How many of You have ....

cuppa · Post by **cuppa** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 12:56 pm

Replaced the Fuel Tanks in your F36...

When did you do it and Why?

Were they leaking , or did you just think it was time to do it...

Looking at a 78 that has original tanks and I am curious If I can get 5 more years out of these tanks. They show no leaking not or fumes..

I know alot of people have replaced them but I am not shure if it was a project on the list or if there was a problem...

Has any one seen Fibreglass tanks that were put in in the last 10 years the boat has 2 cylindircal tanks that look like they are fiberglass but can be sure. They were supposed ly put in in 1999..

Wouldn't the E10 gas do a job on these? how long would they be good for?

rickalan35 · Post by **rickalan35** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 5:34 pm

Cuppa,

My port side gas tank developed a leak three years ago (boy, do those fumes render the boat unlivable in a hurry) and I had no choice on my TriCabin but to pull out the entire salon floor (new carpets and all... aughhhhh) and remove the offending tank. Upon checking, that particular tank was rusted paper thin all across the bottom. Ended up deciding to use the same tanks over again (due to the problem and cost of procuring new, approved tanks in the correct shape) and utilize the technology whereby they coat the insides with fiberglass, then pressure test them. Guaranteed for ten years.

While I was at it, I put in a new fresh water tank and a new black water holding tank.

Big job. Wouldn't wish it on anyone. Trojan didn't figure we'd be pulling the floors I guess.

Regarding the new gasoline...... I don't even want to think about it.

Rick

cuppa · Post by **cuppa** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 5:37 pm

Thanks for the Reply What did the Re coat of the tank cost you?

Was that done recently.. Do you have Ethanol E10 Gasoline in Canada?

Have you had issues with the fibreglass?

fpawn1 · Post by **fpawn1** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 6:22 pm

what were the tanks made of? galvanized??

rickalan35 · Post by **rickalan35** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 6:57 pm

Hi Cuppa,

Well one thing for sure, is the fact that my marina is not selling Ethynol mixed gasoline at this time. I believe that this ethynol situation is all downside for us though, with no real positive effects for boaters at all in that the E8 and E10 is documented to incur problems in some types of older fiberglass tanks and also metal tanks.

The lucky ones will be the newer boats with plastic tanks.

By the way, it's also a really bad idea to mix todays MTBE gas with the E10 because the two when mixed tgether can gum up valves etc. I've heard that marinas in the U.S. are asking their customers to completely drain their tanks before commiting to E10.

It's had to believe this situation won't be fertile ground for future class action lawsuits.

Re: Coating the inside of my old tanks - $400. per tank not inlcuding installation. Obviously they knew they had a captive audience.

rickalan35 · Post by **rickalan35** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 6:59 pm

Fpawn - yep, cylindrical galvanized

Danny Bailey · Post by **Danny Bailey** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 8:56 pm

I replaced mine last winter due to a diesel repower. You can't get the original tanks out without pulling the engines or cutting a BIG hole in the side of the hull. The aluminum tanks I put back in are 4 inches shorter in height than the originals so I can get them out with the engines in if I ever need to. My old galvanized tanks (1980) were in good condition and could have gone another 10-15??? years.

jav · Post by **jav** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 9:04 pm

I replaced my 1974 (f-32) tanks when I repowered to diesel as well. I cut the originals open and they were PERFECT. Those old tanks would likely have outlived my new tank