Bad Fuel Problem
- Thread starter rock81
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2003
- RO Number
- 12212
- Messages
- 12,219
how much fuel is half a tank ?? if more than a couple of 5gal cans, it's going to be a PIB... whatever you use, be careful ! use only an ignition protected pump, batteries OFF, etc... no drill mounted pumps, etc... you mayb be able to use a flexible hose in the filler, if not you may need to disconnect the hose at the pick up fitting and pump the fuel out, again, be very careful with gas !
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2003
- RO Number
- 12212
- Messages
- 12,219
if you add fresh gas, it mixes with the old... and your pick up is at the bottom of the tank anyway.
old gas isnt' good because it will clog filters, gum up lines, etc... how many times have you added fresh gas / how much ? if a few times, by now it should all be mixed up and usable.
start with basics.... fuel filters (all of them, you might have on on the carb inlet), fuel pick up and also the anti syphon valve on the tgank pick up, these can get gummed up. it's possible that with a higher level, the pump is able to suck enough fuel out but when level drops it can't. I'd also inspect the pick up tube to make sure it's not damaged and sucks air when level is too low.
old gas isnt' good because it will clog filters, gum up lines, etc... how many times have you added fresh gas / how much ? if a few times, by now it should all be mixed up and usable.
start with basics.... fuel filters (all of them, you might have on on the carb inlet), fuel pick up and also the anti syphon valve on the tgank pick up, these can get gummed up. it's possible that with a higher level, the pump is able to suck enough fuel out but when level drops it can't. I'd also inspect the pick up tube to make sure it's not damaged and sucks air when level is too low.
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2002
- RO Number
- 10399
- Messages
- 303
To elaborate on Pascal's good advice, Rochester carbs have a fuel filter WITHIN the carb. You have to remove the fuel line at the carb (be ready to catch any spillage and cap while working...). Unscrew the brass fuel fitting to access the very fine mesh fuel filter. There are (at least) two different diameters/lengths, so I'd recommend taking it out and then getting the correct one...
The anti syphon valves are also problematic. They are located at the tank fitting and do plug up/freeze partially open, etc. Your boat is now 10 years old - replacing now "as preventative matter" is not unreasonable.
Delaware Jim
The anti syphon valves are also problematic. They are located at the tank fitting and do plug up/freeze partially open, etc. Your boat is now 10 years old - replacing now "as preventative matter" is not unreasonable.
Delaware Jim
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2000
- RO Number
- 937
- Messages
- 78
Call a fuel company - they often provide a service to assist in proper disposal of unwanted fuel and contaminated fuel mixtures. My dad had 35 gallons of diesel and gasoline mix he needed pumped out of a truck tank. The fuel company he called said they provide the service to ensure that the fuel gets disposed of properly. They came and pumped the tank dry at no charge.
Some of your symptoms sound like there may be water in the gas. Water lays on the bottom of the tank and may get stirred around more as the fuel level drops. Are you using a water separator? WaterZorb may be a good option unless there is so much water it is better to siphon some out. A little PRI-G could not hurt either.
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2006
- RO Number
- 20824
- Messages
- 2,958
Did you mix non ethanol and ethanol gas together?
Do you have a Racor and if so, what does the bowl look like?
Do you have a Racor and if so, what does the bowl look like?