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89 23cc fuel tank
I'm back!!
Pulled off the t-top and console today to take a look at the tank. That thing is a monster. The top is not pitted much, but a shut off valve at the fuel outlet is barely recognizable due to corrosion. Foward bulkhead seems soft, all foam seems dry. To pull or not to pull,,,, that is the question? What kind of longevity should I expect from an eighteen year old tank. Could I easily get another ten??? Hours of chopping foam will not be fun. Thanks in advance for any input. |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Mine lasted 27 years and the foam was soaking wet. I'm not sure what you mean about a soft bulkhead - did you mean hatch cover? If so, that can be recored pretty easily.
I would take care of the corroded shut off valve and replace with the appropriate fitting. I'd leave the tank alone until I smelled some gas. |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Thats a tough one. You already have removed the cc and t-top and have the tank exposed so you are 1/3 of the way done. I don't like foam around tanks you cant see what in the heck is going on. Ask yourself this question. Are you the type of person that can sleep well at night wondering if you should have pulled it? If so then Leave it. If not then pull it. I toss and turn a lot so I'd have to pull if it were me. No doubt that after 18 years there is at least some maintence that needs to be done such as fixing that corroded fitting and possibly coating the tank with a protective agent. If there is going to be any fuel or water in the foam it will be toward the bottom of the foam.
strick |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
IMHO, I would change it at this point if the $$ was there. Or pull it, test it, seal it, etc. re-use if possible.
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Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
I think I'm going to pull it and if it comes out undamaged, looking pretty good, I'll seal it and drop it back in. I'm thinking that my high pressure washer could cut right through the foam on the sides of the tank, saving me a lot of work. Anyone ever try this?
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Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Ha Fish On
I haven’t heard of a pressure washer approach before but it is worth a shot. You can use one of those garden tree branch saws with the wide teeth that works pretty good. FellowShip _______________________________________________ My motto: Just for the Grins :D |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
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strick |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Fish on-
My tank went in my 85-23cc last year, it was a bitch to get out! The foam holds the tank like no--tomorrow and if you have a 140-Gal. tank it's bigger than the hatch. I had to cut mine and fold it in half to get it out of the bilge. If yours is like mine I think you will find aluminum-rot where the water was trapped against the tank. “See pictures” Good luck! P.S. I replaced mine with a Moeller plastic tank. Egreen http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1...uilt/tank1.jpg http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1...uilt/tank2.jpg http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1...uilt/tank3.jpg http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1...uilt/tank4.jpg [ http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1...uilt/tank5.jpg http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1...uilt/tank6.jpg http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1...uilt/tank7.jpg http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1...uilt/tank8.jpg |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
I understand that's the main problem with foaming in fuel tanks, the aluminum actually corrodes. I read that for those tanks most experts and the CG agree that they need to be open to the air to properly form the aluminum oxide coating that protects the aluminum surface from further oxidation and avoid those problems. Professional Boatbuilder magazine also recommends that all aluminum tanks be strapped into place and not be surrounded by foam.
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Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
This is the way I put my tank in.
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm FellowShip _______________________________________________ My motto: Just for the Grins :D |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Extraction looks like a bear of a job. I was hoping to get mine out without damaging it. I imagined that the tank would have a vee bottom and that I would be able to tilt it to get it out. In your pics, the tank looks square. Even if I really take my time and remove all the foam, I'm still wondering if it will come out shy of demolishing it. Anyone ever get one out in one piece??? Is it possible?
