g

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 21, 2002
Messages
225
Hi. I have a 1997 Lowe Silhouette deck boat that has been sitting since February due to medical issues. I want to siphon out the fuel (3/4 tank full) as it will probably be spring before I can take the boat out again. My problem is I can not get the fuel to flow trying to siphon. I have used two different types of pumps an nothing comes out the hose even though plenty of hose is wet with fuel. Do I need to pump fuel out through the fuel line going to the motor? Thanks for any advice.
As long as you ran the engine for a few minutes after adding Stabil you should be fine, imho.
 
Joined
Jan 31, 2009
Messages
68
This is outside of the box. and some trouble.
You could disconnect fuel line at motor and fire up and run a minute on TruFuel. That should for sure save your carbs.
I am not a fan of Eth. sitting.
However you may be Ok with a strong dose as you described.
My carbs are dry. They drain when the motor is tilted.
 
Joined
Jan 31, 2009
Messages
68
My concern has been for the stability and octane rating of the fuel in the tank remaining viable. The carbs are dry as they drain when the motor has been tilted for about a week.
 
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