Clog drain tube

nymack66 · #1 03-10-2009, 12:02 PM

I have a clog in the drain tube which runs below my fuel tank, I am not sure what it is since the electrical snake (stiff manual wire) refuses to clear it.
During and after my hull rebuild it was clear, I went Boating and during my wash down observed the water build up.
I am now convince I will tear out the hatch liner below the deck to expose the tube in such a way I can insert a small copper tube to clear the line.
Has anyone ran into an issue like this ?
Below is a photo with the old tank removed and cleaned.

bradford · #2 03-11-2009, 02:00 AM

Threw mine away when I redid my fuel tank. With your bulkheads glassed all the way to the hull you're gonna get that compartment full of water and have fuel tank issues. I'd leave a gap at the bottom of the bulkheads and chuck the pvc tube.

tsubaki · #3 03-11-2009, 05:21 AM

If you haven't already removed the tube, shove the fishtape in as far as it will go, add a couple of feet, cut it off and connect to a battery drill motor.
You may have to rebend the end either smaller or larger either to "drill" thru or dislodge the obstruction.
Rebending is easy with a small propane torch. Everybody needs a short fishtape anyway, also.
There is the possibility the tube is pinched or kinked somewhere.

Rich P · #4 03-11-2009, 10:14 AM

Drill trick sounds like it would work.

nymack66 · #5 03-11-2009, 10:36 AM

Thanks guys I will give it a try this weekend, I have to remove the hatch liner to get complete access to the tube, of course I broke my thumb nail off in the process whilst this heals by Saturday, I will use my small angle grinder to cut the sucker out!
What started out as a simple issue took on a whole new turn !

tsubaki · #6 03-11-2009, 11:54 AM

I do like bradford's idea of doing away with it, reguardless of the outcome.

nymack66 · #7 03-11-2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsubaki

I do like bradford's idea of doing away with it, reguardless of the outcome.

Trouble is its a new tank and foam only done a few months ago! I supported the Tank and pour a Gallon of marine foam in the area.

macojoe · #8 03-11-2009, 06:34 PM

I bet the foam is whats wrong, it might have broke the tube, that stuff expands lot when not careful

phatdaddy · #9 03-11-2009, 08:39 PM

you could rent one of the sewer snake camera's and confirm MJ' diagnosis.

this is a view looking toward the stern that is the bottom of the fish box before the tank

nymack66 · #10 03-11-2009, 08:56 PM

I bet you guys are right I kinda over did it with the foam it came up all the way to the deck during the pour I had to cut off the excess:) , and in fact did NOT wash the Boat down until this weekend hence my discovery!
If that's the case I will sleeve it with a smaller pipe after I clear it using a hole saw attach to a pipe or something brace your self the photo will follow with what I am thinking at this point.
You guys are simply awesome! Thanks to all