Pumping out 100 gallons of 10 yr old fuel on 34 Sundancer. Any suggestions?

B

Bruce LaChance

New Member
Mar 12, 2012
26
Smith Mountain Lake
Boat Info
1989 34 ft Sundancer w/2-454 w/V drives- Previous boats 1990 30' Donzi Black Widow w/2 Mercruiser 4
Engines
454 Mercruiser w/ V Drives
Hello Gents,
I just purchased this boat and it apparently has been on blocks for the last 11 yrs. Yes I can't believe they left 1/2 a tank of fuel on both tanks. I have to pump this out this weekend or else they charge me $5/gallon to have it done and disposal fees. I do have a nice electric lube oil filter cart with about an 1 inch diameter hose suction which should work. Any suggestions on the best access location to drain these tanks or just use the main fill caps? I appreciate any inflo...
 
Need to pump 100 gallons of 10 yr old fuel out of my 34 Sundancer...Any Suggestions?

Hello Gents,
I just purchased this boat and it apparently has been on blocks for the last 11 yrs. Yes I can't believe they left 1/2 a tank of fuel on both tanks. I have to pump this out this weekend or else they charge me $5/gallon to have it done and disposal fees. I do have a nice electric lube oil filter cart with about an 1 inch diameter hose suction which should work. Any suggestions on the best access location to drain these tanks or just use the main fill caps? I appreciate any inflo...​
 
I do not know your background or mechanical experience. Therefore, I will advice you seek a professional for this type of service.

Lets assume you are an expert. I have seen professionals use the filler caps. Depending on your tanks, you can also disconnect your fuel line before the filter or pump and drain (suck) from their.
 
USE CAUTION with the ELECTRIC pump!! Be sure it's ignition protected as the fuel (or gas) may result in vapors that could explode during pumping. Now , yes there are electric pumps that could be used for your purpose just be sure you're using an appropriate one. Also remember that plastic gas cans sliding against fiberglassor plastic like a pick up truck bedliner, can conduct static eletricity and spark and BOOM again. Not trying to be a party pooper just a few points to remember. Is it possible to remove the fuel line, attach a longer hose and gravity feed the fuel to a waiting container? It may cost but how about a local waste oil / fuel removal service? Don't forget, you have to do something with the 100 gallons of old fuel after you get it out.
 
What type of boat are we talking? A 340 a 300? I would advise you not to mess around with gas on a boat. Let the pro's handle it and use their insurance. I would also suggest keeping a few spare sets of filters on board. I'm sure you are going to have some varnish. Use sea foam to help clean out your tanks and lines. It may also be a great time to just replace your lines with material that is alcohol friendly. Let me know what you have, if it is a 340 I know the boat very well...
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One more thing. It is only nessasary to post once on CSR. We have a great knowledge base that is happy to help.
 
Ive done this on my 340. The access to the tanks is under the bed in the rear stateroom. Its the easiest way to get it out. Its a PITA lugging it out 5 gals at a time. Like everyone said, be careful.. Well ventilated and watch the sparks..
 
Thanks Gents,
I never knew the responses would be so quick. I appreciate the safety tips on the electric motor and after reviewing everyones input I intend on using the filter cart on the dock and put an extension hose on the suction side through the tank access in the aft cabin. A friend of mine has a automotive repair shop and wants the old fuel to soak parts...that should solve my what to do with it afterward issue. I'm sure this issue is the tip of the iceburg with this vessel since I bought it so cheap. I'm having a compression check, the carbs rebuilt, the raw water side gone through for starters. I'm buying and servicing from a reputable Searay/Mercruiser dealer at Smith Mountain Lake and they quasi assured me the engines were good and turned over. All I really know until this weekend when I really get into the boat is that the batteries are new and the bilge pumps work. Let the games begin...Thanks Again
 
our boat sat for about 10 years with about 1/4 full.

Go ahead and buy about 20 fuel filters now.


trust me.
 
oh yeah and not sure about your hours on the boat but anytime you are troubleshooting you need to change the normal frame of reference from 'what could be old/worn out/broken on this system' to 'what has rotted away from non use'

ours only had 150 hours so nothing 'worn out' but plenty rotten. Hoses, pumps, impellers, electrical connections, starters, etc.
 
OK so I see now you have a 340 DA. Welcome to the group you will love these ole gals once you get the bugs sorted. Be advised there is 3 diff fuel filters on these boats. On on the fwd bulkhead,one on the motor itself, and one right at the carb.
 