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Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
I took my tank out in one piece without damaging it.trim the fiberglass back enough so the tank will go thru,its tight but it will go.i cut the foam with a sawsall with a long wood blade. remove the sending unit get a chain and a piece of round steel bar about 2 ft long rapped in a layer of tape to prevent sparks slide it thru the chain link and cross ways in the tank,then hook your comealong or chain hoist to it and pull strait up,believe me it will come up( i used the wrecker)and it wont damage the tank. by the way the tank is flat on the bottom, Les
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Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Les,
I've got a 1985 23' Scepter and anticipate that I will/should replace the original tank along with the engine. (The boat has benn out of the water and on the rack covered in a boat yard for 5 years.) The tank is 144 gal. by the spec. sheet that came with the boat. I'm concerned about how to get it out, but after reading your comment it might be easier (not easy) than I thought. Trimming back the glass and lifting is all it took? I understand you had to put a lot of lift to it to do it, but you didn't have to pull or cut other pieces of cockpit sole? Any comments/explanation would be appreciated. Thanks! BigLew |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
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If I did it over, I would have installed 2 fifty gallon tanks to help keep weight forward. I will never need to fill up 130 gallons cause we're on Lake Ontario and my max range would be 100 miles or around 50 gallons. |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Ahhh...the chain saw guy! Wasnt his name Lt. Dan or am I thinking of Forrest Gump?
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Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
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Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Fish-On-
Cut the rear bulkhead out, this is the first step in pulling the tank, and it’s not a big job. Check the condition of the lower corners of the tank. If it has rot I think you will see some signs of it when you scrape the foam off. If not take your time and carefully remove it. Power is the key. I was by myself. I had a 2500 lb come-along and a saws-all. I cut along the sides of the tank, pulled it straight back to break it free, then up and out. The pipe inside the filler hole is a good idea if you want to save the tank; I trashed mine with the hook. If you can rent one of these it’s a piece of cake! EGreen http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1...t/IMG_1196.jpg |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Tank is almost ready to pull. As I cut through the foam,the saw returned wet and covered with mush. I imagine I will see plenty of pitting. Question ?? I have looked at alot of info on replacing tanks and have not seen anyone glassing the tank and replacing it. A layer of 1708 with a good soak of epoxy should be ample protection from future leaks. I would think that a good patch on a bad spot and a wrap would last very well. Any thoughts? I imagine that epoxy would have a high bond strength on aluminum. Will it crack and break bond in a sea? My tank does not leak at the moment, so I'm trying to save it. Thanks guys. I've appreciated all the info.
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Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Ha Fish On
Unfortunately you are NOT Right On in your thinking. I entertained that same thought but the nature of corrosion in aluminum does NOT make it go away it keeps eating it’s way and will cause a blister in your glass layer. Kind of like putting a bandied on a cancer might look ok at first but the corrosion Will push through the layer of epoxy and glass and will break through. Plus the corrosion will go downward and eventually cause gas to come through to the epoxy then there is the relationship of epoxy and gas as well. They do make fiberglass tanks from scratch (no aluminum) but the resin is different. I don’t think (I could be wrong) epoxy and gas are compatible you would have to check that point out. Bottom line is this no one will want to go back in and Fix it 2 years later. My suggestion it to belly up to the bar with your $$$ and get a new tank. FellowShip _______________________________________________ My motto: Just for the Grins :D |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Thanks Fellow-Ship. I do Respect your advice. Is there anyone out there that could tell me that glassing my tank is a good idea? Just kidding!!! I guess for it to work, the tank would have to be corrosion free. I imagine that grinding until clean, would probably create holes all over the tank. Epoxy does not break down with gas contact. They sell kits to fix automobile tanks that are epoxy based. You pour the stuff inside the tank, slosh it around and the leaks are fixed. ---- I guess I'll start pricing tanks. Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
My dad has done it several times with great success. Be sure to use vinalester resin. :cool:
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Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
