Cutting deck to replace fuel tank

[bajones]

I have a 1990 Sunbird Stinger. Original fiberglass tank has leak so am replacing it with a poly tank. A few quick questions:<br /><br />1. Any special consideration when mounting a poly tank? I know that I need a grounding kit and not to foam it in because it expands. Will those nylon straps be enough to hold it in place?<br /><br />2. I have read that poly tanks permeate a fuel smell. Is this very strong? My fuel tank compartment is sealed so would this be a problem?<br /><br />3. When I cut the deck I would like to make the entire panel over the gas tank removable if possible because the fuel sending unit does not line up under my two existing inspection holes and in case of any leaks in the future. Would I be better off completely sealing it back up and adding a third inspection plate to access my fuel sending unit?

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Cutting deck to replace fuel tank

The bigger your access panel is - the better.<br /><br />The only enemy a poly-tank has is Sunlight, chafing, and the risk of punture.<br /><br />In various boats, both for myself and others; I've set them on top of a entire squirded out tube of silicone so they wouldn't move around much, and they had a inch or so clearance from anything sharp, or that would eventually chafe a hole in them. After 10 years or more, they were all doing fine.<br /><br />If you smell gas near one---- you have a leak.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Cutting deck to replace fuel tank

#1.. exactly correct..<br /><br />#2.. can't say..<br /><br />#3.. i'd go with a third plate.. <br /><br />( not knowin' the boat.. most floors are integral to the structure strenght..)