Fuel Tank Issue

[jshane39]

I have a 50 gallon built in fuel tank. Trouble is that the tank has sunk in at the top and causes the float on the stick in the tank to freeze in place due to the angle, thus giving me false fuel gauge readings. Suggestions on how to straighten that tank out? It is a composite tank (not stainless) and I have very little room to get to it other than two small hatches in the floor of the boat.

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Fuel Tank Issue

has it always been like that or did it happen over the winter? you could try waiting for a hot day and tape your fuel tank vent closed and if see if the expansion pops it back into shape.

 

[MyViewGS]

Re: Fuel Tank Issue

Im currently working on replacing my tank because the top collapsed. Because mine sunk long ago while in lengthy open storage, the top of the tank held alot of water. The water covered the sending unit and it corroded badly so I chose to replace the whole thing as part of my resto. If you can access the sending unit you might be able to loosen the screws (usually has three in a triangle pattern) and turn it 1/3 rotation and re-mount......... As for the tank, I've talked to INKA and Moeller and both said that once a poly tank is compromised with a collaped top there is no repair. Of course, they want to sell their product too.

MyViewGS

 

[jshane39]

Re: Fuel Tank Issue

It has been like that for the 3 years that I have owned it. I also have a bit of water that sits around the fuel sender, but have learned to manage it after each wash down or rain. My sending unit has 6 screws in it and regardless of the direction I turn, it will still show a false reading due to the angle. A friend of mine (car mechanic) suggests using the access hole for the sending unit to insert some sort of wedge to straighten the top of the tank. He is suggesting placing a pole of some sort through the sending unit hole to prop up the top of the tank. Sounds a little risky to me though. Any thoughts on that idea?

 

[MyViewGS]

Re: Fuel Tank Issue

Its a pretty small hole to work with. It you do try that, be sure to use a non-conductive / non-corrosive piece to prop it with. You might do better building a poly wedge to shim the sending unit to level and then seal it. Keep us posted.

MyViewGS

 

[apache61]

Re: Fuel Tank Issue

You could put in one like this, the float rides up and down instead of swinging on an arm.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...l1313&_nkw=160416019093&_sacat=&_fvi=1&_rdc=1
iboats sells them but only exact replacements, this guy will build them to any length you want just measure from top to bottom of tank. Its the type I use in my boat but could be put in almost any tank, I bought one from the above link and it works great.

 

[109jb]

Re: Fuel Tank Issue

Use tthe following information at your own risk.

I have straightened out metal tanks by plugging all the ports and pressurizing the tank. NOTE: I AM TALKING ABOUT VERY LOW PRESSURE!! On the order of 1 or 2 psi. I personally use a nitrogen cylinder and a welding style regulator. You could also use something like a bike tire pump that is very controllable.

 

[jshane39]

Re: Fuel Tank Issue

109jb: I have one of those poly type tanks and I am not certain that the pressure would cause it to stay in place once the pressure is applied. I can take the sending unit out and place my fingers in the hole and pull up on the tank which will cause it to flex up. As soon as I let go, it returns to the sunken positon though.

Apache61: Trouble with replacing the sending unit with the one in the link is no matter what I put in there as a sending unit, it will still sit at an angle due to the top slightly sunk in, hence the false reading on the gauge.

I may lean towards the poly wedge or cut a gasket in half to "beef up" one side of where the sending unit screws into the tank to see if that straightens things up a bit. Any suggestions on a sealant that would withstand the water or potential gas splash that may occur?

 

[jshane39]

Re: Fuel Tank Issue

Ok so I found a replacement gasket at the local West Marine store. I took it home, and cut it in half. I then placed the two halves on top of one another and set them under the off centered side of the fuel sender. Replaced the screws and caulked around the sender with a gas/oil proof caulk. Seems to be holding up quite well. Thanks for the suggestions folks.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Fuel Tank Issue

I have a 50 gallon built in fuel tank. Trouble is that the tank has sunk in at the top and causes the float on the stick in the tank to freeze in place due to the angle, thus giving me false fuel gauge readings. Suggestions on how to straighten that tank out? It is a composite tank (not stainless) and I have very little room to get to it other than two small hatches in the floor of the boat.

What type of composite?
if its glass its falling apart, ethanol dissolves the resin.
Nylon type tanks are ok.
With all the alum tanks on craigslist you can find great deals, I paid $100 for a 60 gal alum, almost new.