With the new stuff in gas these days it is eating up fiberglass tanks , get ready to pay $8.00 to $9.00 a gallon for a new one, and besides after all that crap to get it out, you will be in big trouble if you had to do it again, replace all hoses and sending units, do it now or forever hold ypur peice. Good luck
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Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Fish On,
Try FPmarine.com- They have salvage aluminum and plastic tanks for different boats. I picked up a 100 gal. plastic tank for $150 bucks. |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Thanks Guys,
I got the tank out today. As I said before, it wasn't leaking, but I pulled it to take a look at it. The foam was soaked. The tank sides and bottom were all wet. Only three bad spots found. It looks like the corrosion you would see on a sacrificial anode. I'm guessing it has eaten at least half way through. The rest of the tank looks pretty nice. I spoke with a tank builder in Tampa and picked his brain about glassing the tank. He said the exact same thing that Fellow-ship said. It is like putting a bandaid on cancer. He also said that the problem is that the aluminum expands and contracts, the glass will not, hence the broken bond eventually. The box that the tank was in seems to still be pretty sturdy. Should that be cut out to take a look at the stringers? The stringers toward the bow seem hollow as compared to the back. Also the deck is not glued to the stringers near the bow. I'm thinking of wedging the floor up a little and squeezing 5200 in there and then remove the wedges. I hope this doesn't turn into a full blown resto. I did find a new salvage 100gal aluminum tank for $270. the problem is that it is 30" wide and the stringers are at 30". Plus the flange is < 30". It could be done with some mods. Is 100gal tank adequate. the tank I pulled is 139? Keys trip planned for the end of May. Got to get this baby done!! |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
If you glass one you have to glass the whole tank or the patch will come off, however having a new tank built is the best way to go. I would clean it up and have it pressure tested and put it back in without the foam. I made some wedges for my tank that held it in place just fine. As far as the deck goes, all of the SC boats that I have looked at have the broken bond between the deck and stringer, it's no big deal. Just make sure that the stringers are still bonded to the hull well, and put that sucker back together and run it. If it ain’t broke then don't fix it. :D :D
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Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
That tank you found 30” will not fit because of the 90 degree hinge that holds the deck in place and if you are wrong just buy a 1/8” that’s TOO BIG. I had my tank made which was if I can remember correctly 12 x 28 x 72 = 120 gal. I really did not want to spend the $650 I paid for it at first because I would never see it again. But now I am glad I spent the $$$ and glad I will ever see it again. As for the deck if it is not sagging in the middle and strong enough to hold 800- 1,000 lbs of weight just add one layer of glass and epoxy over the top all around to stiffen it up a little for the next 30 years or so. As far as how big a tank you need your motor / motors will tell you that I burn approx 1 gal per 2 miles better than that if it isn’t 3-5’ that day. Anyhow that gives me a range of approx 240 miles the question is how far are you going any one trip & how often do you want to fill up??
FellowShip _______________________________________________ My motto: Just for the Grins :D |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Fellow-Ship, Tell me that you replaced your tank five years ago, because I'm getting quotes of $9/gal. My tank is 10x28x116. That comes out to $1200 140/gal. Where can I get one for $5/gal???? Now you can see why I keep talking about trying to glass it. I have a friend that owns a marina up north ,so I'm going to hold off a couple of days before I commit to the $1200. I hope he can get me one at wholesale. The tank I found at 30" wide almost fits. The measurements are 30.5" between the stringers except where the filler hose comes in. There it narrows down to 29". That idea is scrapped. I might just shell it out for the big tank. I can fish 2 days hard without refueling. $1200!! I could put myself through welding school!!!
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Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
If I can find my old invoice I will post it for you. It’s as home and I would have to do some digging. Had it made in Hialeah – Miami Fl. which is not to far for you to come and pick it up. I am sure they would cost more today.
FellowShip _______________________________________________ My motto: Just for the Grins :D |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Ha Fish On
I found the info on the place I got my tank done back in June of 2001. Sunshine Marine Tanks, Inc. 1755 W. 31 Place Hialeah, Fl. 33012 Phone 305-364-0111 Fax 305-364_2881 The 120 gal. back then was $600.00 plus tax. I picked it up took a few weeks. FellowShip __________________________________________________ ________ Just for the Grins :D |
Re: 89 23cc fuel tank
Thanks Fellow-ship. I'll give them a shout on monday.
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