Question to the people that know gas. With old gas can you add octain booster to old fuel and use it? If you mix old and new fuel will you get something that will work in your boat? I have used gas that has sat in the garage for 2 years in the lawn mower.
 
Keith the Cop said:
Ive done this on my 340. The access to the tanks is under the bed in the rear stateroom. Its the easiest way to get it out. Its a PITA lugging it out 5 gals at a time. Like everyone said, be careful.. Well ventilated and watch the sparks..
Click to expand...

Appreciate the input. Will there be two access covers or one. Is that where the pick up tubes are at? Any special tools. I won't be able to see the boat until this friday. Thanks
 
Pyrojodge said:
OK so I see now you have a 340 DA. Welcome to the group you will love these ole gals once you get the bugs sorted. Be advised there is 3 diff fuel filters on these boats. On on the fwd bulkhead,one on the motor itself, and one right at the carb.
Click to expand...

Hi Jason,
Didn't have site permission to respond sooner. Its a 1989 34 SunDancer is that a DA? Anything you recommend I do to the transmissions after sitting so long? I had a 90 Donzi a few years ago with twin 454's and the raw water pump impeller was in the front but it didn't have a head exchanger like this model so I will have to learn this set-up. This thing was bubble wrapped for 10 years and has a little mildew damage. I was ready to walk away from the deal but when they lowered the price to 5.5k I had to take my chances...
 
redneck joe said:
our boat sat for about 10 years with about 1/4 full.

Go ahead and buy about 20 fuel filters now.


trust me.
Click to expand...
Thanks RJ, Are these monsters even feasible to try to trailer on a triple axle trailer? I know you need permits and I have a 2500 Suburban with a turbo diesel and it did ok with the 30' donzi but this has twice the Gross tons. I plan on having a 15K lb boat lift put in soon.
 
Bruce LaChance said:
Hi Jason,
Didn't have site permission to respond sooner. Its a 1989 34 SunDancer is that a DA? Anything you recommend I do to the transmissions after sitting so long? I had a 90 Donzi a few years ago with twin 454's and the raw water pump impeller was in the front but it didn't have a head exchanger like this model so I will have to learn this set-up. This thing was bubble wrapped for 10 years and has a little mildew damage. I was ready to walk away from the deal but when they lowered the price to 5.5k I had to take my chances...
Click to expand...

I hope that every thing checks out good with your engines and trans. I would deffinately change the fluid in the trans. I would imagine they are velvet drives. Borg warner. they take 3 qts of ATF each.

Here's a picture of the access..
Sending units.jpg
Sendingunits.jpg

DSCN0715.jpg


Just be very careful...
Best of luck... and if you would like to see some pics of my 340 here you go...
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/47394-1989-340-DA-Refit-Take-a-look
 
Bruce LaChance said:
Thanks RJ, Are these monsters even feasible to try to trailer on a triple axle trailer? I know you need permits and I have a 2500 Suburban with a turbo diesel and it did ok with the 30' donzi but this has twice the Gross tons. I plan on having a 15K lb boat lift put in soon.
Click to expand...

There has been lots of discussion on towing mid-30 foot cruisers on this site. Run a search and see what everyone says.

I am curious about your 'burban. I am guessing but I suppose it is a 6.5 with a turbo. If it was a Duramax you would have absolutely no problem, other than permits and such.

Good luck.

Bob
 
Pyrojodge said:
What type of boat are we talking? A 340 a 300? I would advise you not to mess around with gas on a boat. Let the pro's handle it and use their insurance. I would also suggest keeping a few spare sets of filters on board. I'm sure you are going to have some varnish. Use sea foam to help clean out your tanks and lines. It may also be a great time to just replace your lines with material that is alcohol friendly. Let me know what you have, if it is a 340 I know the boat very well...
Click to expand...
Thanks for the pics Jason, really helpful. Will bring the allen wrenches. Sounds like your really doing a nice job on the boat. Can't wait for summer when I can get into the interior details. One good thing is that I live within 4 miles of the Sea Ray factory here in Merritt Island so they can be helplful finding things in the past. Curious about your rail and potable water tank leaks...Where do you access the tank? Thanks, Bruce
 
I did reseal my rub rail. I have the tappered rubber with the SS insert. I used acetone and cleaned the top side and masked a 1/4 gap all along the top side of the RR. I used 5200 black to seal the rail. Looks great can't even tell its there. The water tank is accessable under the stairs and under the dinette. It is a pain to get to but it is possible. On the bottom step of the stairs there is an access for the sending unit.
 
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