Life Expectancy of a Steel Fuel Tank

[marvin the minnow]

Just wondering how long these things last. I know it depends on the environment of the tank but im just curious if they all eventually rust out and leak.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Life Expectancy of a Steel Fuel Tank

Fresh water, painted, dry, probably last a very long time....salt water, not near as long.

 

[marvin the minnow]

Re: Life Expectancy of a Steel Fuel Tank

my steel tank in my 77 Glastron CVX16 had rust holes in it but had also been sitting dry and corroded for a long time i suspect. I picked up another steel stank last night (the proce was right at $20) that is close to if not 10 years newer. there is just minor surface ruse at the edges ofthe tank and from what i can see inside looks good. tap test shows all signs of a solid tank.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Life Expectancy of a Steel Fuel Tank

Marvin, If you have an oil/gas fuel mix in the tank, and paint the outside with some Rustoleum Rusty Metal Primer, the tank can last a long time. Try to keep any water out of the tank.

Since I have not seen a steel tank in a long time, is it fair to say the tank is from the 70s?

 

[Solittle]

Re: Life Expectancy of a Steel Fuel Tank

No leaks in my 122 gal tank so far - rig is 22 yrs old and I live in Miami & boat in the Keys.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Life Expectancy of a Steel Fuel Tank

Not sure of the life expectancy but I'm hoping to get a few more years out of my 1971 Merc tank .

It's in great shape still, but the gauge is no longer readable.