built in fuel tank ckeck out

[C Perini]

I recently purchased a 1986 20' privateer, fiberglass fishing boat, with a built in aluminum fuel tank. The boat sat for a few years without use. I'm not sure if there is fuel in the tank but if so how would I get it out check the overall condition of the tank? There are two small deck plates at each end of the tank but not much can be viewed other than part of the topside of the tank and the sending unit. Any suggestions or should I just buy a few above deck red tempo fuel tanks? Thanks

 

[airman]

Re: built in fuel tank ckeck out

I've got an '81 (aluminum tank) with no problems yet. If you're worried, drain the tank and pressure test it. All new tanks are pressure tested to 4 psi. A fuel tank welding shop could confirm that # but I'm pretty sure it's correct. ourse you need to be careful but I'd much rather find a leak in the driveway than on the water.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: built in fuel tank ckeck out

Odds are that if it's an aluminum tank, it's OK. But as was suggested, you may want to have it checked out for peace of mind. Aluminum does not rust. That's a big plus!! The old steel tanks had alot of problems to worry about, especially if they sat for a long time and got condensation in them. You will still have yours pumped out, because the fuel in there cannot be any good. Then it would be a good time to test it if you feel it's nessesary.

 

[C Perini]

Re: built in fuel tank ckeck out

What would be the best way to empty old fuel from a built in tank? I have an old siphon hose but id be lucky to get anything out of that thing. Thanks for any ideas.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: built in fuel tank ckeck out

Get yourself an Automotive electric fuel pump, Preferably for a GM vehicle, hook up some lines, and power it with a car battery and have at it. Dispose of it properly. There are pump out services, too. Most dealers know where to locate one. About $5.00 a Gallon to pump out.

 

[Solittle]

Re: built in fuel tank ckeck out

Another way to drain it is to siphon it out either from an extension to your fuel line or directly from the tank after removing the sending unit for the fuel guage (run the siphon line out through the transom drain hole). An advantage to doing it this way is that you can see into the fuel tank and inspect for crud. If the fuel pick-up tube into the tank is removable you might want to pull it and check the screen on the end of the tube that most have for crud.<br /><br />However you do it make sure that you have a fuel filter/water seperator between the tank and motor.

 

[DJ]

Re: built in fuel tank ckeck out

After you do get it emptied, make sure you install a GOOD fuel/water seperator.

 

[airman]

Re: built in fuel tank ckeck out

If there is a screen on the fuel pickup, remove it. Let the fuel filter clean the fuel. If that screen ever clogs it's very difficult to clean, impossible underway. A clogged filter is easy to change.