Emptying Gas Tank for Towing

[ggenge]

I just purchased a 2001 21V with the Merc 5.7. Is there any way to easily empty the huge gas tank for towing or winter storage. confused: I notoced that the fuel pump seems to have 2 inlets and 2 outlets, and one of the outlets is closed off. Could I install a fuel hose with a shut off at the end of the hose there for de-feuling the boat. Syphoning worked a bit, but I kept gettng air as soon as it started to syphoe. If you pull off the rear tank cover to try to syphon, the angle of the inlet to the tank seems to cause the hose get air since it seems hard to keep the hose in the gas; besides that premium tastes aweful.

Any suggestions on how to de-fuel the boat. I would rather be ableto put the gas in my tank for the way home.

Regards

[Matt Garcia]

Emptying your gas tank seems like more work and mess than for what its worth. Just my honest opinion. Maybe just use your boat bit longer on the lake or dont fill up all the time??

Also if you are winterizing your boat you have to leave a full tank of gas in the boat to prevent condensation.

[talltigeguy]

Just make sure to add some fuel stabilizer to it and you should be good to go. I agree with Matt, seems like way too much work. Keep gas in it and it'll be ready for next time.

[scootc]

I'm with Matt. Also seems like anything you rig up is a potential for fire. I don't like messing around with any part of the fuel system unless its absolutely necessary.

[ggenge]

Thanks for your help

Ya, good point, I guess a full tank only weighs 228 pounds so hardly worth he effort, and good tip on keeping the tank full to avoid condensation.

On another note, when I removed the fuel cap, whatever holds the chain on fell off and rolled into the tank. I'm assuming its stainless, so its not magnetic so a magnet on a string wont fish it out. It wont rust but, do I need to get it out of the tank? I bought a stainless nut to replace whatever fell off, but not sure how to lock it on so it doesnt fall off again. Any suggestions.

Regards