{"id":11104,"date":"2023-10-23T17:09:14","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T00:09:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog2.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/?p=11104"},"modified":"2024-01-29T15:28:24","modified_gmt":"2024-01-29T22:28:24","slug":"how-to-clean-boat-gas-tank-without-removing-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/how-to-clean-boat-gas-tank-without-removing-it\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean Your Boat Gas Tank Without Removing It:\u00a0 A Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Did you know that boat fuel is perishable?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boat fuel comes loaded with additives.  When left sitting for too many months, the components start to separate out, leading to a gunky sludge at the bottom of the tank. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

E10 marine gasoline<\/a> is also typically composed of 10% ethanol, which can quickly lead to oxidation and corrosion in the inside of your engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While fuel stabilizers<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>can help to slow down these effects, you should still plan to clean out your boat’s gas tank routinely, especially when it’s dormant for more than a few weeks. At the very least, you’ll want to clean your boat gas tank every six months.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, we’ll tell you exactly what you’ll need, and give you specific, step-by-step instructions for cleaning out your boat’s gas tank.  (If you want to know how to clean out the rest of your boat, check out <\/em>this article<\/em><\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Essential Tools for Cleaning Your Boat’s Gas Tank<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The key items for this task include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Siphon pump<\/strong> – for safely removing gas from the tank<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Fuel container<\/strong> – for storing and recycling removed gas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Gas tank cleaner<\/strong> – commercial product that helps remove any gunk or buildup<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Pressure washer<\/strong> (optional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Safety gear <\/strong>– gloves, glasses, a face mask and long sleeves\/pants<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The hardest part of this entire process might just be keeping the smell of gas off your clothes and hands. Gloves will help, but even a tiny amount of gas has a penetrating smell.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    (You’ll find a range of <\/em>DIY options<\/em><\/a> for getting rid of gas odor online…but it’s easier to avoid a gas spill than to clean one up).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1.  Use a Siphon Pump to Remove the Gas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You’ll want to clean out your tank outside.  Gas fumes trapped in an enclosed space can make you sick<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Do a brief inspection of the area around your boat for any fluids or materials that could ignite gas.  For example, marinas are often lined with extension cords.  (Also, avoid places where someone might step outside to smoke – like outside the bar at the yacht club.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You’ve probably seen someone get a siphon going by sucking on it.  For many good reasons – including the fact that gas is toxic – this is not a good idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You should use a siphon pump<\/strong><\/a>, which is basically a tube with a pump attached.  You’ll minimize spills and the chance of getting a mouthful of sludgy E10.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    (Do your best to avoid electric pumps: Sparks and gasoline don’t play nicely). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pro Tip<\/em>:  With some boat models, it may be easier to remove gas by leaning the boat at an angle.  Consult the owner’s manual before tilting, as you’ll need to approach this maneuver differently depending on model-specific considerations.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Carefully Siphon the Gas from your Boat’s Fuel Tank Into the Container(s)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Only use containers specifically designed for gas.  A 5-gallon container is typical.  You’ll have to do the math in terms of figuring out how many containers you will need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Disposing of old gas safely and in an environmentally responsible manner is very important.  Check out this article<\/a> for instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    How Neighbor is changing boat storage<\/h2>\r\n\t\t <\/header>\r\n\t\t
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    Transparent monthly savings<\/h3>\r\n\t\t

    Renters save 30-50% on boat storage, on average. No rate hikes.<\/p>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t

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    Keep your boat nearby<\/h3>\r\n\t\t

    With locations in every state, the perfect boat spot is already near you.<\/p>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t

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    Storage made simple<\/h3>\r\n\t\t

    Don't settle for stone age tech and long contracts. Neighbor makes it easy.<\/p>\r\n\t\t <\/div>\r\n\t\t <\/section>\r\n\t\t