Useful life of fuel tanks???

[mrom1234567]

I have a 1986 Grady White Sailfish. Do fuel tanks need to be changed or cleaned? Will a stainless steel fuel tank last forever? Do lines need to be changed or checked? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[pthein]

Re: Useful life of fuel tanks???

I have an 87 sailfish myself. The tank in my boat were not stainless, rather they were aluminum. I removed my decks to replace all fuel hoses (fill, vent and supply) as well as new fuel selector and shutoff valves. I also made sure to double clamp all and give a good ground not only to the tanks but also the fillers. In 89 Grady started zinc chromating their aluminum tanks to help control corrosion. I had the bare aluminum and found some pitting and corrosion. Removed the tanks and replaced with new. Before installing I zinc chromated them. Once you have painted with the stuff, you will know why stuff doesnt corrode after using it. I think I have a safe and reliable fuel system now. You may want to do some or all of these items. New tanks (2) were 850, and the hoses, etc. ran aroudn 300.

 

[G DANE]

Re: Useful life of fuel tanks???

I can add a story. <br />Some years ago i owned a 1976 21" fjord DC. The first season we noticed something like glassfibersmell ?? When the season ended and i took the boat up, i discovered there was gas in the bilge, outside the tank. Luckeyly this tank was seperated from the rest of the bilge in the boat. There was 40 gall of gas in the tank and 10 gall´s outside. The tank reached the bottum of the bilge and the rainwater and saltwater had corroded small holes in the aluminium. This boat even had a little kitchen with open fire, and we had used it, 3 feet from the floating gas !!!! Now i always check tank in my boats, as the first.

 

[chumbucket]

Re: Useful life of fuel tanks???

Pthein What brand of zinc chromate did you use to coat tanks??

 

[mrom1234567]

Re: Useful life of fuel tanks???

Thanks pthein<br />I will check my tanks now. It sounds reasonable for the cost. I still may wait until I repower next season. I am dreading pulling up my deck panels. But i guess it should be safety first.<br />Is there any way to pressure test a system??

 

[tufftango]

Re: Useful life of fuel tanks???

If your tanks are alumium, and you ride in rough water then it is possible that some of the welds in your tanks have failed. It is better to be safe then a missle. But hey free advise is usually worth what you pay for it...