Mark II Fuel tank removal - metal 97 tank won't come out

[Ken Juul]

The factory doesn't do anything the hard way.  The hoses may have swelled a bit causing the tightness.  Replacing them may make the reinstall easier, or as suggested earlier, make the hole larger. 

To drain the tank i would use the electric fuel pump drain the tank, if you are planning on reusing the fuel, put a line on the output side of the racor filter to  the container.  If you are not going to reuse, it looks like there is enough slack to fill a jug from with the racor input line.

[Ted Pounds]

Ken,
If I remember correctly the fuel pump should be "downstream" from the Racor - to protect the pump from any contaminates.

[Stu Jackson]

That's true, Ted.  Most skippers are aware of the Critical Upgrades topic which includes this.  Don't know if Mark IIs with the M35 engines did that at the factory, since the pumps are much smaller and mounted on the back of the engine, per the pictures on page one of this thread.  Doesn't appear to have any filter in it, too small.  Jon's boat has the Racor before the pump.  Last report from him was that he was returning to his boat to consider installing a "blow back" easy to use hose system we designed, and perhaps a backup fuel pump.  He's still considering removing the fuel tank, but we'll see if he thinks he needs to go that far.  Don't know the details since.