Fuel tank installing. HELP!

[savtower]

Just removed my 79 MA fuel tank (70 gal.) and replacing it with a moeller tank. The moeller tank is the right height but the width is less than my opening. What type of material should I use to fill the gaps and should I put something on the floor like the foam I removed?

[Fr. Frank]

Yes to putting something under the tank. A friend of mine bought 4 bicycle inner tubes that stretched around the tank like rubber bands. The don't slide, and absorb a lot of vibration.

[gss036]

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm
This gives instructions for an aluminum tank. I am not familiar with the one you are doing though.

[3rdday]

Foam it in with USCG approved flotation foam try to find 6 or 8Lb density If it is a smaller tank you can probably use 4lb density. A large tank will have lots of fuel thus lots of weight, sloshing and pounding around and possibly crush collapse low density foam.

[BigLew]

I strongly suggest you read the article cited from "yachtsurvey" and then decide whether or not to use foam. He discusses the consequenses of using foam in circumstances where moisture might penetrate the foam and come in continuous or longterm contact with aluminum. Just a suggestion.

[3rdday]

I believe moeller tanks are PE- polyethylene or polypropelyene. If not, my mistake. I was under the impression it was a plastic or poly tank. I would agree with you on aluminum tanks. you dont want to trap seawater near one of them, it will corrode.

[BigLew]

I couldn't agree more if the Moeller tank is PE. The issue of aluminum is not pertinent if the tank is not aluminum.

[Islandtrader]

Another thing to keep in mind, is that the Moeller tanks will expand when they are filled with gas. I think you can find the rate of expansion, on there web site.

[savtower]

Thanks for all the help I believe I can securely install new tank.

[riptide]

One drawback about plastic fuel tanks is they do not have baffles in them. 70gal of gas sloshing around can cause alot of problems.They also expand a substantial amount and can not be foamed in.