DIY: How to clean your boat fuel under $100 {everyone should do this}

I wish I would have done this a long time ago! My boat engine has been running rough for 6 months and finally after cleaning the fuel it's running great again...
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This is how to clean your boat fuel. Polish your boat fuel. Polish your boat fuel tank. Whatever you want to call it! This DIY costs under $100 and can save you a ton of money in the long run. I think everyone should do this =)
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If you suspect you may have water in your fuel this is a great way to check and remove water from your boat fuel tank. You're engine will be much happier and run much better! It'll save you a lot of problems in the future

[@seanarthur2414]

Put the battery outside the boat and extend your pump wire leads so if you generate a spark you have a distance between that and the fuel vapor.

[@SouthFloridaFishingChannel]

I'm not a boat mechanic expert, but I finally got my boat issues under control and this is how I fixed the problem. Ever since I cleaned all my fuel the engine has been running great again! Did anyone find this video useful?

[@hookednrolling2009]

You should use rec 90 then you don’t have to worry about it that’s all I use never had a problem my boat sat for two yrs no problems. Now it been sitting for almost three yrs. I pump some fuel out before the filter (that’s how you really find out how good your fuel really is mines good nothing at all) not a spec of anything. JT HOOKED N ROLLING OFFSHORE 🇺🇸🇺🇸🐟🐠🎣🛥

[@clarenceshuemake3519]

I run nothing but ethanol free gas in my tank

[@usnmartinez]

I used regular gas before, boat sat for just about a month then ran like ass. Never again. Ethanol free is the way.

[@fungus4758]

So long as the boat is running almost on a daily basis or even a weekly basis, it should be fine. I put Stabil Marine 360 with all my fill ups and have left it sitting just under 6 months and never had any issues. I also have 4 strokes. However the issue here, was crud in the fuel which no stabilizer will fix. A good fuel filter is needed to separate the junk. The lower the micron number, the more finer particulates are removed. The filters will have to be changed more often but the engine will run a lot better. Great job Heiko 🤙

[@SouthFloridaFishingChannel]

@@hookednrolling2009 I only buy rec90. Never put anything else in my boat

[@OlaHesselroth]

Thanks for the video. Some comments. 1. The pipe sucking up the fuel when polishing the fuel must go to the bottom of the tank. The normal pipe ends a bit from the bottom to avoid sucking up the water in the bottom of the tank. So you can't use the existing and instead you must have a pipe going to bottom of the tank, otherwise you will not get all dirt and water from the tank. 2. It's better to install the pump after the filter to prolong the life of the pump.

[@quikR1AN]

Did the same thing on my boat for suspect of water in tank. Little trick I learn was to put a few drops of red food coloring into the tank, as it only mixes with water and I was able to tell when the water slowly being filtered out. Also, an inline cheap paper filter never hurts. Great Video and highly recommend

[@MyronNoland]

Condensation! Full fuel tanks will develop little to no condensation where as half full or near empty fuel tanks will develop condensation and cause water/fuel issues. Also I'd install a fuel separator with a clear bowl so you can easily check it BEFORE you start the engine. Mine has a petcock in the bottom to drain any water that may be seen. ALSO make sure you have fuel filters to capture trash in the fuel. Live and learn. Great videos! Keep up the good work Heiko.

[@2BearsOutdoors]

Dude, well done. It's so worth it. Great video

[@CASHCRZZY1]

Heiko You cannot throw water on a gasoline fire. I love your idea that is fantastic and when you’re done leave that fuel filter separator in the boat, leave it hooked up.

[@fungus4758]

Well....... technically he can throw water on a gasoline fire but it won't do any good except maybe spread it more 😂

[@leversforever9748]

@@fungus4758 That's like saying yea you can jump off a 20 story building but you will die

[@rtjrockstar95]

use hose clamps on those fittings to prevent leaks also. In a pinch or a quick easy you can use zip ties.

