Fuel Tank Grounding?

[pbailey]

Had the fuel tank hatch cover off and noticed that there was a black wire attached to a strap on the gas tank.  The tank is original and is constructed out of aluminium.

Where should this wire be landed?  Does it connect to the battery - terminal?

Thanks,

pbailey

[John Jones]

Yes, ground it, which on most boats is the battery Negative.

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/boatb ... 83-572.htm

[pbailey]

John,

Thanks,

I will get it grounded right away, I will also check the deck fitting.

Thanks again.

pbailey

[pbailey]

John,

Thanks again for the tip.  I checked to see if the fill cap and neck was grounded as it's made of metal.  When I was working in that area, there was a small hint of gas fumes.  The cap and neck had a ground wire that was twisted around the wire reinforcement of the fuel line, but that was all.  

As I was taking it apart, I found the vent line to be dry rotted and the first 10 -inches of the fill line nearly fell apart in my hands.  The outside of the fill line was almost in a gel like condition.

Went and picked up some fuel fill and vent line and installed that today.

While I was at it I properly grounded the tank and fuel fill fitting.

Those of you who are picking up these old AS might want to check the fuel systems.  When I had the tank cover off everything looked good at the tank end.  The fill end was another matter.

Thanks Again,

pbailey

[wmchurch]

It's never a bad idea to replace the fuel and vent lines if you don't know their history... One thing you don't want is a bilge full of fuel!

If everything looks good, it's a good idea to check the continuity of the ground on the fill ports and tank, make sure they meet up with the battery ground.

I also like to double clamp hoses, especially fuel lines and through hull fittings.