Gas Tank Replacement

[randlemanboater2]

Last week on Friday I started working on switching gas tanks on my V. I removed the 28 gal tank that the prior owner had put in and put in a 40 gal tank I got from Flounder Pounder.

I began @ 0700 figuring in a couple hours I would have it done.....well 9 hours later I finished up, only 3 cuts requireing first aid and a pretty good amount of fiberglass stuck in my arms.

The tank I removed had about 18 gallons in it when I rassled it out of the hole in the floor. I siphoned that gas into the new tank.

I also replaced the fuel fill fitting through the hull, the fill hose and the fuel line running to the fuel filter (that USCG approved hose is expensive!).
The vent line seemed pretty new and in good shape.

I will post pics as soon as I can.

[Mulv80]

I've done this job twice. Its not fun and your right about one thing the hose is really expensive.

[tsubaki]

Yeah, when I put mine in after looking at the price per foot I almost had a conniption. The overall bill didn't bother me, just the price per foot. ;D

[Blue_Runner]

Yep it never fails...take your original estimate and multiply by 3.

Well at least you got er done! Now you are ready to head for the canyons 8)

[randlemanboater2]

The adventure continued on Saturday, I had pumped the ball on the fuel hose and believed I had fuel flow. I started the motor and ran it on the trailer for 5 minutes before putting in. The boat idled for 5 minutes while I got my middle child situated on the inner tube for the first ride of the day.

I hit the throttle and the motor dies. I figure it must be an air bubble in the line so I go to pump the fuel ball and it is sucked completely flat! "What the heck?"

So in the ICW on the Saturday after the 4th of July with hundreds of boats and PWC's flying by, I am dead in the water. It is 95 degrees, 100 % humidity.

I quickly anchor before drifting into the middle of the chanel and start trying to figure this out.

I only had a few tools along, luckily I was able to remove the nipple on the fuel oulet from the tank with a rusty pair of plyers and found that the one way ball valve inside the fitting was stuck. I freed the ball and all was well.

Ended up dragging the kids for 24 miles all together on the innertube.

[Mac_Attack]

Nice save! Billy Mac ;D

[msbhammer]

Good job Randleman. That happened to me as well last season.

[randlemanboater2]

Here's the promised pics.

Getting ready.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/101_0143-1.jpg



Hatch removed.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/101_0144-1.jpg



Out with the old.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/101_0145.jpg



In with the new. I have enough room in front of the new tank for a 10 - 15 gal fresh water tank. (winter project)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/101_0146-1.jpg



I used "Great Stuff" window and door foam, it said that it stays flexible. I ran beads from the sides toward the middle, leaving space in between for it to breath and allow water to run out if any finds its way in. Then I put a couple of globs, one on each side to help hold it, then I strapped it down. It seems very secure, we will see.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r222/randlemanboater/101_0147-1.jpg

[spareparts]

float test that anti-siphon valve, replace it with a shutoff valve to remain legal, it will save you problems later down the road

[macojoe]

Good Job and Save!!

Get rid of the ball!! like spare said!! I did years ago!!

[msbhammer]

Good eye on the shut off valve. Lookin good RM. ;)

[Mulv80]

Also double clamp all fuel fittings.

[randlemanboater2]

Will do on the valve replacement.

Done on the double clamp. I wasn't finished when I took the pics.

I was amazed at how well the plain old clear "marine silicone" held down the hatch. I had used the clear stuff when I replaced the hold down straps in March because I knew I would be going back in. I figured I could just lift the hatch and the seal would come loose, I had to take a knife and cut the silicone to get it to let go.

I'd hate to see what it would have been like with 4200 or 5200 on there.

[C YENSEN]

good job man, dont it feel good when you can figure out what is wrong yourself ;)

[macojoe]

Don't use 5200!! You will break the hatch trying to get it out!! Use what you did before, you can always redo if starts to leak, cause you want to get in there if you ever have to!!

[reelapeelin]

Don't use 5200!! You will break the hatch trying to get it out!! Use what you did before, you can always redo if starts to leak, cause you want to get in there if you ever have to!!



Agreed...4200 is excellent in this application ;) ...

[randlemanboater2]

Don't use 5200!! You will break the hatch trying to get it out!! *Use what you did before, you can always redo if starts to leak, cause you want to get in there if you ever have to!!


I used the same stuff again, I plan on putting a freshwater tank in the extra space when I run accross one that will fit.

[BuilderFL]

Randle, good job! Check out the flexible water tanks. I'm sure you will find one that you can use.

Here's a link: http://www.ahoycaptain.com/shop/plastimo_water_tanks.html

Another site: http://www.onlinemarine.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online_superstore/plumbing/flexible.htm?E+scstore

[randlemanboater2]

Hey, those are cool.

The second one is about half the price on the first site. :o

[boatnluvr]

What is the 4200 or silicone used for? You are sealing the gas floor panel? Mine had no sealant, just lots of screws.

[randlemanboater2]

Yes, to seal up the gas tank hatch. You need to seal it up to keep water out of the tank area.

If not, you will have rot.

[Skools Out]

here's the perfect tank you needed ;D

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-Boat-Marine-Fuel-Gas-Deisel-Tank-256-Gal-Aluminum_W0QQitemZ290139059249QQihZ019QQcategoryZ3 1286QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[randlemanboater2]

That would give a 1280 mile range!!!!!! :o