[@Opiemus]

Thanks I was going to say the same thing, it would be very unfortunate if one of those hoses popped off due to pressure and sprayed gas everywhere while it was running. I know that the pump is supposed to be electrically sealed but man I just wouldn't want to risk it.

[@MEGA_SOKO]

While this is a great theory, it will never get all the water and crud out this way. The problem is you're using the pickup tube, which does not extend all the way to the bottom of the tank. I did a 3-part video on my fuel issues, including tank pressure testing for leaks) and learned this fuel pickup issue the hard way. The best way to do a fuel "polish" is to put the boat on the trailer, remove the sending unit, tilt the boat so all the water runs into the front or back (depending on which way you tilt the trailer) and use a supported hose to pull your contaminated fuel from the bottom of the tank. (I wrapped a heavy aluminum wire around the fuel hose that I inserted into the tank to pull the bad fuel out so it stayed rigid)

[@Matthew-ev4cv]

Not all tanks can you take off the sending unit without damage to the tank and then you'd be stuck replacing the entire tank. If this is the case what method works best in your opinion to me if you do this an also cause movement in the tank the debris will move float up and around so it would get the garbage from the bottom but if you have a better method i am all ears.

[@MEGA_SOKO]

@@Matthew-ev4cv some vent tops are removable. That would be another option.

[@Matthew-ev4cv]

@MEGA_SOKO there are 3 hoses and the sending unit.....what vent top?

[@MEGA_SOKO]

@@Matthew-ev4cv The 3 hoses on top of the tank are: Fuel fill (larger of the 3 hoses), the fuel supply to the engine and the vent hose, which allows for expansion and contraction of the fuel. I have seen on some tanks, where the vent threaded and the hose barb is removable. This is usually more common on aluminum tanks.

[@Matthew-ev4cv]

@@MEGA_SOKO oh ok mines plastic

[@Swanny383]

Fuel Expands quite a bit with temp, the expansion and contration in the tank moves air in and out of the system ( The air is probably where most of the moisture is coming from over time ) , This also happens at the Gas Stations and when they ship the fuel, so it all adds up , As the end user of the fuel we end up with most of the contamination.

[@peterbee2771]

Limit spark probability....Hook up positive first, then negative. Good video

[@njseashorechas2698]

Great stuff, you made me chuckle with your comment about sparks. Thanks!

[@acesnoopy]

Just ordered all the stuff to fix my broat. I bet the water that has been with the gas is gonna be delicious!! bringo!

[@valhallagaming9083]

This works for trucks too I was able to get all the water out of my ford ranger tank after my pontoon boat drug it into the lake. 10/10 method

[@luisma1161]

I bought my boat a few years ago and it's also a two stroke and I kept having issues with the motor conking out, mostly when I would start it and within less than a mile it turn off, I had the engine looked at by a marine business in Key Colony Beach which I will not mention, because they are not the nicest people, anyhow they could not find anything wrong and could not tell what might be the cause, By trial and error and watching a lot of videos and reading I came to the conclusion that it was my gas and the gas tank, the boat had not been used for a long time. I had a company from Miami come out and polish the tank, it was about $375.00 if I remember correctly. The problem went away for a time but it came back about 6 months later. This method of yours makes perfect sense, DIY self polishing every so often, that way your gas and gas tank stay on the clean side. Unlike you I do not have an installed water and fuel separator, my gas does straight into the engine. I may now install a water fuel separator and buy the things you bought to do the self polishing every few months. Great video.

[@scottmaccaferri]

Your fuel vent on the outside of hull could be another culprit. If the vent hose does not have a slight rise to it and your taking any waves broadside , washing hull you’ll get water in fuel too.

