18 Fisherman Fuel Tank Replacement

Irish Jig · #1 04-06-2009, 02:43 PM

I have an 18 fisherman and it looks like I may need to replace the fuel tank. Apparently the plastic has stripped out around the fule sender and its leaking. Has anyone done this before? Do I have to remove the console or can I just take out the floor pannel? Does anyone know the cost of a replacement poly tank? Thanks for the help.

Or does anyone know of a different way to fix this?

Stillrunning · #2 04-06-2009, 04:23 PM

If its just leaking around the sender unit take it off and see whats wrong with the seal. I have never had a poly tank but I don't think you need to replace the tank. Others here will help and it would also help if you could post a pick of the problem.

Irish Jig · #3 04-07-2009, 06:53 AM

Thanks for the reply. I actually took it to a mechanic previously, and apparently there are metal sleeves inserted into the plastic that the sender is bolted into. well one of these sleeves pulled out and now there is nothing to bolt into. The mechanic seems really honest, and the first time he fixed it he told me it might only be a temporary fix because there was nothing to screw into left. And unlike a metal tank he can't tap new holes. Well now the temporary fix broke.

Stillrunning · #4 04-07-2009, 08:10 AM

My V has an aluminum tank and the threads got striped out. I took stightly larger self tapping screws and used them. There has to be some way of fixxing the problem without replacing the tank. Could you drill out the holes and glue nuts to the inside of the tank and then run a screw into them to hold them tight until the glue dries. Then remove the screws put on the sending unit and then carfully screw it back down or just try this on the one that is broken.

Monkey Butler · #5 04-07-2009, 10:38 AM

Get the next size up RivNut?

http://www.aimfasteners.com/rivnut.html

Irish Jig · #6 04-07-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monkey Butler

Get the next size up RivNut?

http://www.aimfasteners.com/rivnut.html

Thanks that might work. I feel like there has to be an easier way than replacing the tank. But it was scary after I took the boat out last time, topped off the tank on the way back to the marina, looked in the bilge and you could smell the fuel. I just want to get it taken care of, and fixed right.

Stinky_Hooker · #7 04-08-2009, 12:00 PM

I have an 18 and yes you have to pull the console. I agree with others though...has to be a better/easier way...

Irish Jig · #8 04-09-2009, 12:08 PM

Just got the call from the mechanic, and it is fixed. Turns out one of the bolts broke inside the molded in sleeve, the sleeve was in good shape they were able to drill it out and clean up the threads, new gasket around the sender, and its as good as new.

But let me tell you, turning on the bilge pump, and pumping out a gallon of fuel was a scary thing last weekend.

bradford · #9 04-09-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irish jig

just got the call from the mechanic, and it is fixed. Turns out one of the bolts broke inside the molded in sleeve, the sleeve was in good shape they were able to drill it out and clean up the threads, new gasket around the sender, and its as good as new.

But let me tell you, turning on the bilge pump, and pumping out a gallon of fuel was a scary thing last weekend.

boom!!!!!!!!!