Re: Gas in the bilge
 

I used an old dull cross cut wood saw (hand saw) It was able to be stabbed into the foam and I could cut large wedges out until I got close to the tank and / or the bilge. Then it was scrapers and putty knives all the way.

Kevin,

I am away tomorrow - but I will be back by Friday afternoon. Give a shout if you need help.

Carl

Re: Gas in the bilge
 

One more thing - seal up the hose connections because there will be foam pieces everywhere and you don't want that stuff getting in the fuel hoses.

here are some of my before and after pics:
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...anaru_0005.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...anaru_0002.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...anaru_0004.jpg

Carl

Re: Gas in the bilge
 

Thanks.....I'm away also....back Saturday. I'll likely be out there for a couple hours in the afternoon.

Re: Gas in the bilge
 

Hey Kev sorry to hear about the problem with the gas, just saw this post today.
I had an odor of gas a couple of times with the boat after I filled it up at a gas station and drove it on a trailer for an hour to get home. I did not like that and got out and inspected everything and talked to a few guys here who had experienced the same and I figured it was to much expansion in the tank.
I never had liquid gas in the bildge though and it was always dry there and when I had opened everything up to look thru the inspection ports.
If you are finding gas in the bildge though that is a serious leak and the tank has to be pulled immediatly.

** IMPORTANT***
First open all vents etc and ventilate and do it away from your house and people in general. Reach in with wire cutters by the battery and clip off the connection for the bildge pump clip the wires off. Then flush the bildge with running water from a hose while venting. When you are sure there is no fumes and liquid gas to ignite remove the batteries with help one at a time and get them away from the boat.
The reason you clip the wires is to prevent the pump from cycling and possibly causing a spark when you flush it out.

Beware of static electricity from you tools etc. If you are leaking like you said then that foam will be soaking it up and stinking to high h@ll, it will retain enough to cause an explosion if ignited from a spark

Please do not do any work on that boat or leave it sitting with the batteries in there, with fuel in the foam and bildge it is literally a bomb.

I know you are a smart fellow and probably know these things but I felt I had to say it. And I am sorry you are having the problem with her, she is getting older and I guess it had to happen soon or a later especially with these new fuel additives.
I also apologize for not seeing this sooner but have not seen this repair thread for a long time.
Give a call if there is anything I could do to help, if you want I could take a ride up on one of my days off and help you pull that tank I know it is a bear of a job.
Willy

Re: Gas in the bilge
 

Parishht mentioned something about a spray that disolved the foam. ???
Mulv. yanked his tank out as well.

Re: Gas in the bilge
 

I cut mine out with a pressure washer--made quick work of the foam and a giant mess. ;D

Re: Gas in the bilge
 

Willy...don't sweat it. It was first noticed on the final trip of the season so obviously it is a recent issue. From what I can see on the top and peeking in the tank overall it is in really good shape. I am guessing there is a single spot on the bottom or one of the seams. So far the foam is all bone dry so it seems it is at the very bottom.

I had no time today to do anything with it but should get at her tomorrow.

Re: Gas in the bilge
 

hay Willy you sound like a smoke eater not a donut eater their

Re: Gas in the bilge
 

Our fire dept never lost a foundation ::)

I along with every other cop I know has put out more fires in a month than the FD's did in a year. We get there first and usually by a big margin. Generally speaking if the cop on the scene did not get there in time well at least you can reuse the foundation.
I have also seen what BOOM looks and sounds like more times than I like to remember

Re: Gas in the bilge
 

And Kev my offer still stands, if you need a hand one day pulling that tank your only a few hours away, besides I don't have any stashes in Conneticut ;D