Classic AquaSport

Aquasport Mechanicals - things that need a wrench, screwdriver or multimeter => Fuel tanks and anything about fuel systems => Topic started by: jsakat1 on April 08, 2008, 11:12:02 AM

Title: Grounding fuel tank
Post by: jsakat1 on April 08, 2008, 11:12:02 AM

I have to replace my fuel tank on my 170 Striper.  The usual pitting under the foam protection straps.

I've noticed two wires connected to the ground tab in the tank, one goes to the fill fitting and the other one is broken no signs as where it goes.

Can anyone tell me where this other wire should be connected to?

As always your help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Josh

Title:
Post by: Bushleaguer on April 08, 2008, 11:52:22 AM

There should be three ground wires (green) connected to a lug welded on the tank.  One goes to the fill tube, one to the sender, and the other goes to the negative side of the electrical system.

Title: Wires
Post by: GoneFission on April 08, 2008, 05:08:29 PM

The ground wires on the tank go to the filler and a solid ground connection, such as the battery negative (-) terminal or the system/ground terminal block.  Normally it's not a good idea to ground other equipment (gauges, lights, etc.) to the gas tank ground tab.  AYBC rules prohibit this.  The ground wire for the tank sender goes on the sender itself (Teleflex and other senders have a terminal on them for ground and usually a center terminal for "sense" connection).  

See ya on the water!

Title:
Post by: jsakat1 on April 08, 2008, 09:31:24 PM

Thanks a lot for the replies. As always this forum provides invaluable information for the new boater.  However I have a couple more  questions, Inside the bilge I can see that there are two studs, these apparently are holding a small rectagular plate outside the hull, in aft starboard side. My question is, Is this a grounding plate? Does anyone else has this on their 170's ? and if this is is the boats ground , what should be connected to it?. Mine is a 1987 170 Striper

Title:
Post by: Bushleaguer on April 09, 2008, 07:47:36 AM

I would venture to say that this plate is the connecting point for a bonding system.
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/ElectricalSystems.htm (http://www.yachtsurvey.com/ElectricalSystems.htm)

The third topic in bold describes a bonding system and it's function (plus, the entire article give some great info on marine electrical systems in general.)