1979 170 Fuel tank

[jeff23]

Hi All--

Well, my "new" 1979 170 has taken me through a solid first season of fishing--out 2-3 times a week and always home safely.  Just the other day the main bilge pump developed problems--a verk weak and piddly little stream, but when I pulled it I found that it was just some crap that had gotten into the impeller.  It's back on duty.  And that's about it for repairs, aside from a snapped steering cable back in May when we put it in the water.  I'll be taking it out about October 15th.

I've been wondering about my fuel tank, which as far as I know is original equipment.  It seems fine and when I check the Racor filter there's never any water in the gas.  But if the tank is 29 years old it's bound to develop problems sometime, eh?  Are there any telltale signs I should look for? Obviously, leaking fuel would be a definite signal.  But maybe there are things I can look for that would warn me before an actual leak develops?

Thanks,

Jeff

[GoneFission]

If you smell or otherwise sense gas in the bilge, time for action!

[compcrasher86]

Agreed with GF. Also, if you have access to the tank it never hurts to look around for spots of corrosion or weak points. If you have doubt about the tank, investigate and replace as necessary. Honestly, i think a 30 year old tank is bound to lead to trouble but hey, you never know. If you dont smell fuel, dont see fuel in bilge, and it looks pretty clean and sturdy, just keep on using it!

[jeff23]

Ok, makes perfect sense.  Let's say I wanted to look at the tank either at the end of this season or before she goes back in the water next spring.  What would I have to do to get access?  The boat has a swingback coolor / seat--it looks newer than the rest of the consoles, etc., so I think it's probably not original. But I'm not sure where the tank is--under the console?  Under the seat?

I'm no expert at fiberglass, etc., but I am competent with tools.

Thanks for the replies and for any other info.

Best,

Jeff

[compcrasher86]

alright im not too familiar with the 170's but usually the tanks are under the console. Maybe a 170 guy could chime in here in telling you how to get access to it but all I know is that the 22-2s have a removable panel in the deck that is somewhat under the console and helm seating. I might be able to help if you post a picture of the console area.

[striper 17]

In my 170 the tank is under the consol and seat. You should be able to see the lid if you look under your consol. I would consider cleaning the tank or replacing, my tank was 20 years and looked rough needed to be replaced. It had some gunky build up inside, which you can see a little of by removing your sending unit.

[jeff23]

Thanks guys--

I've decided I'm going to take a look at the tank at the end of the season--I'd like to head off problems rather than have it go bad next July.  Once I look at it I will post about it and hopefully people here can help me make an intelligent choice about what to do.  It seems to me that replacing the tank could be a good DIY job.  As long as I'm careful and get good advice first.

Thanks again,

Jeff