Are pressure gas tanks safe?

[btaylor507]

First I want to say thank you to everyone here on iboats, your support is greatly appreciated. Now I just a couple questions about the older pressure fuel systems. I'm running a 57' evinrude Fastwin and its uses the old tank. Any ideas what kind of pressure is in this? I've been thinking about the safety of this tank. Pressurized gas sounds more like a bomb to me. Dose anyone know of any of these tanks exploding? I know this has a safety relief valve but who know if it works, and if it dose, do I really want pressurized gas being released in a semi-closed compartment. I plan on using this boat more and I just want to make sure that there's a "good" reason why they don't make these anymore. Thanks so much!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Are pressure gas tanks safe?

No, they're not unsafe. But I'd love to have yours if you don't want it..

To regurgitate what real experts say like I usually do:
The tank does have a pressure relief valve like you said and only builds up 6 or 8lbs. of pressure. Even if the pressure relief valve failed or got stopped up, the motor wouldn't be able to build up much pressure at all in the tank.

If you've ever set your modern tank out in the sun with the vent closed, you have built up just as much pressure in it as the pressure tank ever would.

That's an urban myth that's been floating around about those pressure tanks being "bombs" and the person that started it is sadly mistaken.

Enjoy your motor with absolutely no worries, those tanks have been around for about twice as many years as I've been alive and I've never heard of one exploding. And if you check the price they're going for on ebay, you'll see that they are highly desirable. Just treat it as safely as you would any other tank of gasoline and you're in good shape. Some folks like to loosen the cap after they're done for the day, probably a good practice although I don't myself.

Good luck,
JBJ

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Are pressure gas tanks safe?

They're safe. Plenty of folks still run/use them. Choosing between that and a modern one-line fuel system for me boils down to convenience. It's more convenient for me to convert my older outboards to a fuel pump, one-line system because I want to use two tanks (large or small) with all my outboards, and because I don't like the maintenance involved with the pressure system. If they weren't safe, the guys in the AOMCI wouldn't keep telling us newbies how to keep the old system working. If you have any questions about using/maintaining the pressurized tanks, post a question or two on their Ask A Member board at www.aomci.org
Enjoy your Fastwin.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Are pressure gas tanks safe?

I've still got the fitting, and guage from Steven Instrument's for these tanks'. As I recall the test pressure was about 4, or 5 lbs. It's not these old tanks' I dislike, it's the quality of the 2 line molded hose now available. As said, the tank has a pressure relief valve.

 

[Sea18Horse]

Re: Are pressure gas tanks safe?

Well, I have two old Johnsons, a 56 10 horse and a 57 18 horse. And they both use pressure tanks. I wouldn't give them up for anything. That said I wouldn't use either of them without rebuilding them with new gaskets, diaphragms, new hoses with well fitted clamps (original brass are ok in my book) and new o rings in the quick connect fittings.

The pressure relief valve restricts the pressure to somewhere around 5psi or so. But it has to work first. I wouldn't trust a 50 some year old rubber diaphragm to function the way it's supposed to.

Get yourself a rebuild kit and hose from Laingsoutboards, vintageoutboard nymarine.ca or maybe even right here at iboats. Go through it carefully and it will work fine for you for another 50 years.

Cheers.................Todd

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Are pressure gas tanks safe?

Just what are these tanks' worth, as I still have one?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Are pressure gas tanks safe?

Just what are these tanks' worth, as I still have one?

I watch ebay pretty regularly and I rarely see one go for less than 40 bucks in really shabby condition, and for as much as 150 in really nice restored condition.
And they sell EVERY time!
JBJ


Oh, and not that it matters, but I totally agree those old tanks need rebuilding, especially the o-rings in the connectors. I being a cheapster have actually been using mine un-rebuilt for quite a while but I'm sure it had been rebuilt before I got it. I like my pressure tanks, but have changed 2 of my oldies over to fuel pumps just to see if I could do it and because my first '55 7.5 came without the tank and I had to wait so long for the tank to be shipped I just changed it over so I wouldn't have to wait. If it bothers you, just put a fuel pump on it!

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Are pressure gas tanks safe?

JBJ: With today's postal, or shipping regulations, how in the heck do you go about sending a used gas tank? What would be the cost, if even legal?

 

[TN-25]

Re: Are pressure gas tanks safe?

JBJ: With today's postal, or shipping regulations, how in the heck do you go about sending a used gas tank? What would be the cost, if even legal?

I was wondering the same thing, but I successfully had a nice used 2? (Imperial) gallon (3 U.S. gallon) tank shipped from the U.S. into Canada recently. The shipper boxed it up and padded it. Inside the tank was bone dry and clean so fumes were minimal. The cap was on tight. Shipping from Maine to Toronto cost me $41.10 through USPS Priority Mail International, but since I have been unable to find a good small OMC tank locally, what could I do? I'm still happy with the tank.

 

[btaylor507]

Re: Are pressure gas tanks safe?

Great! Go to know. This motor is great and I wouldn't trade it for the world. It starts on the first pull. There dose seem to be a little seepage around the carb but I think its fine. Just want to be sure this tank isn't going to make me miss my 26th birthday. Thanks guys!