trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

[RandyJ]

This is the sweetest running motor I've ever had and just perfect for my 12 ft flat bottom boat... and I was using it to power the boat the very first time I ever caught a fish while trolling! It runs so smooth that at idle I can slow it down to the point that I wouldn't need a tachometer because I can count the times it fires...and still is running smooth!
Problem is that the fuel tank, which is heavy aluminum, mounts above engine, has a lot of trash in it. I've done the trick with gravel and rinsed and dried and rinsed and did everything I know to do to rid the tank of the trash. I've looked inside the tank and it appears that there may have been a coating of some kind. I have seen what appears to be paint peeling from the inside of the tank. I'm using a Tempo??? clear glass type filter which is doing an okay job. It took a little rigging to get it on there but it is doing the job...not only does the trash clog the filter but it also clogs the very small (1/4" copper???) fuel line I have on it. I'm just wondering if you guys have a suggestion of how to get the tank clean once and for all. I'm thinking there may be something like an acid wash and then a glass lining product I know has been used on gas tanks as I had that done to my old Datsun 240z...

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

I have used this before:
http://reviews.ebay.com/How-to-use-the-KREEM-Gas-Tank-Sealer-Kit_W0QQugidZ10000000001059206
Seemed to have worked on an old Evinrude tank.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

Those old Martins are awesome motors. Built by National Pressure Cooker Company, they are about the only motor in exhistance that was built with poppet valves, as apposed to reed valves. One thing I have seen, if they spit back constantly, they could dislodge the o-ring on the poppet valves, so that is one thing to watch for. I got one once that had the o-ring dislodged and it ran like crap. Once I got it back on, it ran like a million bucks. I wouldn't mind finding another one.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

The last owner probably put a tank sealer in there incorrectly and now it is peeling off. You're gonna have to pull the tank and the fitting where the fuel line attaches to the tank and do some chemicals and scrub down. The nuts/bolts thing is good, but that's probably what tore the old tank liner apart. I use acetone to loosen crud inside old tanks, then carb cleaner, then a literal hot water power wash like at the car wash...followed by air drying and alcohol to evaporate any remaining water. Might try catching a piece of that liner trash and seeing if you can find something that will dissolve it...but don't know chemistry so you guess is as good as mine. Aquarium brushes are pretty good for reaching into tanks, to a degree. The final step is flushing the tank with old, but not spoiled gas, to get the fine sediment out...pull the fuel line fitting, take off the cap, position the tank so you can catch what comes out of the fitting hole and then repeatedly drain and empty it by gravity until the no crud comes out. Good luck. Martin 20's are sweet little motors. Might also give Russ Larson a call...www.martinoutboards.com...might be easier to just replace the tank.

 

[RandyJ]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

yeah.... I've also got a Martin 75 TS and a Martin 60. I haven't tinkered with either in a few years. I checked them out a few days ago and neither had any fire... probably points. I had both running when I put them in storage before I moved 6 years ago. Neither have the recoil and no gas cap... so kind of junky but as for collector's items they'd be a great addition for somebody. I'd trade any or all for easy start good running motors...or cash.

 

[F_R]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

When you get serious enough about that tank, take it apart and clean it. Then you can come back and ask the next question---how to reseal it. Russ Larson has gaskets. OR there is an aircraft tank sealer called Pro Seal that works well. I would have to dig up that information if you want it.

BTW, isn't the tank leaking at the seam anyway? Nearly all of them do.

EDIT: Those Martins are notorious for going up (down) in flames due to leaking tanks. Don't say I didn't warn you.

EDIT EDIT: I worked for a Martin dealer when that motor was new. Have to agree, they are fine motors.

 

[RandyJ]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

Thanks for all the info. My son is using it on the flat bottom boat so until it quits again it will stay in service.... then we'll attack it...

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

That's funny. My old Martin was a 75 model. The tank was good on it. The only issue I had was with the neutral clutch.

 

[F_R]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

Well, there were two types of tanks. Some were two piece and terrible about leaking, and some were one piece and did not leak---but the gas cap sure did. I can't remember exactly which models were two piece, except the 20 and 45 were. Pretty sure the 60 and 75 were one piece.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

Yea, I think you're right. Mine I believe was the one piece. I don't recall what the gas cap was like though. I remembered mine ran well though. Seems like I recall that the Martin 60 was a 7.2hp and the Martin 75 was a 7.5hp. Probably wasn't much difference, other than the logo. I got mine as a partial payment, for replacing a powerhead on a 135hp Johnson.

 

[JimS123]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

When Grandpa passed away in 2004 I got his and Great Grandpa's Martin 60s. They bought them together back then and though not a matched pair they were only a few serial numbers apart. Both ran even after sitting for 15 years or so.

Along with them came a used gas tank. I would imagine that this was a known problem, or he wouldn't have bought spare parts back in the 1970's. Anyway, the spare tank looks like new inside.

Just search around and I'll bet you can find a good replacement. Try Webvertise at AOMCI.com.

 

[RandyJ]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

yeah, without a recoil I have no gas caps on the 75 or 60.... the cap that somebody put on one looks like it would fit on the old champion motor I've got. I probably should join AOMCI since everything I own (about 15 boats, another 10 or 15 outboard motors, and 7 pwc's) are all antiques... I've only got one boat newer than 1978... and it's a 1983 Bayliner... my kids are newer than my boats..and they're full grown with kids of their own.,..

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

You can probably find a recoil and tank stopper through the Webvertize ads on the AOMCI site, or just call Russ Larson at martinoutboards.com

 

[jaybow]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

Yes, I whole heatedly agree! Martins are great motors. I got my first out of a pasture. no prop, much rust, stuck pistons, etc. Me, with no experience with outboards. Yet I got her runnin' [with much help from Russ Larson] and time. I now own, inc. that '60' about 12. '40's,'60's a couple of'75's and a couple of '100's . To your question: sounds like the simplest thing is to just keep puttin' see through filters on, as I do, and she'll clean out eventually. ALL my Martins run[with the exception of 1 of the '100's] and it came from a snow bank in Mi. It will. Russ is THE MAN for Martins. Good kickin' jaybow

 

[jaybow]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

Well F_R , to have worked for a Martin dealer when a '20' was new!! I recall my and your vintage being mentioed earlier. 'Nuff said. I'd like to know more about that Pro seal stuff. Availability 'n such. Been busy fishin', so haven't been on lately. Good to touch base. Thanks, jaybow

 

[F_R]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

My notes on that stuff are 6 years old, so hopefully they are still useful??

www.wicksaircraft.com Search site for pro-seal (with the hyphen). Part number FPS890-202 $12.72 (In 2005)

The stuff worked very well for me.

 

[jaybow]

Re: trash still coming out of fuel tank, 1952 Martin 20, 2.3 hp

My notes on that stuff are 6 years old, so hopefully they are still useful??

www.wicksaircraft.com Search site for pro-seal (with the hyphen). Part number FPS890-202 $12.72 (In 2005)

The stuff worked very well for me.

Thanks F_R . I looked ,no see'em . Musta been so good they took it off the market!!Good try though. I'll check some parts stores. Thanks jaybow