After Market Fuel Tank Question

[marvin the minnow]

77 Glastron CVX16

just found out the hard way that my fuel tank had a hole in the bottom of the tank. what is the most affordable option to replace the tank? i would still like to have the fuel tank below the closed bow.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: After Market Fuel Tank Question

I also gave an older closed bow runabout with the tank in the bow. Mine happens to be a 18' Fiberform. My metal tank had been repaired several times and it was best to modernize the whole system. I upgraded to a Moeller 19 gallon plastic tank. Keep in mind that even in the bow, it's still considered a below deck tank so you need that quality. I also went ahead and replaced the fuel lines and installed a cartidge type filter/separator. I was able to buy the fuel line and, anti-syphon valve and separator locally at about half the price of the online stores so it pays to check.

The iboats store has a good selection of Moeller tanks and components so look here as well. Here's the link to the tanks http://www.iboats.com/Below-Deck-Permanent-Fuel-Tanks/dm/*******.459344226--**********.774934146--view_id.238166. There's an installation link on that page also.

Here's a link to the regs to help you decide what components are required on a modern boat: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_99/33cfr183_99.html

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.

 

[marvin the minnow]

Re: After Market Fuel Tank Question

I also gave an older closed bow runabout with the tank in the bow. Mine happens to be a 18' Fiberform. My metal tank had been repaired several times and it was best to modernize the whole system. I upgraded to a Moeller 19 gallon plastic tank. Keep in mind that even in the bow, it's still considered a below deck tank so you need that quality. I also went ahead and replaced the fuel lines and installed a cartidge type filter/separator. I was able to buy the fuel line and, anti-syphon valve and separator locally at about half the price of the online stores so it pays to check.

The iboats store has a good selection of Moeller tanks and components so look here as well. Here's the link to the tanks http://www.iboats.com/Below-Deck-Permanent-Fuel-Tanks/dm/*******.459344226--**********.774934146--view_id.238166. There's an installation link on that page also.

Here's a link to the regs to help you decide what components are required on a modern boat: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_99/33cfr183_99.html

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.

is the anti syphon valve the the hose that was running to the outside of my boat from the tank, and what is it's purpose?

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: After Market Fuel Tank Question

Here's a list of companies that make fuel tanks.
Tanks

Ezell Industries Products http://www.ezellengineering.com/
Best Fab Inc http://www.bestfab.com/
Florida Marine Tanks http://www.floridamarinetanks.com/
Inca Plastics Inc. http://www.incaplastics.com/
Kracor Inc - Rotational Molders of Marine Tanks http://www.kracor.com/
Moeller marine Products http://www.moellermp.com/
RDS Aluminum Fuel Tanks Marine Tanks http://www.moellermp.com/
S P fabricates custom aluminum marine fuel tanks http://www.sptanks.com/webdev/links.htm
Tempo Products - Fuel Tanks http://www.tempoproducts.com/products.html
Marine Fuel, Holding,Water Tanks by Custom Marine Tanks http://www.custommarinefueltanks.com/
Todd Boat Seats marine supplies, marine equip, fuel transport. gas caddies http://www.toddusa.com/productdetails.aspx?cid=14


see about fuel systems and tanks at http://newboatbuilders.com/pages/fuel.html

 

[cr2k]

Re: After Market Fuel Tank Question

Anti siphon valve is attached to the fuel tank outlet and the hose to that. It is USCG required.

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: After Market Fuel Tank Question

Unfortunately it has become a common myth in the boating world that an anti-siphon valve is always required. That ain't necessarily so. The anti-siphon valves is only required if the fuel outlet on the tank is higher than the fuel inlet on the engine. If the fuel outlet is lower than than fuel inlet on the engine then the fuel can't self siphon itself out of the tank. Plus that, if this is an outboard then the anti-siphon is not required by the USCG. It is recommended for outboards by ABYC but the same rules apply. The system has to be capable of siphoning itself out. Since this is a bow mounted tank that may be the situation, but each case has to be looked at separately. It is not a blanket rule for all boats.

Here is the regulation:

Sec. 183.568 Anti-siphon protection. Each fuel line from the fuel tank to the fuel inlet connection on the carburetor must:

(a) Be above the level of the tank top; or

(b) Have an anti-siphon device or an electrically operated fuel stop valve:

(1) At the tank withdrawal fitting; or

(2) Installed so the line from the fuel tank is above the top of the tank; or

(c) Provided that the fuel tank top is below the level of the carburetor inlet, be metallic fuel lines meeting the construction requirements of Sec. 183.538 or ``USCG Type A1'' hose, with one or two manual shutoff valves installed as follows:

(1) Directly at the fuel tank connection arranged to be readily accessible for operation from outside of the compartment, and

(2) If the length of fuel line from the tank outlet to the engine inlet is greater than 12 feet, a manual shutoff valve shall be installed at the fuel inlet connection to the engine

 

[marvin the minnow]

Re: After Market Fuel Tank Question

it does not appear as thought i had an anti syphon valve installed on my tank. the only components on my tank are the fill spout, vent hose, withdraw fitting w/shutoff valve, and fuel gauge component. not sure if i need the anti syphon valve as it seems it was never there in the 1st place.

