Replacing Fuel Tank

[Skoot]

I got started today, I removed the cooler and hatch cover to gain access to the tank.  From the top, the condition of the tank appears to be excellent.  The top of the foam is dry and the bare wood in front/behind the tank are in top notch shape.  It appears really dry in and around the tank.  You can see the bare wood the tank is resting on looks good.  All in all everything looks great.  BUT

1. The inside of the tank is completely covered  with varnish.  Its a rust colored lining along the bottom of the tank.  You can see shinny metal where my siphon hose was scraping along the bottom. When I was siphoning gas, I didnt notice any of the red flake stuff, but there some black growth that came through.

2. I poked my finger down the back of the tank, where there is a void in the foam and it was soggy and reeked of gas.  I cant tell how wet it is, but it has gas soaked into the foam.  Where is it coming from, thats the question?

Removed cooler seat and all screws.


Shut off valve, under console


Manufacturer plate- July-1974


Tank - Toward stern


Tank - Toward Bow


Plywood that tank is resting on


Side of Tank - Partial view - Some foam was missing.

[GoneFission]

Look under the foam straps on the bottom of the tank - that's where most of them leak.

[slvrlng]

I think you and I had talked about this issue back in November. I think aluminum was up on friday! Just make sure you wash it out before you cut it up. I'm almost glad someone had already pulled mine. Make sure you measure it so we can see if there are any differences in yours compared to Terntwo's.  Who have you checked with for a new one? Hopefully the gas hasn't gotten into the foam in the stringers. It is truly amazing to see the condition of everything under there. Makes you wonder if the lid has ever been off. Good luck!!!  

 :afro:

[Skoot]

Lewis, Thanks for the Vote of Confidence about fuel in the stringers.  Honestly, I dont think its possible, and I dont wanna think about anymore. I haven't checked with anyone about the tank yet.  Who do you guys recommend? Hell I dont even know how much an new one cost.

Im thinking I might be able to remove the tank without removing the console?  What do you guys think?

[seabob4]

Scott,
If you can get her out without pulling the console, that would be a BIG plus!

Now, as far as a replacement tanks, basically here in FL we're looking at RDS Aluminum and Florida Marine Tanks.  Now I just spoke to my friend Ray Seals at RDS last week about fabbing a tank for our new 35 (350 Gallons).  We had a good long talk as I probably hadn't talked to him in a year and a half or so.  Give us the dim.'s of the old tank and maybe RDS can build one for you at, how shall we say, a substantial discount...

Bob C

[gran398]

Skoot,

As they say in the movie "The Godfather", Capt. Seabob has made you an offer you can't refuse. Darn nice offer, too.

Judging by the discussion, and since the rear foam is wet with gas....maybe the leak is up top at the rear of the tank....you stand it up on plane, the gas rushes to the rear and up....guess would be similar to the comment about the tank being completely full.

Guess its time to dig it out and take a look.

So get your tools, some BEER....

(right back to where you were before your's truly chimed in)....

But thats okay, we're a team.

[seabob4]

Gran,
Hey, this site is the best, and if I can help an AS owner, damn sure I will!

But he has to provide his own !

Bob C

[flkeysaqua]

Make that two tanks

[slvrlng]

Make that three!

[gran398]

I agree my friend, this site IS the best. Have followed with interest your input and history, and although I'm a relative newbie, your engineering/design/construction expertise is invaluable, and much appreciated.

Keep it coming.
gran

PS. You want collards, I got'em.....

[gran398]

Boys,

You beat the old man to the punch, by about 2 minutes.....we'll make it FOUR tanks. I'll wager that Skoot's in.... :bounce:

[fitz73222]

Hi Skoot,

I had to replace an underfloor tank in an old sportcraft years ago. The tank was foamed in and stuck! I took a hacksaw blade and cut the foam around the sides but I could not get under it to cut the foam loose. I wound up laying a 4 X 4 across the top on the gunnels and hooked a come-a-long to the fill neck and applied pressure to pull it up and break the foam bond. Everyday I went up one or two clicks and after 3 days she popped loose.  Just in case the tank is stuck, this could help.

Fitz73222

[Capt. Bob]

Here's one way.

viewtopic.php?p=22750#p22750

[seabob4]

Alright guys, this is the deal.  I need the dimensions of all your tanks.  Most tanks have a "flat" on the bottom, where the tank sits on a glassed in "tank board".  Some are simply a Vee that conforms to the hull bottom.  But most are the former, not the latter.

Here is a quick drawing:


Those are the dimensions I need.  I also need the locations of the fill/vent/pickup/sender.  They are always centered so a dim. fore or aft will do.

You guys have my email, if not here it is.  seabob4@earthlink.net.  Lewis, you have my phone.

I will do my best to see if RDS can help us out here...

In the meantime, !

[flkeysaqua]

lewis give the man his phone back so he can call RDS for us