Alum fuel tank

martin · #1 07-20-2013, 08:10 PM

I think this ank is orginal but not sure.. Did the original tanks have rubber strips laid to support tank.. My con cern are about four deep corroded spots between the tank and the strips.. How thick are the tanks? It looks to be bout 1/16 deep. I smacked thearea with a punch to see any weekness. But found nothing...the tank was made from one sheet of alum. Bent up on both sides ..so bottom and two long sides are from one piece and the ends are welded.. The inside of tank is perfect.. There are like i said some pitting.. Can i just weld them up with filler rod... .? I hate to through this tank away.. Thanks

martin · #2 07-21-2013, 07:43 AM

Has no one repaired a tank before or had on repaired

pelican · #3 07-21-2013, 12:13 PM

well...

personally,i would NEVER recommend repairing a fuel tank - but that's me ...I own a shop and the liability would be huge...also,i do not know of ANY aluminum shop,in my area,that will repair a gasoline fuel tank...

smart play:

remove the tank,send it to a reputable certified manufacture have a replacement built...when the replacement tank is done,clean,scuff sand,chemically etch prime and coat it in interprotect 2000e,till that coating is approx. thick as a matchbook cover...

install that tank on strips of starboard...

any questions on this - search my post history,you will find a wealth of good,reliable advice...

martin · #4 07-21-2013, 07:18 PM

Thanks pelican... I know there is a liability issue with repairing a fuel tank... but thanks for the advice. I do have two 70 gallon tanks that are in good order may be I can make a water tank out of this fuel tank...I am planning on twins so I think the extra fuel is needed.. thanks again

Islandtrader · #5 07-22-2013, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martin

Thanks pelican... I know there is a liability issue with repairing a fuel tank... but thanks for the advice. I do have two 70 gallon tanks that are in good order may be I can make a water tank out of this fuel tank...I am planning on twins so I think the extra fuel is needed.. thanks again

PM Fossil Man, he is a tank specialists and makes great custom tanks...I am sure he could give you some advise.

drtyTshrt · #6 07-22-2013, 11:37 AM

I repaired my tank. I cut out the bad spots and made a plug for the hole and then made a top plate .500" larger than the plug. I sealed it in with aircraft quality fuel resistant sealer and pop riveted it in place. I then overcated the whole patch. Pressure tested and it held. I have not had any issues. It was worth trying for me, (not enough redneck engineerin being done any more in my oppion) and has worked so far.

RUSTYNTABATHA · #7 07-22-2013, 01:39 PM

not part of the thread but love the post turtle !!! lol..

gofastsandman · #8 07-22-2013, 08:07 PM

A cold mold builder I know basically builds an e 15 friendly epoxy/glass tank around the factory aluminum because he doesn`t want any idjits cutting up his decks 20-30 years down the road. If memory serves, he uses 4 layers as follows; 6, roven,8, roven.

BigLew · #9 07-22-2013, 08:32 PM

Check out this article! A LOT of information to think about regarding aluminum fuel tanks.

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm

gofastsandman · #10 07-22-2013, 08:53 PM

I agree with a lot of what Pascoe says, but the e 10 brings water into the tank. Why I run rec 90 premix and keep my tank full? How many riggers drop a fastener that sits on a tank? Or a sender wire strand falls? More thought is always a positive here. Everyone hates Townies until their truck breaks.

Cheers,
Bug Hunter