1988 Seville 20ft Cuddy Fuel Tank removal

[sevillestar]

Hi All!
Just purchased (more like inherited) a 1988 Sea ray seville 20ft Cuddy. It was a complete mess, however I said to myself " if it floats and runs....its worth it). Anyway, got the boat running well, re-sealed the lower unit, rebuilt the trim pump and have now got fuel probs. The tank was drained of all the old gas (and water) before even starting the engine) and the screen filter at the carb was replaced, however it continues to suck crud from the tank which clogs the screen filter at the carb, stalling the engine due to fuel starvation. Luckily, it's only a 10 min fix to clean it out and put it back, but what a pain! I installed an in-line fuel filter just past the anti-siphon valve, but the crud is still getting through to the screen filter on the carb. I have explored removing the tank and having it cleaned out. Does anyone have any other suggestions or know how to remove the tank? I cannot see that it is attached to the boat so I am hoping its just in there using gravity and silver-tape. Thanks for the help!

 

[Lazy Daze]

There might be a strap or a few L-brackets helping to keep it down. Nothing fancy. If you don't have an access panel in the cockpit floor, the trick will be sliding it past the engine w/o removing the engine - depending on your boat's configuration, anyways.

Try a better filter (like Mallory or Racor) with a smaller micron rating.

 

[sevillestar]

Thanks for the tip! There is an access panel centerboard running almost the entire length of the cockpit. The tank is clearly visible, but no signs of straps or anchor points. Just the tank and sending unit wires. Are the racor filters available inline? Or do I need to install a fuel/water separator system. Its a 4.3L V6 w a 4bbl rochester and Alpha One outdrive.
thx

 

[Lazy Daze]

Racor is sub-division of Parker. Here's their website: http://www.parker.com/portal/site/P...010VgnVCM10000032a71dacRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

Although, you might do best to call them. Once you get a recommendation (part #) from them, you should be able to easily find it for sale.

 

[sevillestar]

thanks! Still may need to remove tank though

 

[Lazy Daze]

Since you have the access panel, you might as well do it. It's a pretty easy job. Then you can get it nice and clean. Any junk that is in there is just going to keep loosening up if you're using gas with ethanol, anyways.

 

[sevillestar]

agreed. I'll let you know how it shakes out. Any tips on removing it? I hope I dont have to cut it off the stringers.

 

[jons79searay]

I have a 1979 24ft SRV Cuddy with the tank down the middle of the floor. I had to remove all hoses,
anti siphon valve, unscrew the sending unit and remove the plugs. I placed a 4x4 across the boat
just behind the windshield, from rail to rail. I used a come along but placed a S hook in the fuel
line outlet hole and attached the hook of the come along to it and pulled it out slowly. It worked
great. Mine was wedged in pretty tight. It had 3 rubber straps that ran down the side and
under the tank to keep it from sliding around. once out It was very light and I just removed it
out of the boat by hand. I then power washed the inside and out with my pressure washer, emptied
the residual water and dried. the process was relatively easy. I have a 70gal tank and I broke
the anti syphon valve so I had to replace it.

 

[sevillestar]

Thank you so much for the information and pictures. This is exactly what I needed to know. I will be taking your advice on removing the tank. Mine, however is probably only 25 or 30 ga. lets hope it comes out as easy. I'll let you know how it goes in the next few days. There's still plenty of boating season left!

 

[bmeyer99]

Hey,

I am purchasing a 88 SR 20ft Cuddy.. same one I believe.. turquoise in color this one is. Do you have any pictures of the cuddy area that I could see? Is the fuel tank fiberglass or what material is it? Any major issues with your boat? Thanks!!

Ben

bmeyer99@gmail.com