Gas leaking from middle stern below drain plug

[pshea69]

Had the V-20 out yesterday and stored it with the bow a bit high and noticed gas dripping from the stern below the drain plug. Lowered the bow and it stopped. Filled the tank with 24 gallons yesterday and ran it to half full.

Thoughts? Of say hello to new gastank repair job?

[Destroyer]

Check your fuel line connections where they attach to the tank, as well as the lines themselves... If the connections are tight and the lines are sound then you have a problem with 3 possible solutions.

1) Replace the tank
2) Repair the tank
3) use portable tanks

Each has it's good and bad points.. Replacing it involves a lot of work. Repairing it is just as much work and is the least attractive in my estimation. Using portable tanks involves storing them and taking up space on the boat.
So the choice is yours. Good luck. :head:

PS...if you should go the replace tank route, there are a lot of guys here that have done that job and can help with suggestions, etc.

[Skools Out]

does it have a fuel filter? if so it may be your leak plus check all thew fuel clamps too.

[SkunkBoat]

Assuming you have a belly tank?

The tank compartment is a "dry" compartment. It doesn't drain to the bilge.
The fuel would really have to be filling up the foam and leaking over the top of the tank.. I would definetely check all connections as the others said, Check the gasket on the sending unit....filling up and tilting the boat can cause it to seep.. Definitely remove the hatch cover and inspect.

[reelapeelin]

Had the V-20 out yesterday and stored it with the bow a bit high and noticed gas dripping from the stern below the drain plug. Lowered the bow and it stopped. Filled the tank with 24 gallons yesterday and ran it to half full.

Thoughts? Of say hello to new gastank repair job?

What year and model?...CC or Cuddy Cabin?

[pshea69]

1982 V-20 Fisherman

[jasoncooperpcola]

Check your fuel sending unit for stripped, loose screws. I had a stripped screw in mine and whenever full and jacked up it would leak fuel through that stripped screw.

[spareparts]

if you only get fuel leaking when you're filling the tank up and not when the boat sits, check the fuel fill hose, if its original. it's long overdue for a replacement (I just added this task to do on mine)

[pshea69]

Well, we replaced the rotted fuel line, then put 24 gallons in it and ran it with the ears. Ran great, no problem. Put it in the bay to run and fish a bit, after about 4 spots, turned the ignition and a small explosion elevated me and my buddy, Smoke came from the forward hatch, with life jackets melting we hit it with the fire extinquisher. After being a bit shocked, got towed back to the dock. Took to our buddy local boat mechanic. Pulled the drain plug and pure gasoline poured out in a 5 gallon bucket then mostly water. Obviously, very lucky. Guessing bad (old tank). 1982 V-20 fisherman with original Sea Horse 200. Hasn't been run much over the last two years with the previous owner. You can also call me a dumba......

[spareparts]

I don't guess anyone had video......just kidding, glad you are safe

[pshea69]

no video, but the text to the wife was classic. she went looking for the life insurance 800#. :clap:

[willy]

It may not sound right Shea but you are an extremely lucky man!

[Destroyer]

It may not sound right Shea but you are an extremely lucky man!

Yes indeed.. that much raw gas has the explosive potential of several sticks of dynamite. Lucky indeed!!

[Richie Rich]

It may not sound right Shea but you are an extremely lucky man!
so lucky, I would start playing the lottery.....you were a few gallons away from heaven.....good to hear you're still here...

[Destroyer]

Several years ago, the army corp of engineers did a study on the explosive potential of gasoline. They found that one cup of gas, finely disbursed in a room has the same explosive potential as one stick of dynamite. (That's where they came up with the idea of fuel/air bombs).
Anyways, while this gas was not so finely disbursed, it still had the potential of sending that boat and it's crew to the bottom in a big hurry.
Gas is nothing to play with guys. Treat it with the respect it deserves. :head:

[smkinnan]

Check your fuel sending unit for stripped, loose screws. I had a stripped screw in mine and whenever full and jacked up it would leak fuel through that stripped screw.

same thing happened to me recently....check the gasket under the fuel sender too...

[bradford]

Dam you're lucky bro! I'll bet a nickel you've got a rotted out tank. Mine had the same symptoms you described, minus the explosion and I had holes the size of your fist in my tank when I finally got it pulled out. Foam holds moisture and rots out aluminum tanks.

[thunderbug]

Alright, this is kind of a scary thread for us novice rebuilders. Mine is an '88 Fisherman that has been sitting for awhile; is there an easy way to check the tank for leaks, other than filling it? I'm pretty sure it's the original and I've already decided to replace the hoses. And my "tank compartment" does drain into the bilge, right under the live well.

[Richie Rich]

Normally, they are pressure tested to 3 psi...somehow, all openings must be completely plugged and the tank pressurized....then the pressure must hold for "x" amount of hours to pass the test...not sure how long "x" is......maybe a local tank builder can do that for you?

[thunderbug]

OK, how 'bout this: a piece of, say latex glove, clamped on hose fittings. Put air in tank & latex should expand slightly. If it doesn't hold, I've got a leak. (I don't have a pressure gauge that will measure 3PSI)

[Richie Rich]

I don't think latex will hold up to the fumes if there are any....I bet if you can find a ball pressure gauge with low psi increments that you can somehow mount or screw into a fitting, it will work...especially if its digital.

[pshea69]

Gas tank is pitted and done, new one made in Florida on the way. BOAT-
Bust out another thousand!!!!!

:clap:

[bradford]

Where are you getting your tank from in FL?, Just wondering.

[pshea69]

I don't know, will ask and let you know.