1996 252

[GraesonK]

Hi all,
I just became the lucky owner of a 1996 Cobalt 252, it's my first boat. I come here in the hopes to gain some of the groups vast knowledge, to work smart not hard and to maximize the fun I can have.
VIN: FGE25089B696
454 Merceuiser MPI
450 hours
I bought it from a gentleman who had it taken well care of but didn't know much about it. It hasn't been on the water in two years. I want to drain the gas (3/4 tank) and do other basic maintenance to get it water ready.
1) can anyone tell me the best way to drain the fuel?
2) what else should I do to get it on the water?
3) do you know of any common problems with this year and model?
Thank you so much for your time! Hopefully we can cross paths on the lake
-Graeson

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[Krob1114]

Welcome.
Great find. Thanks for posting pics. Smarter people will be posting help soon.

[rabiddawg]

Find your fuel line from the tank. Attach a self priming pump (harbor freight) and suck it out. You will likely need fuel line, hose barbs clamps etc. You may get more out if you crank up the trailer jack.

Be sure to change the raw water impeller, all fluids and filters.

Make sure your blower and bilge pump are working.

Enjoy!

[Big Block Power]

Looking nice. Welcome.

[tsouthard91]

Welcome!

I have the little brother to your boat. ‘99 232 with same motor.

You will love it!

[dustinm]

beautiful scenery. Nice boat you will love it. I think this was the golden era of Cobalt.

[AsLan7]

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Hey Graeson. So glad you found us!

That’s a solid engine. The roller cams helped in later years.

You can drain the fuel tank doing what rd mentioned above or by using a line connected to a pump inserted into the tank. It’s best if you get access to the sending unit…remove it..and begin pumping.

Thanks for the pics and welcome aboard mate!

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[rabiddawg]

Aslan7, I wasn’t clear.

The supply hose (from the tank to the engine fuel pump) hooked to a self priming pump.

[AsLan7]

Aslan7, I wasn’t clear.

The supply hose (from the tank to the engine fuel pump) hooked to a self priming pump.

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I didn’t think there was any confusion RD as that’s what I thought u meant in your post. There’s really only three primary ways to drain the tank and the other two are the options I listed. In fact we used the sender opening option last year just to make sure there was no bad gas in our tank. It was overkill and didn’t need to be done but my meticulous nature in wanting to be thorough had it done anyway.


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[rabiddawg]

^i recently removed the panel above the tank to change my supply line.

Looking at the tank and fixtures attached to it, I thought it wise to leave them alone.

This is for the op. I know my fuel from the tank to filter is clean because I’ve cut the filter open twice and found nothing. That’s why I didn’t disturb the fixtures on top of the tank. Do what you think is prudent.

[GraesonK]

Thank you so much for your warm welcomes and advice everyone. I will be getting after it this weekend and will update you all. I will likely start with the line leading to the inlet side of the fuel pump and go to town. 60 gallons will be a lot but worth the effort.

I will likely replace fuel lines as well and I will be checking all other fluids.

Does anyone have a lead on a service manual for this year's model?

Graeson

[Teamstarr2018]

Nice boat! Nice scenery! I reached out to Cobalt for a new owner name plate. Found their email on the Cobalt home page. They were quick to get back to me and glad to help. Even had the plate made and shipped to at no cost

[Teamstarr2018]

I would check with them in regards to the manual.

[GraesonK]

I hit paydirt (first pic) should be able to get the fuel out tomorrow.

I had a finding that was interesting. If anyone has any insight I would love to be enlightened. There is an air inlet on the back of the boat that leads down to an inline pump and filter and then what appears to be the exhaust manifold. Can anyone tell me what this is?

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[AsLan7]

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Looks like a fourth way with a jury rigged line.

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