[@SouthFloridaFishingChannel]

I've checked my vent many times and it's always been good. It has multiple bends in so it would almost be impossible for water to splash up under, over, around and down it heh

[@ndtrucking3714]

Just a little advice, you may have to change your water separator on your boat because it might be holding too much water or not working anymore

[@SouthFloridaFishingChannel]

It's a Raycor so I can see the water collect on the bottom and can easily drain it out. But the actual filter part I'm sure is clogged with stuff after the last month of running it. I just got 3 new ones =) Nothing like spending $210 on a few filters

[@jakemedley7423]

My dad had a 30ft searay weekender that we used to troll for salmon in lake michigan it had two racors because twin 350 mercruisers and we would replace the filter element every other year as preventative maintenance but it was only in the water for 5ish months at a time.

[@keithsanders9396]

Definitely check your tank out. I had an aluminum tank in my boat and kept having water issues like this. i even got a similar pump and a new Racor and made a similar polishing setup. It ended up being caused by corrosion on the tank - I found a dime sized hole in the tank a foot from the sende where the metal corroded. When I cut the deck out and replaced the tank, I found small holes all over the tank. Condensation under the deck would drip on to the tank and end up going through a hole and polluted my gas.

[@dogwater9886]

i put a water separator for my Evinrude with a 10 micron filter, works great.

[@brisketwizard8004]

Good info. Not sure if you can get/or already run non-ethanol gas in your boat. Ethanol attracts moisture. And Ethanol does not burn as hot as gasoline, So it creates more carbon deposits on the pistons, therefore reducing the top RPMs the motor can produce. I run a 2009 Yamaha 150 4 stroke and NEVER have run gas with ethanol. STARTRON additive will chemically bond the water and stabilize any gas for about a year. Yamaha Ring Free will burn off the excess carbon buildup on the pistons (works on any gas engine). I use both additives even with non-ethanol gas--never had any issues. Many friends call BS on the Ring Free. I have personal experience with my older Johnson 115. Before using both additives, I could only turn 4800 rpms. After 2 tanks (16 gal.) I got 5800 rpm @ WOT. Ethanol will eat up fuel hoses and all internal o-rings. Just change the original fuel/water separator at leas every 6 months. A small price to pay to protect a high value boat/motor.

[@WallaceScarborough]

All the video I have watched yours is the best. Sure there are a few tweaks people have added that might help but GREAT JOB. It really helped me.

[@christopherreilly4303]

I had a similar problem on my yamaha. I switched from a 10 micron fuel water separator to a 2 micron racor. I have to change the filter more often but there's no more junk getting to my motor.

[@scottsautomotivecenter5422]

heiko if you are going to continue with this setup do yourself a favor extend the wires on pump so the connection to the battery are on the dock 1 small spark can lead to a very bad day. i had a car go up checking a fuel pump under the back seat 2nd and 3rd deg hands and arms be careful my friend

[@SouthFloridaFishingChannel]

yea lol I was thinking that the whole time I was doing this

[@scottsautomotivecenter5422]

@@SouthFloridaFishingChannel

[@scottsautomotivecenter5422]

one other thing to check make sure the water seperator is rated for your motor my 2 stroke has the big threads more fuel@@SouthFloridaFishingChannel

[@the_astro_garden]

ALWAYS connect your positive terminal first, then the negative terminal to complete the circuit otherwise you risk a spark, a little risky, especially with the battery connections so close to spilt fuel.

[@tcap7917]

The ground has the same ability to "spark" as the positive if there is a draw on the battery at the time of connection.

[@stans1058]

You didn't consider condensation formimg in the tank. The air temperature can be a different temperature then the tank contents. If the air temperature is cooler then fuel then water will form in the tank.

[@motorv8N]

And here I’ve been searching all over for cheap drums to put all my fuel in when I could just cycle back into the tank. Doh! Gotta try this.

[@wjonthetrail]

You are on the right track with your fuel issues After your done cleaning your fuel Clean that new filter and install it directly into your fuel system so you always have clean fuel

[@jbodoughnuts]

Thanks for the knowledge!

[@JasonMontaner]

Great video dude!! Adding it to my list of things to do! I Guess, thanks for more work! 😂

[@vettepicking]

Run the pump after the filter. The pump has a small screen filter that can clog fast , filter first then to the pump.

