Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

[zach103]

last year when we put the fuel tank in we forgot to put that piece of half pipe under it for the water to go thru. so when we put some foam in there it went under and wont let water thru.. . so i cut out alll the foam out from around the sides but now it wont move.. tried prying it with a 2x4 but dont wanna ruin anything else.. and it didnt budge.. anyone have any ideas how to get it out.. the foam is the only thing holding it in right now

 

[bowman316]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

I used a crow bar to remove my foam. Or you could try poking a hole thru the foam to let it drain.

I would just rather not have any foam in my boat.

Just sucks up water.

 

[zach103]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

i got the foam that i can get to .. its the foam thats under the tank that i can get to and is sticking to the tank

 

[83mulligan]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

an electric carving knife goes through foam like butter. or a wire pulled underneath. once you get it started it should break free.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

Are there any chemicals that will break down the foam enough to let it loose? How much room do you have to work with could you get a hacksaw blade under there and carefully(so as not to damage the tank) come from each side and cut it loose or even a long bread knife. The wire would work also or maybe a piece of cable its a bit more abrasive than wire. Or could you take a piece of conduit and tap it in then pull out and remove core sample then go again with a longer piece when needed until you get through, pull out the conduit and replace with pvc. Is the tank metal or plastic

 

[twkjr 1250]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

i had the same problem with mine the cable worked like a charm make sure you pull on angle so you dont get stuck in one place and cut tank if you get stuck try starting from the other end good luck

 

[Mark42]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

If you can't thread a cable through because the foam closed up the space, try using a long length of 1x1/8" steel stock. Sharpen the end to a point and sharpen a foot or so of the sides on a grinder. Coarse is good. Then work it under the tank, sawing and cutting the foam away until it comes out the other end or the tank is free.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

Use a wire to cut under the tank.. you have to separate the foam from the tank material.

If you can't get a wire under, take the time to saw around all the edges of the tank with a flat piece of metal. Get the end of it under the tank if you can. You basically need to get all the foam you can cut to minimize the amount that's grabbing the tank.

When you're down to a minimum of foam, you can try gently prying the tank up. Protect your pry points with pieces of wood or something, and be prepared to damage the tank in the process. Unless you can completely cut it free this is a danger when pulling a tank out of foam.

Also don't forget that an empty tank full of vapors is much more dangerous than a full tank. Plug the fill and any other tank holes with plastic caps or something else non porous while you work on it, and avoid doing anything to generate sparks, including using power tools.

Erik

 

[bowman316]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

why do you need to remove the tank, that foam is closed cell foam, and should let water pass thru it.

 

[zach103]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

yah it does go thru but it takes forever.. so i would rather spend the time and take it out and do it right. i have to do some glassing down there anyways..

wire didn't work. im gunna see if i can get the sawzall down there

 

[83mulligan]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

yah it does go thru but it takes forever.. so i would rather spend the time and take it out and do it right. i have to do some glassing down there anyways..

wire didn't work. im gunna see if i can get the sawzall down there

don't forget to try the electric carving knife. a lot smaller with a lot more blade.

 

[Edko]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

First thing I thought of was a plumbers snake. push it in to the foam and churn it til you get to the other side, then work it back and forth like a wire to cut. But it's probably a stupid idea lol.

 

[92excel]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

M80's have been known to knock stuff loose..

dont forget the video!

 

[sschefer]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

I'm not sure what type of foam was in my 91 Starcraft but MEK dissolved what I couldn't bust out pretty quickly. That was on tin so not sure what it would do to glass. TEST FIRST

 

[oops!]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

just by reading the title.....i suggest a lighter and a rag......

LOL....

i ll brb.to read this in full bud

 

[zach103]

Re: Need Fuel Tank Removal Ideas

oops way to come back lol.. well we took our little come along/winch whatever you wanna call it. hooked the cable around the edges of the front of the tank.. set up a saw horse above it and cranked away.. came out easy but i could deff tell that it was pretty stuck to the foam.. heres what it looks like under

at the end of the hammer was a small little puddle of water.