Re: Permanent Fuel Tank - Test Drive Update
Jeromeo,<br /><br />Not really concerned about the proximity of tank and wires. I did take precaution to prevent any rubbing and chafing that could cause leaks in the fuel hose. Also made sure everything is secure, including the wire and make sure there are no gas/fume leaks. <br /><br />Thanks for the kind words. I think I'll be keeping it for a while
<br /><br />Hey Tengals!<br /><br />I had to grind down the ridges flush with the deck then sealed it with Boat Life brand sealer. Don't know what it is, but it looks like silicone, feels like silicone but does not smell like silicone (vinegar), and takes a very long time to cure. I in fact, it does not smell at all that I can remember. I did check the tube but it does not list the ingredients. North Jersey Marine suggested it for sealing parts that have to come apart again in the future. To remove the tank the deck plate will have to come out first.<br /><br />Grinding down the ridges was a bit of a pain. I used a sanding disk and cone shapped stone. A Dremmel tool would have been best, but I don't have one. Covered surrounding area with tape to protect the surface from slips, so I only made one real "oops" that didn't go all the way through the gel coat. <br /><br />If you notice in the picture of the deck, the area between the ridges is not too shiny, because it's hard to get the polisher in there. I was afraid of wearing the gel coat off the tops of the ridges. But now that I cut through the ridges, I see that they are mostly gel coat! Also the plug that came out from drilling the hole for the filler plate showed that the gel coat is at about 1/32" thick on the flat surface so there is plenty of "wear room" for buffing. So I'm going to go back over that whole deck with the polishing compound and buffer to get a better shine. <br /><br />Now for the "problem": the gas gauge shows 1/4 full when the tank is about 1/3 full (I put 5 gallons in a 14 gallon tank). The sender's ohms value matches the gauge spec (240 - 33). I did measure it before installing the tank and got the same readings. If the gauge does not register more accuratly with motor running (14 volts versus 12 v from just battery) then maybe a resistor to increase the ohms or decrease by shorting might be in order. This is the same movement used in all Teleflex fuel gauges according to their tech sheet. Think there could be a problem with the guage? Or is this normal? I have not followed their instructions for testing the gauge yet by grounding the sending side to get a full reading, and disconnect it to get an empty reading - I'll do that tonight.<br /><br />Edit: I just noticed my daughter is hiding behind the steering wheel. She likes to sneak up on me while I'm working then yell "Surprise!". Does wonders for your nerves. LOL!<br /><br />Edit Again:<br /><br />EDIT: <br />Here is the sealer I used:
<br />Copy reads " A long lasting, permanently flexible marine polysulfide sealant which can be sanded, painted and used above and below the waterline. Tack-free in 1 to 3 days, Cures in 7-10 days (weather dependent). Excellent resistance to teak oils, gasoline and diesel fuel."