[@rickcolley1070]

Great job I’ve been doing this for years, but I haven’t used a separator like that. I just been using to spin on 10 µm filters. My question is I bought the separator and I see the red plastic piece inside the bowl. No directions come with this unit what is the red ring for?🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jamescraig8601]

Thank you. I will start doing this. To my mower and tractor too.

[@samzach2057]

The spark source is incredibly close to the flammable vapor source. Very dangerous.

[@sbxxxiii]

Why didn't you just put a new racor filter instead of that contraption?

[@coreybennett199]

Good video as usual! I’d recommend pumping completely out into another clean tank and then back. You are sure to get 99% vs a constant remix. And then you can clean it again when you pump it back.

[@lb7wade518]

Next when you finish take that filter apart and see what gunk is in the filter

[@tannermorley6414]

Didn’t see in the video but where is the water going? Like are you intermittently draining the water out of the bottom of the water separator system ? Or what

[@gungadinn]

Heiko, By-pass the Racor filter all together. Then mount the Amazon filter between the tank and electric fuel pump so as to not kill the pump. Not knowing where the tank pickup is, you need to suck fuel from the tank at the lowest position, so if that means weighing down the boat on one side, go for it. Mercury Marine makes a spin-on fuel/water separator where the replacement filters are in the $20 range, plus the housing. The small fuel pump you have doesn't have the volume to act as a vacuum cleaner for the tank. You need to add some methanol to the tank as it will bind with the water and make the mix burnable in the engine. There is also a paste that the fuel delivery companies use when they supply gas stations. O'Riley auto parts sells it called Gasoila Water Finding Paste. $12 for the paste. The dip stick gets coated and the paste indicates if water is found and how much. (round tank, not rectangular won't tell how much, just presence of water) The biggest difference between Racor and off brand filtration is the micron size of the crud it will filter.

[@80884bpresley]

Awesome video man!!!

[@fairwind8222]

Pump out all old fuel ( run it in your buddy’s old truck) Start with fresh rec 90! Add Evinrude 2+4 fuel conditioner

[@gradybrowning3976]

Yea Boy, been through that before!

[@larrygolden167]

Maybe fuel in the keys my truck started acting up after getting fuel down there. I wouldn’t change it every month change it now and keep a spare on hand. When you have issues change it and get another spare that will tell you how often it needs to be changed. I think the racor filters have different size micron filters you may have too small of a micron filter causing some of the issue. Your engine should have a filter on it somewhere under the cowl you racor should be the same micron as that.

[@kennethlaibson6506]

I use Sta-bilge in my tank throughout the winter months.. It works 😅

[@briancamp4302]

80 bucks for a filter still beats calling a tow service to come get you. i think youre spot on though with the way your cleaning your fuel though.

[@Stan_L]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@gwdonthewater]

i would put some sentry fuel stabilizer in the tank it works great

[@SouthFloridaFishingChannel]

I put in a ton of fuel stabilizer over the months and it didn't fix the issues I was having until I cleaned my fuel

[@gwdonthewater]

@@SouthFloridaFishingChannel the only thing is most of that crap doesn't work sentry is the boss

[@paulthompson1216]

I bought that same pump from amazon. Worked twice before quitting. I also had a 10 amp fuse in the circuit. Fuse did not blow. Now sure how to disassemble it. Looks like a press fit.

[@Lastcall115]

Fuel Polishing on the cheap, I like it

[@robertdejonge3607]

Not sure how much gas your engine uses but we have two 25l removable red yamaha gas tanks. They never get dirty on the inside. The 1998 60hp yamaha 2 stroke always runs flawless

[@coonersvtx]

Does that filter only work for diesel fuel? Or can you use it on unleaded?

[@stans1058]

Seperate question. With Evinrude out of business how do you maintain (support, parts) the engine?

[@daffyduck9901]

Why didn't you put long leads on those wires so your battery would be like 10 ft away

[@johnm9627]

Add some radiator clamps to your fuel lines and use longer wires on your battery connection to minimize chances of an explosion. Bad gas could be the least of your problems. Also, don't use water on a fuel fire. Only makes it worse.

