Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

[l008com]

My boat and motor are pretty old. It has a 6.5 gallon non-permanent fuel tank. It's a plastic style tank. It seems great, no problems I can tell. But it's still about 15-20 years old. Even though this fuel tank has given me no reason at all to worry about it, I still sometimes get nervous. If this tank ever cracked while I was out there, I would have to make one expensive two boat call to get towed back in. Generally, plastic gets brittle over time. But this tank might not even be plastic for all I know. And maybe the gas that's in it 6 months of the year keep it "conditioned" so it doesn't get brittle?

And along the exact same lines, should I replace my fuel line that goes from the tank to the engine? Again, no real reason, other than it's old, and if it ever split out in the ocean, that would just ruin my day.

For the fuel line, I was actually thinking about getting a new one and just keeping it in the boat as a backup.

What are your thoughts on this topic?

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

I am assuming this is an outboard. I would definitely replace the fuel hose and the bulb. The new ones are alcohol (ethanol) resistant. As for the tank, it is probably roto molded polyethylene and if so has no seams to leak. The only places that can leak are fittings and gaskets. Pressure test it. put about 3 (or less) psi on it (DO NOT USE MORE THAN 3PSI) Use a soapy solution to see it there are any leaks. Use soap that does not have any ammonia in it. You can get leak testing solution at RV dealers or Propane dealers. If it tests ok, then keep on using it. However if it makes you nervous buy a new one.

 

[l008com]

Re: Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

I'm actually thinking about getting a new 12 gallon tank. But based on what you said, I think my existing tank is good otherwise. It's never shown any signs of leaking at all. It is the molded type, with no corners or seams. I'll probably pick up a new fuel line wether or not i get a new tank. Is it a good idea to keep the old fuel line in the boat as a backup, or is that probably not necessary?

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

I would just get rid of it.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

I have a 1999 red polyethylene 12 gallon gas tank on my boat and it does look like the sunlight/UV has faded and maybe weakened the top surface of the tank...I've been thinking also of just replacing it, Before it cracks or leaks! I understand the newer Moeller polyethylene tanks are made of a thicker, more durable material....something about coast guard or safety regulations? These tanks have about doubled in price also, with a new 12 gallon costing over $100K...but maybe they're worth it? My 1999 Yamaha fuel lines all appear like new, so have no plans to replace those. If you do replace your fuel lines be sure to use the "marine specified" lines, Not automotive fuel lines. Good Luck!

 

[l008com]

Re: Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

$100,000 for a 12 gallon tank, that must be one hell of a tank

 

[robert graham]

Re: Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

$100,000 for a 12 gallon tank, that must be one hell of a tank

Yea, but it's a REAL nice tank!

 

[wagnerz]

Re: Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

According to Al Gore, the plastic from the gas tank will last for 20,000 years, so you don't have to worry too much about it cracking or anything if its only 20+ years old.

Me personally, I would just keep using the tank you got, unless you want a bigger tank.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

Since I got my red plastic tank in 1999 I've sprayed the top of it with red spray paint every now and then, just to try and keep the UV off of it...maybe it works?...so far, so good!

 

[l008com]

Re: Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

My tank is actually underneath the rear section of my boat, so it's not getting very much uv at all.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

My tank is actually underneath the rear section of my boat, so it's not getting very much uv at all.

If it's mostly out of the sunlight/UV, it should last a long time!....UV is rough on plastics, rubber, people, etc. I've always set my gas tank on a piece of old carpet to maybe protect it from abrasion, vibration, whatever....it might help? Good Luck!

 

[toddschubert]

Re: Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

I can cut you a deal on a tank. Just send me 50k and I'll send you the best 12 gal tank money can buy!

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

I have 2 of the attwood 6 gal plastic fuel tanks that have ben in use since 1990 and no problems

 

[5150abf]

Re: Fuel Tank & Line Preventative Replacement?

As others have said the tank is fine and I doubt it will ever crack, they are built pretty well because of the pressures that get built up if you forget to vent them, the hose on the other hand needs to be changed from the tank to the carbs and get at least an inline fuel filter on a fuel/water seperator is even better.

Maybe if you want to go really nuts get a new bulb and hose ends but the tank is fine.

Something to keep in mind with a 12 gallon tank is you are doubling your fuel weight so instead of 42lbs you have 84lbs and that can go close to zero when it is empty, if your boat is well balanced now it shouldn't be a problem, just something to be aware of.