 

[marvin the minnow]

Re: After Market Fuel Tank Question

having a hard time finding which Moeller tank should replace the factory tank? my biggest concerns are getting the filler spout to line up and making sure i can securely mount the tank without having to fabricate anything.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: After Market Fuel Tank Question

You're just going to have to keep measuring and comparing until you find a shape and capacity that's acceptable to you. The original attachment points may or may not work. I used the metal tiedowns that fit in the tank notches but the straps may work as well.

Your fuel line problems are most likely due to ethanol or just age related. You're dealing with a system that was designed way before they thought of adding alcohol to the fuel so you need to use modern materials. It also sounds like it's been cobbled together over the last 30+ years so it's best to just rip out that crap and put new components in the right way.

Do or don't add an anti-syphon valve. It's a $10 part. My feeling is that it doesn't matter if it's required or not if it's a good idea. The fuel/water separator should be just before the fuel pump.

Use a detergent to clean up the fiberglass where you spilled the gas. Yes, it's a solvent and will weaken the fiberglass - that's one of the drawbacks of ethanol and the way it reacts to older materials. Might want to rip up and replace that part of the carpet to make sure. Again, we're talking about a 30+ years old boat that you'd like to get a season or two more use from - not a palace.

 

[marvin the minnow]

Re: After Market Fuel Tank Question

You're just going to have to keep measuring and comparing until you find a shape and capacity that's acceptable to you. The original attachment points may or may not work. I used the metal tiedowns that fit in the tank notches but the straps may work as well.

Your fuel line problems are most likely due to ethanol or just age related. You're dealing with a system that was designed way before they thought of adding alcohol to the fuel so you need to use modern materials. It also sounds like it's been cobbled together over the last 30+ years so it's best to just rip out that crap and put new components in the right way.

Do or don't add an anti-syphon valve. It's a $10 part. My feeling is that it doesn't matter if it's required or not if it's a good idea. The fuel/water separator should be just before the fuel pump.

Use a detergent to clean up the fiberglass where you spilled the gas. Yes, it's a solvent and will weaken the fiberglass - that's one of the drawbacks of ethanol and the way it reacts to older materials. Might want to rip up and replace that part of the carpet to make sure. Again, we're talking about a 30+ years old boat that you'd like to get a season or two more use from - not a palace.

should the sperator be installed inside the outboard engine case?
does the anti siphon valve hook right up to the tank? does it hookup before or after the shutoff valve?
my floor was just gutted and replaced, will the fuel really affect a brand new fiberglass floor? i hosed it out really good right after the spill occured.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: After Market Fuel Tank Question

I've seen the separator installed on the transom and inside engine bay bilge area. Look around and see what makes sense. You don't want a leak to drip on the exhaust manifold or anything electrical and you don't want it to be in the way of routing maintenance. Just be sure that it's in the area that will be ventilated and that you have room to change the filter. Mine didn't have one either but I followed the general layout of electrical running down one side and fuel on the other side of the boat.

Anti-syphon valve is screwed into the tank suction elbow so that it's attached directly to the tank. The shutoff valve would be downstream in an accessible location.

If the deck glass is new then using a detergent should do the job.

Working on an old boat presents challenges but you'll get there!

 

[marvin the minnow]

Re: After Market Fuel Tank Question

I've seen the separator installed on the transom and inside engine bay bilge area. Look around and see what makes sense. You don't want a leak to drip on the exhaust manifold or anything electrical and you don't want it to be in the way of routing maintenance. Just be sure that it's in the area that will be ventilated and that you have room to change the filter. Mine didn't have one either but I followed the general layout of electrical running down one side and fuel on the other side of the boat.

Anti-syphon valve is screwed into the tank suction elbow so that it's attached directly to the tank. The shutoff valve would be downstream in an accessible location.

If the deck glass is new then using a detergent should do the job.

Working on an old boat presents challenges but you'll get there!

is the suction elbow part of the feed line? it looks like every tank starts its feed line with the square fitting threaded into the top of the tank.

im getting the impression that its a rich mans hobby but theres some pride in improving and making an old item functional. looking at the cost of new boats makes me wonder how anyone can afford to own one.

thank you for all of the advice and sugstions, im learing alot and know by experience that grown up toys are always expensive and require alot of time and patience.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: After Market Fuel Tank Question

Yes - the square connection is the fuel line.

You're right about the learning curve and the expense. It becomes a matter of choosing how much to spend and what's absolutely necessary and the "nice to have" items. Routing maintenance costs for an old boat and a new one are probably pretty close to the same. It's the #*%$ things that break more often on the old ones that get to you

 

[marvin the minnow]

Re: After Market Fuel Tank Question

Yes - the square connection is the fuel line.

You're right about the learning curve and the expense. It becomes a matter of choosing how much to spend and what's absolutely necessary and the "nice to have" items. Routing maintenance costs for an old boat and a new one are probably pretty close to the same. It's the #*%$ things that break more often on the old ones that get to you

so would the anti siphone valve hook to this item? my current set-up has a shutoff valve hooked to this folowed by as brass fuel line running to the rear of the boat.