Did I do any harm to my outboard?

p413 · Post by **p413** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 7:48 pm

Got a 2002 200hp Mercury Optimax. I went to pour some Quickleen fuel treatment into the gas tank and the small, dime-sized, cardboard disk (that is supposed to stick to the Quickleen cap) dropped down into the fuel tank. Should I be worried? Is there any potential that this will cause damage to my outboard or fuel system? I really can't afford any major engine/boat repair bills right now and I've got a trip planned for tomorrow. Thanks for your help guys.

Vince Borges · Post by **Vince Borges** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 10:58 pm

Should be fine, filters should stop it before it ever gets to the engine.

adman · Post by **adman** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 11:45 pm

But it might eventually block at the filter or severely restrict flow.

Grape Ape · Post by **Grape Ape** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 6:44 am

I'd flush that tank to get it out. The only way I believe is to remove the tank. It's not going to dissolve and may block a fuel line.

Guy Kelley · Post by **Guy Kelley** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:14 am

Because of the make of the material it will not dissolve in your tank and probably cause you some future blockage problems.

If it was me !

I would syphon all gas out of tank, or attempt to, and run it through funnel with filter as its being added back into tank. Know it's a lot of hassle and work. but why take chances !?

or talk to your engine mechanic and see what they recommend. Possible tank removal and flush. Above is lot cheaper and easier and low cost than remove and flush system. Good Luck !

mxwrench · Post by **mxwrench** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 11:39 am

Here's my thoughts...

A. Unless your boat manufacturer was extremely careless during assembly or completely lacking in design, your fuel pickup tube should have a fairly large strainer screen at the end of the fuel pickup line at the bottom of the tank. The shape of these are usually tubular or a large disk shape and I highly doubt this dime shaped piece of cardboard could completely block the flow of fuel thru this pickup screen.

B. I imagine this cardboard disk probably floats (unless it is covered in foil) and couldn't make it to the bottom of the tank anyways. Unless of course you run the tank dry.

So... If it were me, I'd run it till I had time to deal with it and remove it properly.

jloo283 · Post by **jloo283** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 11:44 am

What I will suggest could be very dangerous. It involves messing with the fuel. Do not attempt if you're not at all comfortable. Do it at your own risk. I will not be responsible for anything.

Let's check if you have access to the fuel level sender unit. Look from the bilge area, if you can see the top of the tank, you'll be able to locate where the fuel level sender unit is. Or look underneath the center seat. If you're lucky, it might even be directly underneath the center seat.

Remove the fuel level sender unit. There should be 4 screws. That will give you just enough opening to see inside the tank, and maybe even allow you to squeeze your hand inside.

Now look for that little piece. It could either float or sink, I think it should float. Once you find it, you'll be able to try to get to it.

DO NOT USE ANYTHING THAT CAN GENERATE OR TRANSMIT STATIC CHARGE (i.e.: metal hanger, cable, fiberglass rods etc...).

I'm saying this again, what I suggested could be very dangerous. It involves messing with the fuel. Do not attempt if you're not at all comfortable. Do it at your own risk. I will not be responsible for anything.

Good luck and take care.

James

fishwithron2 · Post by **fishwithron2** » Thu Nov 10, 2011 9:52 pm

Suggestion if your fooling around with the gas tank. To avoid any chance of a spark, disconnect your neg ( black ) side of the battery. If there's any fume or some gas spilled and a spark goes off somehow your going to have one big fire.

offduty · Post by **offduty** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 4:40 pm

Buy yourself an automotive fuel pump you can hook to the fuel line in front of the primer bulb and pump out all fuel in to cans. Then go get the piece of cardboard. in a well ventilated area of course.

fishwithron2 · Post by **fishwithron2** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 8:20 pm

Even by pumping out all ( most) of the gas and when you remove the cover from the acending unit, there will still be gas in the tank plus alot of fume. The fume from the tank plus what gas is left in the tank will go off if there's a spark. There will still be gas in the tank proably less than a gal laying on the bottom of the tank.. DISCONNET THE NEG SIDE OF THE BATTERY to be safe.