leaking built in tank

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scottcaulfield

Recruit
Joined
Dec 13, 2002
Messages
3
The built-in 31-gallon tank in my Cobia 17'4 is leaking into the hull. Any suggestions before I take it to a shop? Seems like they'd have to cut much of the floor out to get to it. Will it be feasible to repair it???
 
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Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: leaking built in tank

Scott - You can call Cobia and ask them exactly where you tank is located if you don"t know already. It can be a job that you can tackle.
 
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scottcaulfield

Recruit
Joined
Dec 13, 2002
Messages
3
Re: leaking built in tank

Thanks --<br /><br />I began to smell gas in my garage -- didn't realize it was coming from the boat. when I went out on the water, though, I noticed the smell coming from below when i removed the bilge cover. Back at home I pulled the main plug and about 2 gallons of gas/water mixture came out -- hard to tell how much of each, but plenty of gas. <br /><br />The boat's been sitting in the garage for a few days, now, though, with the plug out and a bucket below, but not a drop has dripped out. <br /><br />I'm wondering if the leak might occur only when the tank is very full, or when the engine's running.<br /><br />Even though it doesn't seem to be leaking now, there are still lots of fumes. I'm trying to keep it well ventilated.<br /><br />I know where the tank is - right under the helm in the center. I did replace the sending unit not long ago, but that doesn't seem to be leaking. I can't feel any moisture around the top of the tank.<br /><br />Could a normal boat garage run a pressure test on it??<br /><br />Thanks!!
 
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ZmOz

Captain
Joined
Aug 13, 2003
Messages
3,949
Re: leaking built in tank

Depending on how big the hole is, the gas tank repair epoxy they sell works pretty well. Only $3...
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: leaking built in tank

I think I would be looking at:<br /><br />1. The fill hose and connection.<br /><br />2. THe vent hose and connectionn.<br /><br />3. The outlet hose and connection.<br /><br />All of these should be visible from pry up plates in the floor.<br /><br />Hoses are a lot easier to fix than tanks.
 
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Kesh

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 29, 2002
Messages
272
Re: leaking built in tank

Scott,<br />I had exactly the same problem (as 18rabbit pointed out you can take a look at my post "Gasoline in bilge"). <br /><br />As DJ says, CHECK EVERY HOSE COMPLETELY AND EVERY HOSECLAMP AREA. Do not disconnect first, as you want to find the problem exactly where it is. Touch with your fingers the whole length of every hose and try to detect the gasoline odor. Do the same in hoseclamp areas. If nothing wrong shows up, disconnect and then TEST THE HOSES one by one (with pressure, and bending on suspected segments to see if it is craked).<br /><br />You want to discard the easy potential problem areas before you start thinking on the tank itself.<br /><br />I tried it all before messing with the tank. I even tried the pressure test. Unfortunately, my old fiberglass tank was repaired once (previous owner) and as I couldn't find the leak in any easy spot, we decided to cut the floor and replace the fiberglass tank with an aluminium one. We also replaced the fresh water tank (fiberglass too) with a new aluminium tank. The work takes time, it is kinda depressing seeing your boat in pieces while others go fishing, but it is unvaluable to have the opportunity to inspect every corner of the hull and have brand new tanks.<br /><br />Here is a link with some pictures of the works being carried out in our boat.<br /><br /> http://home2.nikonnet.com/servlet/c...SWORD=nikoneditor_-1192820679&WHO=memberguest <br /><br />We hope to be sailing next friday April 16.
 
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