Removing a stuck fuel tank

[kevinr]

Tried to use the bolt & nut trick to pull a found fuel tank out of a 74 center console. I had removed all of the phone that I could get to before we tried it. put so much pressure on a half inch bolt that it actually bent it and started to tear the opening for my fuel sending unit slightly. Anybody have any good ideas? Like chemicals or something that would melt the old brittle foam. I need this tank out without tearing up my boat.

[boatnamesue]

Are you intending to keep the fuel tank?....if not then cut it out.  Aluminum right?  Reciprocating saw will cut thru aluminum like a hot knife thru butter. 

[kevinr]

tank is in good shape from what i can see...want to remove, check, clean, paint and reinstall w/o any foam.

[mshugg]

Might try a pressure washer to break up the foam without damaging the tank. 

[kevinr]

all the foam on top and sides is already out. I did use a pressure washer for that. it's whatever is sticking the bottom of the tank to the coffin that is the issue.

[fitz73222]

I had a really stuck tank on a 24 Grady I was working on back in '99, All foam was cut away, 4X4 over the top of the gunwhales with a come-a- long hooked to the tank to try to get it to pop. Hurricane Irene came through here and dumped 6" of rain in the tank coffin and the hydraulic effect of the water pushing up on that tank popped it out like a cork. try the come-a-long strapped to a cross member a top the gunwhales and fill the tank coffin with water. She'll pop. One time I had a flywheel on a 28 Johnson that was so stuck that it would not pop so I left the puller on the flywheel and every day about an 1/8 of turn and she popped on day 6. A little time and patience proved worthy.
 

[kevinr]

I had a really stuck tank on a 24 Grady I was working on back in '99, All foam was cut away, 4X4 over the top of the gunwhales with a come-a- long hooked to the tank to try to get it to pop. Hurricane Irene came through here and dumped 6" of rain in the tank coffin and the hydraulic effect of the water pushing up on that tank popped it out like a cork. try the come-a-long strapped to a cross member a top the gunwhales and fill the tank coffin with water. She'll pop. One time I had a flywheel on a 28 Johnson that was so stuck that it would not pop so I left the puller on the flywheel and every day about an 1/8 of turn and she popped on day 6. A little time and patience proved worthy.
 

What did you attach the come along to?  I tried a 1/2" bolt about 10" long and a chain in the sending unit hole hooked to the front loader on a tractor and *gently* applied pressure. It nearly bent the bolt in half and started to tear the sending unit opening on two sides. I'm afraid of attaching it to the filler neck - would probably tear it off and then I'd have welding involved.

[wingnut]

Disclaimer - I have never tried this. Just an idea.

Have you ever seen or used a wire saw? Basically a long flexible abrasive wire with loop handles at each end that you can use to cut trees, etc. in a pinch. If you got a long one, I imagine you could get it started at one end of the tank (wrapped around the bottom), and work your way along the tank, working the wire from side to side, and cut the foam right below bottom of tank. Shouldn't really do any damage to the aluminum.

[RickK]

Good idea

[Woodeneye]

I had a really stuck tank on a 24 Grady I was working on back in '99, All foam was cut away, 4X4 over the top of the gunwhales with a come-a- long hooked to the tank to try to get it to pop. Hurricane Irene came through here and dumped 6" of rain in the tank coffin and the hydraulic effect of the water pushing up on that tank popped it out like a cork. try the come-a-long strapped to a cross member a top the gunwhales and fill the tank coffin with water. She'll pop. One time I had a flywheel on a 28 Johnson that was so stuck that it would not pop so I left the puller on the flywheel and every day about an 1/8 of turn and she popped on day 6. A little time and patience proved worthy.
 

  I am intrigued by this idea. Sounds entirely doable.

[fitz73222]

It's about time, not torque. Constant tension everyday with some hydraulic push will get her out. Just a little crank on the come-a-long hooked to the fill neck and fuel outlet. One click at a time.

[BradC]

Disclaimer - I have never tried this. Just an idea.

Have you ever seen or used a wire saw? Basically a long flexible abrasive wire with loop handles at each end that you can use to cut trees, etc. in a pinch. If you got a long one, I imagine you could get it started at one end of the tank (wrapped around the bottom), and work your way along the tank, working the wire from side to side, and cut the foam right below bottom of tank. Shouldn't really do any damage to the aluminum.

Like keel hauling ... worked for many navy's for many years - although the sailors weren't that keen on it 

[kevinr]

Dont know how many of you heard a tearing pop about 15 minutes ago, but THE TANK IS OUT !!!  put a 2x6 vertical where it just caught the corner of the tank. tow strapped the top of it to my pickup. put a small bend in it. I had been doing this for days - just with hand pressure (wrong tool for the job apparently). got a little bend in it and heard a little velcro rip sound. Grinned like a chicken. Waited until it quick crackling - put another inch of bend in it.  when i got to about 6-7 adjustments, there was a very satisfying rip and the 1/8" of crystalized 46-year old foam on the bottom let loose. That stuff is more like glue than foam...literally solid and cracks if you bend it.

Thanks to all who were sympathetic and offered suggestions. Next task - replace the filler hose. I've already heard how bad this one can be. For tonight, I'm happy and progress is made.

[mshugg]

 

[boatnamesue]

Nice job, congrats.  Unfortunately you learned the hard way a fuel tank and foam is not your friend ;)