[@scubatechkeylargo]

Great video, I’m having fuel issues also and will be doing the same. 👍

[@shizont]

changing the water separator filter every month?!? How can you tell how often to change it?

[@davidjackson9977]

hmmm. Maybe you should try connecting the old filter in reverse and running it through your new filter to see if the clog comes out of the out filter and shows in the glass of the new filter. If it works, it would be a quick way of cleaning/reusing the old filter without buying/replacing an $80 filter. Also, I just want to see what comes out of that old filter.

[@wjonthetrail]

Cleaning your fuel is a good thing But get yourself some hoses clamps with wing nuts so you can use them with out tools Could come in very handy out in the ocean

[@wildbryan2217]

You should have one in-line always …. I’ll give you a Parker racor set up

[@andrewskibaba]

Hose clamp essential

[@rlhawkinsrlhawkins]

Hi there captain.. Enjoy your knowledge.. What type of gas are you using for your boat..?? Are you putting any type of stabilizer??

[@Soldi736]

Did you ever try putting in bottle of ISO HEET yellow bottle for water in fuel? Pne bottle would do!

[@EMC-xt2zx]

So that you know, water and electricity don't mix! ;-)

[@skipholmes9040]

Wondering, how many mechanics did you go through, before you found the fuel issue?

[@Massiverobsfishing]

I reckon you will have more luck emptying the tank into can's and put it back after. Also get a 4stoke already 😂

[@asianseaanimals]

Great tips and sharing

[@markcrume]

Great video. Good enough.

[@victorjcano]

no hose clamps?

[@Captainpaulbtyhtr]

Do you run Rec 90 fuel ? The ethanol in regular fuel sucks humidity from the air and separates in the tank. Also add enzyme additive startron

[@johnhubbard6262]

Cheers man, loved the video, question though, the linked filter/separator is for Diesel not Gas. Is it the wrong link or did you just switch up filters or something.

[@womackke]

It's fine the difference on real racors is the diesel ines use a plastic bowl and it will get cloudy after a while. But no biggie

[@TheJimCarroll]

Heiko watch those fuel cans you use too

[@georgeniebergall7074]

By the way, all you have to do is buy a fuel separator water separator and it will do the same thing that you just paid $100 for the filters. All you do is emptied them out if they get water in them and reuse them.

[@terry8448]

If you are getting water in your tank there is a good chance that the o-ring on your fuel fill cap is bad and needs to be replaced.

[@lb7wade518]

Is this the last clean on this boat

[@wegottafishdude]

🤘🏻😎🤘🏻 Awesome stuff dude That looks like a gas Get it lol

[@richardhoffman9729]

and good quality oil

[@AchikSarih]

Merci beaucoup ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheNockingPoint]

Pump up the jam, pump it up!

[@TheNockingPoint]

I expected more junk and Jam.

[@anglersanddanglers9508]

I thought this was the whole reason for the "regular" water separating fual filter?

[@greylingmccray1136]

Don't you have to change the separator that's installed?

[@ericp474]

Is that a filter on the side of you pump? It may be clogged.

[@tee2sea]

Did you notice there is an inline fuel filter attached to your pump?

[@finaddict72]

The old rule of thumb is to not run your tank low. I have heard all sorts of "voodoo" on why... The truth be told the less fuel, the more vapor air mixture which can expand and contact with temperature change. The moisture in that air will condense in your tank when it cools and adds up over time. Water always gets pulled first in your fuel as it is heavier than fuel.

[@myparadiseonbantayanisland9030]

The main culprit causing water in gas is the alcohol in the gas. Alcohol has an affinity for water and it will grab moisture from the air combining it with your gas and Florida is very humid so virtually all gasahol no matter where it came from has already absorbed water, so water separator filters are very necessary. Your pump might be slowing down due to draining the battery, pumps use a lot of power.😁🎣🐟🐠💦☔🌊

[@manuelbover4816]

If you keep your gas tank full, you will eliminate the chance of moisture that creates water in the tank. So after every fishing trip, try to fill it up right away and I think your problems will be gone.

