BUSTED TANK - WHAT TO DO NOW

[osprey170]

I recently went into the tank area of my 170 to investigate a gas leak.  I noticed the top of the tank was oily near the fuel fill and automatically assumed (mistake) that the leak was in this area.  I suspected the fuel fill hose and the badly pitted fuel fill fitting.  I replaced all hoses, clamps, and JB welded the pitted areas on the fitting.   Replaced floor and put everything back - took it out on the water and noticed that I still had a slight leak into the bildge.  :cry:

I'm assuming I have a corroded tank underside - my question now is should I repair or replace the tank?  Also anyone know of a source for exact fit tanks.  I just replaced all the hoses and wouldn't want to have to pay extra for longer lines.

I found this site online http://www.brokeboats.com/badtanks.html I'm thinking a PE tank would be the ticket.

[Radioshop]

I somewhere were someone tar coated an aluminum tank as a corrosion inhibitor.  I think I'd do that before I put in plastic tank.  I will also direct you to David Pascoe's thoughts on fuel tank installation.  David can be pretty anal, but I think he's got some great points on this subject.

 http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm

[Miguel]

I´m sorry this happened after all the trouble you just went through.  
I would be thinking at a replacement tank, preferably aluminum.   I´ve never been fond of those plastic tanks......  In any case you could have one custom made to fit the whole underdeck space.  You would gain at least a couple more gallons.....
Good luck!

[osprey170]

Lesson learned - I should've done a better job of checking the tank while I had the deck up.  I was so convinced that the leak was on the topside of the tank.  It only just started leaking after filling up.  I'm going to get that deck up again soon and pull the tank completely out to take a look.  I'll weigh my options then.  I'm tempted to do a patch job if the leak isn't that bad.  I also can't seem to find a tank that matches exactly plastic or aluminum.  The only tanks that can be made to fit exactly are custom tanks that cost over $500.

Man this whole thing has me really discouraged after all the sweat I put in it.  :cry:

Maybe I'll just use deck tanks... J/K

[RickK]

Maybe I'll just use deck tanks....

You think you have no space now...
Hang in there - a little more sweat and you'll be proud again.

[Foxhole]

I have a 1975 222.  My tank was badly pitted on the top and bottom with very small pits. I sand blasted the pits to remove all the oxidation. We then applied several layers of fiberglass over the entire outside of the tank.  You have to use the right kind of resin to stand up to the solvents in the gas. A local boat yard can tell you what to use. When your done you need to pressure test your work. Tape up the filler holes and vents and put a little pressure on the tank. {Maybe 5 PSI)  Then spray the tank with soap bubbles 409 ECT. If you have a leak it will foam up. We have had no leaks in three years. I think the best way is to replace the tank, however my budget didn’t allow for that.  If you have to replace the tank check eBay and your local boat yards for a used one you may find something you can use.  I have had good luck with used stuff from eBay. I just installed hydraulic trim tabs and hydraulic steering booth used from eBay and saved a ton of money.

Good luck
Foxhole
Baton Rouge, La

[Radioshop]

Florida Marine Tanks was the OEM supplier of tanks for Aquasport for a while.  They may be able to give you an off the shelf price.

[jp aquasport]

Florida Marine Tanks
Ph; 305 620 9030  Miami

They will ask for a faxed drawing of your tank. They will
return fax a drawing of the correct OEM tank for your
sign off. Leadtime was running 4 wks a few years ago.

I would think freight costs to your area might be excessive.

Good luck

[osprey170]

I contacted FMT and they only make custom tanks and don't stock any.  They said that I would need to give them dimensions and they could make one.  In that case I might as well have someone local make me one - if I decide to replace.

Anybody have opinions on these two products as possible patch options.

http://www.aluminumrepair.com/

http://durafix.com

They look to be similar products, my only concern is corrosion resistance and durability.