82 Fisherman fuel tank issue need advice

rrichar1 · #1 07-21-2016, 11:55 AM

I have an old 1982 Wellcraft 18 Fisherman CC that I replaced the original fuel tank in 2011 (had an aluminum tank fabricated in Houston). I also repowered with a Tohatsu 115 TLDI in 2012. I use ethanol free gas I get from Sulphur LA and that's all this motor has ever seen.

I didn't use the boat last year much and had left the fuel in there (thinking that ethanol free gas doesn't break down as fast as E10 fuel). At the beginning of this summer upon getting it ready I added 10 or so gallons of newer gas (still 6+ months old but looked good going in) as well as a half a bottle of Startron fuel additive (don't recall adding it previously but may have).

My two fuel pumps were taken out by old gas that I believe had dried over the course of 5 years due to a fuel pickup tube not going straight down like it should but angled so it had a 4 inch (or more) gap between the crevice of the bottom of the tank and it's tip. I've provided pictures of after bending back to where it should be, there's less than an inch gap now.

This tank has three compartments and to be able to clean it I had to cut out 3 access ports to be able to clean it and discover the fuel pickup tube issue. I know the EPA/GOV/COASTIES would frown on this but I've talked to knowledgeable folks and they say it's ok as long as you use a gasket (I used a cork gasket like what was on the fuel sender). I put sheet metal screws (claims they are steel as I couldn't find aluminum ones to use) about 1 inch apart all around the access panels.

My question is do you guys think I'm crazy for doing this and is it unsafe? My new fuel pumps come in today and I hope that's all that is affected. I've had this happen before and that's all they replaced. I won't rehash that here.

Following are pictures of what I'm seeing. One pictures is the contents of the external fuel filter compared to what came through on the fuel pumps, two pictures are of the inside of the fuel tank after evacuating the gas in it and cleaning the tank (they have scores on the inside of the tank that I guess was some kind of chemical reaction between the E0 gas and aluminum) and then some pictures of the outside of the tank with the access ports I cut before screwing them in.

Please provide input if you have thoughts.

SkunkBoat · #2 07-21-2016, 12:49 PM

If you are just using sheet metal screws and gasket, I would be terrified to ride in that boat. The tank deforms over time with heat/cold expansion. You would need to add a welded reinforced frame around the holes, thick enough to tap threads, so you might as well weld the top shut.

I had a leaking sending unit gasket once. Once a little gas gets in your bilge it runs the length of your boat, you are an explosion waiting to happen.

rrichar1 · #3 07-21-2016, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkunkBoat

If you are just using sheet metal screws and gasket, I would be terrified to ride in that boat. The tank deforms over time with heat/cold expansion. You would need to add a welded reinforced frame around the holes, thick enough to tap threads, so you might as well weld the top shut.

I had a leaking sending unit gasket once. Once a little gas gets in your bilge it runs the length of your boat, you are an explosion waiting to happen.

What about if I used a Permatex gasket maker type product ( http://www.autozone.com/sealants-glu...?checkfit=true ) to seal it on both sides of the gasket?

My other short term option is to go to an external 12 gallon plastic tank I have and move it under the console. I don't run offshore just Galveston Bay fishing so I don't run far and the Tohatsu sips fuel.

garbubba · #4 07-24-2016, 07:11 PM

Unsafe & technically illegal to put gas in it. Don't do it, explosions and fires on boats are very very bad. Use that spare!

rrichar1 · #5 07-25-2016, 08:07 AM

When I do go back to using it I will get it rewelded. But I don't know if I ever will as I tested out the 12 gallon and was able to run everywhere I normally go and more for about 5 of the 12 gallons. Plus I like being able to see what I have and be able to keep fresher gas in it so I know I'm only getting good gas going into the motor.

garbubba · #6 07-25-2016, 08:55 AM

That sounds like the ticket! Never could find anyone willing to weld on a fuel tank. Keep an eye out for a replacement.

Destroyer · #7 07-25-2016, 09:19 AM

I agree on the welded rim all around. Additionally, if the corrosion inside the tank has you worried, motorcycle riders for years have used a product that they pour into the tank and swirl it around. It coats the inside of the tank and protects the metal from corrosion. I don't see why that same product couldn't be brushed onto the inside of your tank to seal the inside.

As to using the 12 gal portable tank. It's a good idea BUT make sure you also have a 6 gal spare. Nothing worse than either running out of fuel. The extra weight is nominal, and you can always use the gas in your car or lawnmower at the end of the boating season.