1999 200 Osprey Fuel Capacity

[daniel123]

The manual that came with my '99 200 Osprey says the fuel capacity is 50 gallons, but the last two times I've filled it after the tank was drained by my local marina/mechanic for the off-season it only accepted 26 gallons. I have no reason to believe, nor are there any signs, that the original tank has been replaced, but I am and the second owner and the PO is not available for comment (he's dead...). It's no secret (see Bad Trip post) that I've had some issues with the outboard engine that that tank feeds, and they appeared fuel-related. Any thoughts?

[mikelpagep]

Not sure on the 1999 but on my 1996 200 Osprey had the tank replaced, it was ordered and made  by the same company that originally made the tank. It is 40 gals. Book says 50 gals the guys that made them say 40.

[daniel123]

Thanks for the info. Like I said, there's no sign in the deck that the original tank has ever been replaced, and even if it's closer to 40 gallons, that's a far cry from 26...I'm baffled -- and hoping to hear some thoughts from the AS gallery who may have some insights the the issue. 

[GoneFission]

The 200 Osprey and the 196 spec'ed with either 45, 50, or 55 gallon tanks, depending on year.  If yours really only holds 26 gallons, I would guess your tank has been replaced.  But how did they drain it?  You might have a case where the pickup is too high inside the tank and it's not fully draining.  To check, drain the tank, then remove the fuel gauge sender under the pie plate, then look inside to put a long stick inside to see if the tank is empty or has gas still in it.  A high pickup can leave a lot of gas remaining in the tank.  Good luck! 

[wingtime]

I'd open up your inspection plates and see if you can find a tag on the fuel tank with the capacity.  The tag is usually near the filler pipes or the gauge sender.

[daniel123]

Thanks, Cap'n. That makes sense, but the mechanic who drained the tank back in the fall checked the pick-up when I got back from the recent trip for which I refilled the tank. I had running problems after refilling it and he thought the pick-up might be clogged or broken, but said it appeared to be fine. I assume he would have been table to tell then if the pick-up was in the proper position/depth. I have since asked if he used the fuel line to drain the tank, and am awaiting his reply. Thanks for the input!