Gas tank question

[1973Chieftain]

I have two gas tank questions.. probably silly questions, but I'll ask as I have never tried and some of y'all might have.

First, can a portable plastic tank such as those made by Moeller be used on their side? I'm looking at one of their 12 gallon ones for sale here on iboats and it would fit nicely if it were on its side rather then flat. Basically what is listed as hight would be the width and the fittings would be facing forward in the boat instead of up.

Secondly, I have a nice aluminum tank that I pulled out of an I/O boat, could it be used with an outboard? It has the fill tube, and what looks like a sender unit- if I sealed those off and used the standard outboard motor fitting would it work the same as the portable plastic tanks?

Thanks!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Gas tank question

On the Moeller on its side - I see three possible problems. Fuel pick-up, venting and the fill being covered with half a load of gas.

On the AL tank. Why not just make a permanent install?

Chieftain - Which tinny is this for?

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Gas tank question

This is for the Mirrocraft. It only has the 6 gallon old metal tanks and I'm thinking that with a 140hp on it it would go through the 6 gal way too fast. But the splash well is too low to put any tank under it so I'm trying to decide where and what type of tank to put in. I've never tried putting the below deck AL type of tank in an outboard boat before so not sure if the different fuel pick up types would interchange. Until I replace the deck I don't know if there's room under there for one or not, but I'm leaning towards not.

 

[64osby]

Re: Gas tank question

The 140 will use gas, look to get as much capacity in the boat.

The I/O tank would work. If it has a sending unit it should be electric and go to your gauge at the console if equipped.

Fill, vent and feed are required for OB use. If it has a 4th pretty sure it can be capped, usually a return line on an I/O.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Gas tank question

No the portable can't be used on it's side. Yes the I/O tank would work. You'll want at least an 18 gallon for your 140. At LEAST.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Gas tank question

Chief - A lot of CCs put the tank under the console. That allows for storage under the splashwell for stuff. I have to go back to your MC thread and have a gander.

EDIT - Just looked. That looks like a wide console. Will the AL tank fit under it? You can add a gauge to the dash and a filler/vent to the side of the console.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Gas tank question

I'm sure it could fit, but not easily without building up the floor a good bit. But CL came through for me again, just found and bought a 28 gallon Tempo plastic tank for $100. I'm thinking of putting it in the stern to one side or the other (batteries on the other side) and building a nice plywood box to put over it to make a seat out of it

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Gas tank question

I think 28 gallons is way too much weight for the stern. That's one reason the bigger tanks are amidships. Put it under your console and put lighter stuff in the rear.

It's also too much weight for one side. And you want weight as low as possible (think keel on a freighter or sailboat)

For the tank, you will have a pick-up tube that comes through the top of the tank. Be sure the bottom of the tube is close to, but not resting on the bottom. I'd say at least 1/4" tolerance. A number of reasons for this.

Then it comes out the tank, usually in a 90 degree fitting, that should have an anti-syphon valve in it.

From there it's "hard wired" to the tank: no clip-off fittings, but a hose on the barb with a clamp. From there, hard to the bulb and water seperator; whether it's hard or a clip at the motor is a matter of preference. hard won't leak air or get screwed up; clip allows you to run from a second or remote tank conveniently.

With this home-made rig, be safe about vents, fumes, fill and spill, and sparks.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Gas tank question

The 28 gal tank is factory set up for the outboard which should save a good deal of hassle. Home Cooking, why would you say the weight would be too much? Near as I can figure, gas is about 6 lb/ gallon, so about 168 lbs total. That's less then all of my fishing buddies (and I) weigh so I would think it would be similar to someone sitting back there. I could be wrong, never had more then 12 gallons in a boat before. Oh, and most of he seating is up front so the weight off all passengers would be up front. I'll look into ways of putting it under the console too.

 

[64osby]

Re: Gas tank question

I have an 18, and a 6 under the splashwell and a 3 gal reserve under the back seat on the Mariner

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Gas tank question

The few times anyone has sat back in the stern corner of my boats, they have not performed well. You are putting a constant weight there, putting your boat off-balance on both axis. It is not merely coincidence that (good) boats are designed with simetrical loads as much as possible, and that large gas tanks are not installed in the rear, but in the center, low.

Good luck with your hole shot.

 

[V153]

Re: Gas tank question

No the portable can't be used on it's side. Yes the I/O tank would work. You'll want at least an 18 gallon for your 140. At LEAST.

Agreed. Those motors are purty voracious when it comes to fuel consumption. 'Specially if yer runnin em hard. I never leave the ramp without 15 gal onboard. And on at least one occasion that wasn't enough.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Gas tank question

Thanks guys for the advice, I'm going to figure a way of putting it under the console.