Fixing or Replacing my Inboard Fuel Tank

[RustyMonkey]

I have a Hews SeaRunner that I am replacing the floor boards on and I am wondering if I should replace the existing inboard tank or just replace the valves and clamps? the tank is aluminum, the sending unit looks like it needs to be replaced and the brass valve that feeds the outboard. The tank is coated in a rubber like coating, however it has air bubbles in it now. I cut a small piece of the coating away to see what the tank looked like and it looks pretty good.

This is my first boat so any advice from the experienced or well informed would be great!

Thank you!!

Corey Tiedeman

 

[Akgramps]

If the tank doesn't leak it should be fine, if you have it out of the boat it would be a good time to flush it out.
you can pressure test , but no more that 4 PSI and spray with soapy water to check for leaks.
use "The green stuff" for the fittings, not Teflon paste or tape.
Be careful not to gall the threads, aluminum on aluminum is really easy to gall, I prefer a brass fitting in a aluminum tank bung.
Probably a good time to replace the sending units and reseal. But if they work.........?
yes on replacing clamps, valve as in quick disconnect at the motor? If so yes I would replace and good idea to carry a spare. I use to disconnect mine every time I pulled the boat out of the drink, and they would start leaking mid-season, now I leave em connected and no more leaks.

 

[RustyMonkey]

Looks like it has a brass fitting for the hose that goes to the outbaord. I will replace it with another brass one then. What is "the green stuff"?

Thank you for your help gramps!

 

[Akgramps]

Looks like it has a brass fitting for the hose that goes to the outbaord. I will replace it with another brass one then. What is "the green stuff"?

Thank you for your help gramps!

The green stuff is meant for fuel fittings..........probably other things also? but I use it on threaded fuel line connections. Alaska Rubber & Rigging has it, but I bet Napa would as well. Small toothpaste like tube.

If you are talking about the brass fitting that screws into the tank, then that has a dip tube on it to draw off the bottom of the tank, and really no reason to replace unless the tube is damaged or the threads are bad on the fitting and if they are, then most likely the tank fitting could be compromised as well. Be careful removing, work them back and forth some to loosen up. I would be hesitant removing those if unnecessary..........? I don't know the size & shape of the tank? But maybe you can inspect internally with flashlight and a mirror through the sending unit opening?
Just be cautious as old fittings either loosen up & leak or have a way of becoming darn near permanent..........hope this helps.
It would be a shame to take something apart and damage in the process if all is well......................

 

[MacGyver]

Then you thread anything into aluminum you need to use the proper thread sealant, Loctite 567 will prevent galling on S.S. and aluminum. The down side is its $25 for 1.69 Fl oz not cheep.

I personally would not put a fuel tank back in unless I did a presser test, it not hard to do if you have the proper equipment. If you want I can help you make the test and I have the equipment, if you decided to do it.

 

[RustyMonkey]

Thank you for all of the information!

Looks like I am going to replace the tank. I took it out last night and feel it would be the best and most safe option.

Now to find a tank that fits......I am going to West Marine after work. Any other ideas?

Thanks again!!!