Well I was finally able to access the fuel tank and pressure test it today. Long story short tank has a small leak. So now I get to remove the center console and cut out the deck to remove the tank. Anyone out there know anyone nearby that can repair a 160 gallon aluminum tank? There goes the fishing season.
If I was cutting the deck and removing it I would drop a brand new one in.
Don’t know of too many places that are going to chance welding on a fuel tank even an empty one. Same problem here, I had one develop in my reserve. I’ve pulled the T-top and leaning post, unwired everything and am pulling the old one out and putting in a new one. Going to pull the main, check it out, clean it up and coat it with coal tar or interlux. Replace the fill and vent lines while I’m in there and just do all the things on the “One of these days list”.
Mark
Mako 262 Twin Yammaha F200s
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
If you want to bring it to the Columbia area, I can weld it for you. I’ve repaired several fuel tanks without any problem. You will have to do some prep work for me.
- Make sure the tank is completely empty.
- Mark the area that is leaking(if possible)
- VERY IMPORTANT!!! Flush the tank well (at least 3 times) with a mixture of water and Dawn dishwashing liquid.
- Let the tank air dry for about a week.
I’ll take care of the rest. I will purge the tank with CO2 for 6 hrs, thoroughly clean the area to be repaired, weld, and pressure test to 3 PSI.
Send me a PM or call me for a quote.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
Happy Bob, I was thinking that could be done. I knew there was a way to purge the oxygen, just couldn’t remember which gas was used to purge. Don’t some people use nitrogen too? Just trying to remember things I learned 35 years ago as a welder’s helper.
If you’re lucky enough to be fishing, you’re lucky enough.
I was taught to use CO2 and it’s always worked for me, so I’ve never used anything else. Just out of curiouity, I’ll check into the nitrogen. The CO2 is heavier than air so it displaces all oxygen. That’s why, on a tank that size, it needs to purge for so long. A smaller tank wouldn’t take as long.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
You can purge with numerous gases, argon, nitrogen, CO2, helium, etc.
It’s a matter of cost and molecular weight.
I worked in the process piping industry for over 31 years and I’ve monitored this forum for awhile.
I’ve seen Happy Bob’s posts and photos of his work. I don’t know him from Tom’s or Adam’s housecat.
He does not boast about his incredible ability to make a sound weld or an aesthetically pleasing t-top and flats fishing platform…
I would trust his word as gospel.
He is what is called a skilled craftsman.
The guy is good and so is his word.
We had a guy on Johns island weld ours…he lived in the subdivision behind a&r sheet metal…did a great job and was very reasonable, and quick! I can’t find his number…but call nancy at seels sav. Highway and see if she has it as we gave it to her too for others looking for the same thing…
miss’n fish’n
212 SEAHUNT CC
Sea Squirt 16
Ok…I think his number is 327-7245. I had it listed under weld on my phone.
miss’n fish’n
212 SEAHUNT CC
Sea Squirt 16
IM4USC,
Quit, you’re making me blush.[:I][:I][:I] Thanks!
I don’t know about using helium to purge a fuel tank. Since it’s lighter than air, you would have to have the tank upside down(filler neck & vent down) to force the oxygen out. Plus I’d probably use it all up breathing it to make chipmunk voices or filling balloons.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
Happy Bob has done work for me and the results are fantastic and at a fair price I have some more work for him to do after fishing season