removing Aluminum Fuel tank

[doctorrazz]

Glastron SX239......1988......have a leaky gas tank....gas leaking into bilge......I have checked all lines and cannot find any leak from any of the hoses. Tank must be leakinging on underside.....Gas smell when filling tank(pressureizing) very noticeable but disipates over 10-15 minutes.....as gas mixes with water in bilge.....I just emptied tank from output hose......the access panel reveals 70% of tank and I have removed the L brakets holding the tank in place....but it seems the opening and tolerances are tight and I cannot remove it without either cutting the fibergass on the rear seat or by cutting up the gas tanks to remove.......I was going to fill the gas tank with water and purge all remaining gas from tank and cut as much of the top of the tank with a reciprocating saw to allow me to bend and remove the tank.....If I am going to scrape/recycle the tank why not cut the tank vrs the boat????.....everyone I talk to immediatly warns about gas vapors......so my idea of purging the small remaining amount of Gas....ounces....seems logical.....but I am looking for re-assurance before I light my self up.... Thanks for any suggestions.......Razz

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: removing Aluminum Fuel tank

Welcome to iboats <br />I personally would not cut into the tank one bit.....<br />You will need to cut acess into the deck to install your new tank anyway....<br />Adding water will not remove the explosive vapors! <br />That my two cents....<br />There is some more info on this if you use the red 'search' button at the top of the page....JK

 

[qystan]

Re: removing Aluminum Fuel tank

I've just changed the tank in my Bayliner Trophy.<br /><br />Cutting the boat to some degree is quite envitable. If you don't, the options are to either separate the upper and lower halves of the boats or the size of the tank you can install will be very limited.<br /><br />I cut the bulkhead panel between the engine and the tank partially to allow the largest possible size to get in. The tank was cut into 8 pieces to finally get it out.<br /><br />As for purging the tank, after draining and mopping out the insides. Blew air through the tank for several hours, cut a 8x8 hole by drilling 4 holes and using a hacksaw blade on the side and let it sit for another week, purge again and finally did the major cut. Took 2 hours, wear good ear plugs, eye protection and protective clothing as you will have to crawl into the tank as you progress the cut.<br /><br />The initial cut was done when fumes were not evident. Aluminium does not give out sparks, its the jigsaw or cutter tool that you need to be careful of.<br /><br />Be careful and give time to clearing the gas fumes.

 

[JIm Cook]

Re: removing Aluminum Fuel tank

Razz, I know your post says you checked all "lines", <br />but did you check the fill hose for a leak. It<br />seems your saying the gas odor is present when<br />"filling" and then dissapates. If you have a leak<br />under the tank it should be constant and if vented <br />correctly, the tank never is really pressurized.<br />If your going to the extreme of removing the tank<br />at this time without knowing 100% for sure of leak<br />location, why not fill the tank with water and food<br />dye to find source of leak. Just a thought.

 

[sonus]

Re: removing Aluminum Fuel tank

Ialso was smelling fumes in my 84 22 foot cuddy.the tank sits in an enclosed compartment under the deck.I would smell fumes anytime I opened a inspection port to this compartment.At the end of last season I removed thedeck to inspect and pulled out the tank,85 gallons.I,m lucky for the removable deck gave me easy access to the whole tank.At this point I dont think the tank is leaking even though it shows signs of pitting in a few locations.I will replace the fill hosethis spring which shows a lot of cracking and I think is allowing fumes to permeate.Check everything else before cutting the boat or tank.Its alot of work and the tanks are not cheap. My .02 cents,good luck.

 

[mkast]

Re: removing Aluminum Fuel tank

Own two 23 footer Glastrons. Both had leaking hoses. 1988 fuel fill hose, 1989 tank vent hose. Aluminum lasts longer than hoses.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: removing Aluminum Fuel tank

I had the same problem............strong gas smell when I fueled up........then it would disapate.<br /><br />Just replaced the fuel fill hose this w/e. What a job! <br /><br />Glad I did it though, the old hose came out in 3 pcs.......was very dry and brittle.<br /><br />I would check the hoses before I replaced the tank.

 

[beezee28]

Re: removing Aluminum Fuel tank

Had to check my fuel line and found that it is old and have to replace them. Took about 2 hours inside the boat. Good thing I did the inspection, one part of the fuel line was pretty worn down due to constant rubbing against the bulkhead. Was glad to do the maintenance.