Fuel Tank

[gofastsandman]

Originally Posted by Bushwacker

Potter used to brag about not foaming in the tanks in his brochures in the early 70's, and claimed that it cost more because he then had to ventilate the bilge. I'm sure he was facing cost pressures in the late 70's before he went broke in '79/80. Wonder if that drove him to start foaming in the tank in '77, which is obviously a bad practice? Sounds like Tracker may have continued the practice?

Slacker here. You have to pop the console and I think blasting out the foam with a presssure washer in a tyvek suit is fast. Go easy. Urea formadahyde. Pro active.

Cheers,
Slacker

[drtyTshrt]

I have gotten about 5 gallons of water out of it so far. I do not plan on replacing it at this moment. I am going to just add Seafoam and change filters and run a few gallons of gas through it for now. I have a 25 gallons AUX tank to carry with me for emergency.

[mrobertson]

I can't imagine being that far along and not just pulling the tank and check it. Cost is certainly a concern but if you have a local builder..............i had my tank built smaller, about 54 gallons and i had it built out of 1/4" instead of 1/8" (which is typical) and it cost me around $600 for the new tank.

Now at least i have peace of mind and i dont have to carry an auxilary tank.


Mine's an 89 Tracker 20 Seacraft as well. There's a few trackers lurking here, great boat

[DonV]

Holy moly....1/4"?? That's the "mac daddy" of all tanks!!!

[drtyTshrt]

Tanks out. Does anyone know where to get a bladder or a 70 gallon plastic? Any suggestions? I do not want to go any smaller than what came out

[mrobertson]

The problem with plastic is they aren't custom and you are condemned to the shapes and sizes that already exist, which may not work.

Assuming the tank you pulled is 72 or 74 gallons, speedy tanks will build you a new one out of 1/8" aluminum for less than $700.

Good luck whatever you decide

[gofastsandman]

Originally Posted by mrobertson

The problem with plastic is they aren't custom and you are condemned to the shapes and sizes that already exist, which may not work.

Assuming the tank you pulled is 72 or 74 gallons, speedy tanks will build you a new one out of 1/8" aluminum for less than $700.

Good luck whatever you decide

The plans for that tank are here. Search and discover? Anyone ever contemplated forming over one in halves with epoxy? Is epoxy to be considered as a newer lifetime tank?
Cut the old tank in half longitudinally with no explosive tools??? Take half an inch out and use each half for a plug?

Just a thought.
GFS

[drtyTshrt]

My dad is a TV repairman. He has an ultimate set of tools. I can fix it. Stay tuned.

[pelican]

Originally Posted by drtyTshrt

Tanks out. Does anyone know where to get a bladder or a 70 gallon plastic? Any suggestions? I do not want to go any smaller than what came out

the smart play:

take the tank to a reputable builder - have a replacement made...

before installing the replacement tank - solvent clean,scuff sand the aluminum,then chemically etch prime the surfaces - epoxy barrier coat the tank - i like and recomend interprotect 2000...do not skip the chemical etch prime - fail to do it - nothing will adhere properly...

an aluminum tank,protected in this manner is "bulletproof"...

do not foam a replacment tank in place:

cut starbord strips - 1/4" is ideal -use a product called"starbond" to adhere the starboard to the hull - the tank sits on these...make up chocks,to hold the tank in place...



seen worse than that - alot worse...

[Normagain]

My factory tank had neoprene strips under. I wouldn't use Starboard, too stiff and difficult to bond. Neoprene stuck to the tank with DAP Weldwood (red can) contact cement is what my tank builder used and recommends. Some rubber will react and cause corrosion to the aluminum but neoprene is fine. In a dry (free draining) environment the aluminum will oxidize and protect itself pretty well. My tank was stamped 1974 and in great shape, I just wanted to go bigger. I know the subject is controversial but you really only need to barrier coat the aluminum if foamed in or water is trapped next to it.