Hey all. I’ve been looking around for a tub solid enough to hold water, and sink my lower unit of my motor under some water to test start it in the backyard.
I know that you can’t run the prop in a tub, too much air and bubbles. My problem is one of a fuel starvation, and I think it’s fuel pump related. To test my theory, I want to run the motor in the backyard, where I have all my tools and such, and not have to run back and forth to a boat slip. I just need to have it idle for a bit to run the tests as described in the manual I have.
Tractor Supply on 17 has tubs deep and long enough, but they are $70 - $85 and are about 100 gallons. They are huge for what I need. Wally World, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. all have storage bins and such, but none that seem strong enough to hold all the water as the one I was using from Wal Mart ripped down the side with the weight of the water. Also, the ones at Lowes and such are JUST deep enough, and I’d rather have something that would more than cover the unit, past the anti-ventilation plate. I need it to be at least 24" deep, 16" wide, and 30" long.
I’ve seen where people have industrial type barrels, and drums in various videos and articles. Not sure where to pick up something like that without spending an arm and a leg. I’m out of ideas. Have any of you had any experience in this area?
I use a 55 gallon drum I cut down to make it low enough to fit under the motor mount. I cut a hole near the bottom just big wnough to pit a piece on 3/4 pvc pipe through and put JB weld around the pipe inside ant out, then glued a pvc ball valve on. I put the barrel in place, fill it up and run the motor. When done, I open the valve to drain it to make it easier to move. I wouldn’t recommend putting the motor in gear, mainly for safety reasons but also the fact that the prop would push the water out a lot faster than the hose could fill it. It you need to run the motor under a load, take it to a landing (not during the weekend) and run it on the trailer.
Go over to Tractor Supply and buy you a stock tank! About $100 for a 1 hundred gallon tank. I’m not sure weather they a plastic or hard rubber. After you buy that, go next door and get you some fish from Paul! The stock tanks even have a drain hole in the bottom so you don’t have to tip em over to get the water out!
I did go over there. There was a plastic, heavy duty tank, 100 gallon, that would do the trick, but it’s twice as long as I need, and $85. I really don’t want to spend that kind of money, if there’s a cheaper alternative. It’s funny you mentioned Paul, because I did stick my head in the store, but he wasn’t around! LOL!
I ALSO HAVE SEVERAL YOU CAN HAVE
CUT THEM DOWN WITH A SKIL SAW TO THE HEIGHT YOU WANT, AND WE SIMPLY DRILL A 1" HOLE IN THE SIDE AT THE BOTTOM, AND PUT IN A 1" BOAT DRAIN PLUG
I bought several 270 gal totes! Thick plastic plastic tank with a steel tube frame for $50 each and after cutting out the top use them for keeping bait they would be perfect for your use, they also have a drain valve. Some had dye in them and others veg. oil. Works great and are inexpensive!