[@JoebobLandry]

Use seafoam every 2nd tank it breaks down water and let's the motor burn it out

[@bradmartin6078]

You really should have remove the fuel, sending unit and put the suction hose all the way to the bottom of the tank your fuel pick ups sits about 2 inches off the bottom of the tank, so any water and stuff below that point will not be brought through the filter cleaner

[@puzer1]

correct, using the tanks pickup is useless...the best way is accessing the port by the sending unit of the tank itself and inserting a copper pipe attached to the end of the suction hose...this allows you to get to the very bottom of the tank...

[@GmanfromTexas]

Humm I’m wondering if I should do that to my bass boat. It’s been sitting for months with a full tank of gas.

[@georgeniebergall7074]

Heico I thought you were getting a new boat

[@wildbryan2217]

Hb6 hose barbs

[@wildbryan2217]

You need gasolina dope for the fuel fittings

[@eddiediaz9958]

4:46 Is that a crack in your support gusset?

[@stanleybest8833]

You raised a lot of topics. 80 dollars a filter? I'm going to get my own separator, but use loose cotton. Your 2 cycle? I have a Tomking TK144FC, with springs changed so it will troll. It's an air cooled 4 cycle, so starting is a snap, and I can turn it upside down and pump out the last drop. It also goes home and sits in the closet. The tank is only for refilling it's little 1-4 hour tank. Your boatbuilder did a gigantic disservice by glassing your tank inside the boat. My Rover, Cessna, scooter, Lowecraft, friend's Searay? All their tanks come out to be shaken with sand and dish soap. A new air cooled diesel came into my life, so it's spare tank is going to be fuel polished just like yours. The only smooth 2 cycle I have is a 51 Elgin 6 pony. It horrifies some boat or plane people, but you can fill a tank with clean tap water then drain and separate it all away.

[@suescruggs1982]

is that not a diesel filter ?

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

because you don't use a Mr funnel!! filters your fuel before it ever goes in your tank. a 35.00 item saves you a ton of problems been using one for at least 10 yrs. I've never had an issue. filters water and loads of particulates youd never see. my marpac quik view filter (the best) lasts way longer. I have numerous numerous videos all about it showing all the crap that comes straight out of a gas pump.

[@tonyv9712]

I need to do the same because I have bad fuel, but how did you fit a 3/8 fuel hose into a fuel pump that has a inlet of 5/16?

[@SouthFloridaFishingChannel]

I put a little clamp on it and it fit just fine

[@piotrtrocki3842]

To do it properly you cannot send the clean fuel back to the tank, because you are mixing it with dirty fuel. You should pump all the fuel out of the tank, clean it, clean the tank and pour it back into the clean tank or use it in your mower or generator. When the engine is pulling fuel the flow rate is much lower than that pump you have and when the flow rate is too high than your fuel/water separator cannot properly separate.

[@Outboardtech]

People always forgot to talk about safety, always keep contacts far from fuel and vapors

[@Outboardtech]

They tend to spark

[@Outboardtech]

And the more you lift the front the closer the water gets to the pick up

[@Outboardtech]

Also the fuel pick up doesn’t reach the bottom of tank so there will always be a small film at the bottom, tank cleaning service pulls the sender and drys the tank 100% so it’s not apples for apples

[@hburnham67]

The reaction expression while you're explaining the fuel near a possible spark source 2:27 💀💀💀 Great video well done!! Always love a good DIY save yourself hundreds of $$$ video

[@henrymontero4470]

Heico, is your fuel tank seriously vented to the inside of your boat, just above the deck? That's not good....

[@allendabold5611]

just a suggestion. jump to the other side of your filter so you're not running it through the filter then run it through your polishing filter so you can actually see what you're catching and you won't be plugging up filters