85 fuel tank leaking?

EVERGREEN · #1 11-27-2005, 08:20 PM

I recently purchased a 1985 SF/23, and was planning on some clean-up and up-dating this winter.

I winterized the boat last week and started covering it up today, but there is a strong smell of gas!

I pulled the floors and checked the bilge, hoses, tank, etc. And there is no signs of gas leaking but it reeks of fuel.

The tank is foamed in-place, is there any test I can do or do I have to pull the tank?

TUGBOAT · #2 11-27-2005, 10:34 PM

EGREEN, Theres only a few places the "Smell" can come from.
Tank,Hoses,fittings,Fuel filter(s), engines.check the easiest first. You can pressure test the tank but- if its weak.You've really got problems.Being an '85 the chances are really good that it's your tank(My '83 2 yrs ago),It's time.I did not foam mine back in as i figured it would hold moisteur.,Blocked it in,been OK.Replace everything associated with the system while out. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
Scream'n Reels'

Finster · #3 11-27-2005, 10:52 PM

Do you have fuel in the bilge? And how did you check your fill and vent? Their both tough to do a visual on.

I ask because my '78 had that problem and as it turned out the fill and vent were shot and the tank was 100%(which is uncommon for a '78 tank).

I've had other boats with screws threw the fill, leaky sending units, stuff like that. I'd change your fill and vent lines, check your sending unit and go from there. If you need to change your tank your gonna want to replace those lines anyway.

strick · #4 11-28-2005, 12:36 AM

If the fitings and vents all check out OK then you may want to try digging down to the bottom of the foam and see if it is saturated with fuel.

strick

EVERGREEN · #5 11-28-2005, 11:31 PM

Thanks for the tips, I placed a bucket under the drain yesterday and got about a 1/2 gallon of gas-water mix in 24 hours. I drained the rest of the gas out and it looks like I will be pulling the tank. Any tips on how to get the screw out that are under the console?

Finster · #6 11-28-2005, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Any tips on how to get the screw out that are under the console?

Unfortunately lift the console....You'll never get a tank that size out or in with the console in place.

I just did a double-take of your pic's. It looks like you have three fills on the deck? One fuel? One water? and One??? Your fuel fill should be on the gunnels, if it's on the deck then someone may have been clever. I'd pull the easy hatches and get a look-see first.

Scott · #7 11-30-2005, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Any tips on how to get the screw out that are under the console?

How big is the tank?? and where are the screws??

Quote:

Unfortunately lift the console....You'll never get a tank that size out or in with the console in place.

Finny...Come on man !!! Don't ever say "never"!!! [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

Ed · #8 11-30-2005, 12:12 AM

HEy Scott-

I have the week off between christmas and New Years and will be at my parents house just north of NYC. Get a hold of Finster and I will drive down and give you a hand.

You supply the beer! I think it is going to be a 6 pack job...

Ed · #9 11-30-2005, 12:13 AM

Duh....never mind. I just reread the post and it looks like you got it out already.

Ed · #10 11-30-2005, 12:27 AM

Hey EGREENE-

Did you buy your Seacraft in Morehead City, NC by any chance? I was down there last September and I could swear I looked at the exact boat which was sitting in used boat lot off the main highway...