Fuel tank replacement

[clop52]

Hey guys,

Today i started the process of changing out the old fuel tank.  I purchased this Osprey 175 knowing that the fuel tank was damaged.  Today i removed it and cleaned up the coffin. This is what it looked like:



I'll post of pictures after i clean it.  I have been reading a lot topics about this job.  I have decided to go with an aluminum from Alloy Metal Works.Once i get it i'd get the lines i need to replace. Then i'd move into reconnecting the fuel/water separator.

I'd keep you all posted.

[clop52]

Update.  Cleaned up the coffin and ordered the tank.  Should be here in a couple of weeks.  Now, i am replacing all the hoses and disconnecting the external tank.  Looking at what the PO had, the fuel filter was attached in a way that it confuses me. There is only one hole from which the fuel line would go into the filter, but there isn't another hole that would guide the line back into the hull and into the engine? Does that make sense? Should the output fuel line from the filter go straight into the engine without having to go back inside the hull? If so, how would you gentlemen recommend doing it? I'd appreciate any pointers.

[Capt. Bob]

Hard to tell from the pic just what I'm looking at so.....

If you leave the filter located in its current position, you will need to come outside through a hole (1).
If you wish to then run the line into the existing rigging tube, you'll need another to go back inside (2 or one big hole).

You might try relocating the filter inside the storage area. You then eliminate any need to exit then re-enter to get to the tube. You would most likely reduce bends in the line also. You may find it a little harder to service but you reduce clutter in the stern. Cleaner install IMHO.

Good luck.

[clop52]

Capt Bob,  thanks for your response. Actually, that is exactly what i was thinking, relocating the filter inside.  There is plenty of space.  I'll try it out and let you know it went.  Thanks again.

[clop52]

Hey, sorry it's been a few weeks since i posted. I'm in the military and had to be gone for training, but i am back now. I have been doing more research and have decided to go with the Pascoe method. I ordered (and received) my new tank today from Allow Metal Works and have started compiling all the materials i need from fuel lines, filters, fuel/water separator, 5200 and plastic strips. Can anyone clarify what the Pascoe method means by "setting the strips to traverse the gas tank." Does that mean width way, or lenght ways? Thanks, i plan on starting next saturday (April 9). Thanks in advance!

[RickK]

From Dictionary.com: "lying or extending across or in a cross direction; cross. "  Width, although I am not sure it matters.  Going across width allows you to have more strips. Main thing is to get it off the bottom for air circulation, whatever air you get down there and keep it out of any water, which is more likely. 

[clop52]

ok, thanks for tehe quick reply, Rick! The bottom of my tank is not flat, it's a hull bottom.  You think because of that i should do it lenght ways?

[flyboyo2]

Got my tank from RDS last week and they look almost identical except mine has a screw in WEMA reed fuel sender.  Seems to me that if the tank will be sitting on the bottom of the coffin the plastic strips should go lengthwise, otherwise the  water drainage would be impeded.  If I'm reading it right the Pasco method advocates glueing the tank to the bottom with 5200, that just does not make sense to me.
Wish I had your 115, I'm stuck with a 75.

[clop52]

Yeah, it makes sense to go length wise to me as well, to facilitate drainage.  Ok, i'll do that then. Thanks, the 115 Yamaha is bulletproof (so far and as far as I've read). I'll keep you all updated on my progress.

[clop52]

So, quick update. I was able to get the strips 5200 to the bottom of the tank a couple of days ago and should be dry by now.  I ordered and received all the hoses and new fuel/water separator. I will be putting all together this Sunday and will post pictures as i go.  Below are is the picture of the tank with some weights on top to encourage adhesion and the my old tank and what happens when you use foam straps.

[clop52]

[clop52]

I'll get better at taking better pictures, from the right angle.

[wingtime]

Just use  a large clear vinyl hose split open as a pad under the straps.  The tank should outlast any amount of time that you own the boat!

Here was my tank install... I spent a bunch of time trying to make sure the tank would last a long time.  Well I sold the boat a year later... if that.. so someone else has a good tank install now!

[clop52]

That's almost exactly what the bottom of my tank looks like! I'm doing the same thing, sealing any crevice with 5200.  I was not going to use the metal straps, though. Did you decide to use them against gluing the plastic strip in the bottom of your tank to the coffin? I'll post a picture of what my tank looks like tomorrow.

[wingtime]

Nothing really sticks to starboard so gluing the tank down will not hold it in place. No way not going to happen! First big wave and that tank will come loose!  I sanded the side of the starboard strips that I 5200 to the bottom of the tank. The straps are ok as long as whatever you place under them will not react with or trap water against the tank. Remember it's OK if the tank gets wet. It's when it stays wet in a trapped area that you'll get crevice corrosion. There is no 100% flawless way to install the tank. Just ways to minimize the damage.