Replacement fuel tank???

[Boilermaker]

I am looking at replacing the BOW Mounted 18 gal.steel gas tank in my 1971 Westwind Modified Vee.<br /> I have found 2 tanks>>>a Polyethelene "MOELLER" tank from Overtons for $119.99--- and a 19 Gal Aluminum tank by "RDS Manufacturing" for $239,99.<br />Both tanks are roughly triangular shaped and will work>>>>Is the Aluminum tank worth the extra cost??? Is the Polyethelen tank reliable??? I use the boat in coastal salt water, if that matters at all.<br />Right now I'm leaning toward the poly tank>>>but may opt for the aluminum if it will be stronger and safer. I do use the tank area under the bow to store equipment, including the anchor.<br />Thanks for any input.

 

[thehermit]

Re: Replacement fuel tank???

boiler....I have an 18 gal poly tank been on boat for 4 years no problem. Boat is on mooring in salt water and is a workboat so it is typically run hard and put away wet. Also just bought a 28 gal to put under the deck of project boat (tempo poly).

 

[quantumleap]

Re: Replacement fuel tank???

Poly is the way to go. Aluminum can corrode and leak. Poly has been used for quite some time. Do a search on this site and you'll find nearly all of the tank replacements are aluminum to poly.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Replacement fuel tank???

I'll put it to you this way, the fuel cells in military vehicles such as M1 abrams, M2 Bradleys, Humvees, etc, are poly. If it can hang with that punishment, it'll be alright in your boat. Good luck...

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: Replacement fuel tank???

Thanks Guys!!! I was kind of leaning towards the poly tank, now I'm sure!!! and at half the cost>>>what a deal.

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Replacement fuel tank???

Originally posted by Boilermaker:<br /> Thanks Guys!!! I was kind of leaning towards the poly tank, now I'm sure!!! and at half the cost>>>what a deal.

You won't regret it.<br /><br />I've got a poly 16 gal. tank that's about 15 years old and doing just fine.<br /><br />I don't trust fuel gauges, and with the poly tank, you can look & see your fuel level.<br /><br /><br />The only downside to them is that they have to be in a place where they can expand and contract. <br /><br /> If a tank is getting foamed in, the Aluminum would be a better choice. But if your mounting allows it freedom to swell & shrink--- its the best choice.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Replacement fuel tank???

Yeah, I'm really happy with my poly tank I just installed after the original steel tank rusted through and sprang a leak. I have a fuel guage set up, but I always end up looking over my shoulder at the tank to see the fuel level. The gauge is accurate, but I just can't help myself...

 

[E. E.]

Re: Replacement fuel tank???

How much expansion should be allowed for a poly tank. I heard here somewhere that a new tank needed space to expand initially. I have a used 31 gal below deck poly tank from a salvage yard that is in great shape and I'm about ready to put her in.

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Replacement fuel tank???

Originally posted by E. E.:<br /> How much expansion should be allowed for a poly tank.

I'd give an inch or so. It shouldn't generate any pressure, being vented as they are, so it shouldn't be heaving in & out. <br /><br />But they like to flex as the level in them goes up & down.<br /><br /><br />I think the main concern is that it doesn't rub a hole in it over time from chafing, and so it can breath a little around it and drain any water away so ya don't have mold growing around it.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Replacement fuel tank???

My poly tank grew by an inch all the way around. The corners stayed the same, but the flat areas bulged.