Fuel Tank: Replace?

[capndan]

I have an '89 Crestliner, Aluminum 18 ' OB, with an internal tank, about 30 gallons.

Access is pretty easy, because deck is screwed into the hull in pieces.

Here is my dilemna: I am the 4th owner (family-family-family-me) and I know the 120 Evinrude VRO has never run well. I have sunk about $1200 into it, with trusted and

knowledgable mechanic,and I'm nowhere with it. So I have decided to replace it this winter with a new (BRAND NEW!!!) OB.

The boat does not have many hours on it, has spent several years in its life without being run. The gas lines and the tank are all original equipment, pre- Ethanol vintage-

I figure it would be a good idea to change it all out and start with a nice new, clean fuel system, rather than run god-knows-what through my brand new motor.

I removed enough deck to visualize the entire tank, which is metal, (should I assume it's aluminum?? How would I verify it's aluminum?)

I assumed I'd replace with a Moeller plastic, but I have also been told if it's aluminum, and not leaking, I could get it cleaned out and re-use it.

Re-setting the original would be a lot easier than figuring out how to get a plastic one secure.

I am interested in all opinions as to how to proceed. I am not in any huge hurry as I am not planning on re-powering until after this season anyway.

Thanks,

CapnDan

 

[twunder]

Re: Fuel Tank: Replace?

Check the tank with a magnet to see if it is steel.

 

[oops!]

Re: Fuel Tank: Replace?

its alumnium.....

hmmmmm.......couple of things here.....do you have your heart set on a new motor?......or do you want to fix the old one properly?

trusted mechanic or not......1200 on an ob without a proper diagnosis is a whole lot of money....sorry....but the mechanic should have a good handle on the problem by now.

as far as the tank.....you can take it out.....wash it clean with gasoline...swish it around.....and then pour in a gas tank sealant.....its about 100 bux for a kit.....but they work wonders. then just replace the sender and lines to the tank......if you are really worried...you can also add an inline gas filter

 

[oops!]

Re: Fuel Tank: Replace?

p.s.

post the ob questions to the proper ob forum.......im willing to bet our gurus here will have you on track and running in no time

 

[capndan]

Re: Fuel Tank: Replace?

Thanks for the replies. I pretty much have my heart set on a new OB...however, it seems either way I go, I would benefit from a clean rehabilitated fuel tank, and new fuel lines.

I'll post some pictures when I get it out of there.

capndan

 

[capndan]

Re: Fuel Tank: Replace?