starboard tank troubles

T

Taran

New member
I think I know the problem, but need your input. When we used the starboard gas tank for the first time this season, up in Neah Bay, the motor started to sputter and wouldn't accelerate. It worked fine when we switched back to the port tank. My husband added fuel conditioner last fall, before wintering the boat, but now says he can't be sure he added it to both tanks (age again rears its ugly head). To add to the equation, we aren't sure when the fuel separator was changed last. We bought the boat in June last year, and didn't get to use it much, so put off the oil change (previous owner had done it before putting it on the market). Does this sound like water in the tank? Would changing the fuel separator allow us to salvage the full tank, or does it need to be pumped out and discarded?
Appreciate any advice or suggestions.
 
You can just "polish" the fuel. This involves using an external fuel water separator and pumping the fuel out of the tank and then peroidically checking the fuel water separator for water--and discarding the water.

I have a set up using a $35 fuel pump from auto zone and a $25 "Sierra" filter, plus a few fittings and tubing. You can tie into the tank at the transfer valve, or where the fuel goes into the engine. The "polished fuel" can go into 5 gallons cans, or a barrel. We did this with the entire 100 gallons of the 25 when we pruchased it. The fuel was about 3 years old, and we burned it (after polishing) in trucks and boats.
 
Bob --

Could you givesome additional information on the fuel pump that you are using for polishing? Is it 110V or 12V? I have looked but can't find anything that seems like what you have on either the AutoZone or NAPA web sites. All I can find is diesel transfer pumps. Given the dangers of asoline, I can understand that transfer pumps would be a bit hard to come by and am very interested in what your setup.

Thanks.

Jim
 
You may also want to check the starboard tank vent to make sure that the hole is not aimed forward. In this position the vent will take on water. I have had two boats where this was an issue. I went a step further and installed shrouded vents on both boats and have not had a problem since. Please see my photos in my C-Brat album that show this vent. If you have room, an inside loop in the vent line hose to create an air lock is advisable.

Best regards,
 
It Could be ethanol separation. I had it all last year intermittantly and finally solved it by removing and dumping the tanks (big job yes, but what a peace of mind booster) and then only using guaranteed non-ethanol fuel. Mostly one problem tank for me too. It was nice to have two motors when the problem struck.
 
Captains Cat":2plcy3ou said:
What kind of fuel filter do you have? One for each tank or just one?

Charlie
Click to expand...
Hi, thanks for responding. The fuel filter is a Honda/Racor. There is just one, inline direct to the motor.
 
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