Fuel tank question?

[searay1k]

How many of you guys are still using 20 plus years old aluminum fuel tank?

 

[Almightys]

If this was the stock configure in my 1992 330, than yes I am.

 

[dvx216]

My 1988 230 WE, still has it's 70 gal. aluminum fuel tank .Pull the tank 4 years ago when I bought this boat put 50 foot of log chain in side it to knock off the varnish .The tank looked good with no sign of pitting.

 

[searay1k]

Reason I ask. I bought a 1995 laguna has the original 70 gallon aluminum fuel tank. Had it pressure tested and pulling the sending unit out the tank looks good but I been hearing that aluminum fuel tanks should be replaced after 12 years of service.

 

[scoflaw]

I just had a 34 year old tank fail. Some last longer than others depending on how it was installed. Some are easier to replace than others. You can figure on about $10 a gallon just for the tank itself for replacement. Usually it can get ugly labor wise with a center console, console out, deck gets cut out, wiring, cables.

Bottom line, if it's not leaking don't screw with it.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Still have the original in my Grady, knock on wood. The only way to know it's condition is to check it out. If you can do it without cutting the floor (I'm not sure on that model), best thing is to pull it out. Look for pitting/holes, smell the area upon first opening the deck plate or removing the access panel, look especially at any hold downs that contact the tank and/or places the tank rests. Pressure testing is recommended.

 

[searay1k]

I just had a 34 year old tank fail. Some last longer than others depending on how it was installed. Some are easier to replace than others. You can figure on about $10 a gallon just for the tank itself for replacement. Usually it can get ugly labor wise with a center console, console out, deck gets cut out, wiring, cables.

Bottom line, if it's not leaking don't screw with it.

Did you replace it with another aluminum tank?

 

[scoflaw]

Reason I ask. I bought a 1995 laguna has the original 70 gallon aluminum fuel tank. Had it pressure tested and pulling the sending unit out the tank looks good but I been hearing that aluminum fuel tanks should be replaced after 12 years of service.

Your the guy with the amazing barn find, right? Boat looks like new? So if this boat was in a barn with no water in the tank coffin to degrade the aluminum, I'd say your good to go for a while.

 

[searay1k]

Your the guy with the amazing barn find, right? Boat looks like new? So if this boat was in a barn with no water in the tank coffin to degrade the aluminum, I'd say your good to go for a while.

Yeah I'll probably hold off on replacing but I was concerned cause the boat was setting for almost 6 years. You should of smelled the old fuel when I drained it.

 

[scoflaw]

Did you replace it with another aluminum tank?

That will be on my to do list when I head to Fla. in a month or so.

Got me an 82 Aquasport CCP, we're talking major surgery here, this isn't something you take out and have a look at.

 

[scoflaw]

Yeah I'll probably hold off on replacing but I was concerned cause the boat was setting for almost 6 years. You should of smelled the old fuel when I drained it.

That would be normal. If you fill it up, and it leaks out of your drain plug, that's when you know you have a problem.

You can probably see your sender through a pie hole, that may give you an idea of it's condition.