11 year old aluminum tank, how much life left?

[sbklf]

I hear alum tanks are notorious for leaking and based on some preliminary information figured mine was leaking as well (just got the boat). I did a pressure test on it and it is has held 4 PSI for 2 days now. Can I be sure this thing will last a bit longer since it it holding pressure or is it possible it will still leak gas? What safety measures can be taken to prevent disaster short of replacing the tank? It is an outboard so the bilge has no ventilation. I dont want to cut it out if it is OK. Thanks, Kevin

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: 11 year old aluminum tank, how much life left?

I have three aluminum tanks that are much older than 11 years and they work great. Two are for my '55 Johnson 5.5hp and one is original to my '70 Mercury 80hp. They ain't pretty but they hold gas well and the connections are solid.

Some folks are wary of metal tanks because they could turn into shrapnel in the event of an explosion but I figure that normal, safety-first use will not cause any problems.

If it's holding pressure well and there are no other issues then I'd use the tank for sure.

Do you have pictures of the tank, boat and outboard so we know what we're talking about?