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Tank Cleaning
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Tank Cleaning
A friend suggested taking my fuel tank to a radiator shop to get cleaned out. Any other ideas? And what do you do with the old gas?
I have been using POR-15 system to clean out old tanks with great success. First you wash the tank out with a marine wash (very good stuff), then prep the metal with an acid etching before pouring fuel safe paint into the tank. Kit comes with full directions and costs about $70.
http://www.por15.com/products.asp?dept=12
http://www.por15.com/products.asp?dept=12
In my area, the local garbage company accepts hazardous wastes on certain days, so much per household as long as you show proof of residency. I save old gallon milk jugs or what have you.
Even when dealing with old cars, I've always used radiator shops to boil out gas tanks. Another option might be a steam cleaner or pressure washer.
Good luck,
John
Even when dealing with old cars, I've always used radiator shops to boil out gas tanks. Another option might be a steam cleaner or pressure washer.
Good luck,
John
John & Wendy
You don't say how old your boat and tank are or how big a tank it is. If it is a 20-30 gallon tank from the 1930's and made of galvanized steel, the gunk in the bottom may be the only thing blocking pinhole leaks. I used to have tanks boiled out but quit for a few reasons. It became expensive ($150) and then the shops stopped doing it. I also had a few tanks that had leaks that weren't discovered until after boiling so that was money wasted. Now I recommend to all my clients that they purchase a new aluminum tank built to Coast Guard specs. Three to four hundred dollars from Rayco or probably others and will outlast us all.
- maritimeclassics
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Jim, I agree with you it is not worth the trouble to get the tank cleaned or clean it yourself. Then try to use an acid to etch the metal and wonder if that was enough to get the coating to stick properly. I have heard stories of that stuff coming off after a few years only to become a big mess in your entire fuel system. I used to have all my fuel tanks boiled or cut open when the price to do so was much cheaper. But it seems that it has gotten very expensive in the last few years. Now unless the tank looks in real good shape I just call Raco and get a new one. The piece of mind to the restorer and the owner is definitely worth the money and you are right it will be the last tank we will have to put in that boat.
Family member of Chris Craft founder
Owner of Maritime Classics
http://www.maritimeclassics.com
Ph# 231-486-6148
Restoration Projects:
1936 25' Gar Wood Custom
1947 Ventnor Hydroplane
1957 17' Deluxe Runabout
1948 25' Chris Craft Sportsman Twin
1959 19' Sliver Arrow Hull #75
1929 26' Chris Craft Custom Runabout
1937 25' Chris Craft Custom Runabout
Owner of Maritime Classics
http://www.maritimeclassics.com
Ph# 231-486-6148
Restoration Projects:
1936 25' Gar Wood Custom
1947 Ventnor Hydroplane
1957 17' Deluxe Runabout
1948 25' Chris Craft Sportsman Twin
1959 19' Sliver Arrow Hull #75
1929 26' Chris Craft Custom Runabout
1937 25' Chris Craft Custom Runabout
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Last two posters are right on. Saving a steel tank is not worth it. Just getting tanks OUT is a big job, why risk doing it twice when the steel messes up later on?
Putting new, exact repro alum. tanks in my cruiser was the single best money I ever spent on her BY FAR.
Couple that with new state of the art rubber fuel lines and racor filters....good to go ....
John in Va.
Putting new, exact repro alum. tanks in my cruiser was the single best money I ever spent on her BY FAR.
Couple that with new state of the art rubber fuel lines and racor filters....good to go ....
John in Va.
1980 Fairchild Scout 30
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
1954 Whirlwind deluxe dual ckpt 16'
1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
1954 Whirlwind deluxe dual ckpt 16'
1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)
Fuel Tanks-fiberglass
I have a retangular shaped fiberglass fuel tank in the 57' CC runabout that I just purchased. I don't know when it was installed or if it worked OK. I know that it isn't original equipment, but I'm wondering if it would be worh my while to order a new Aluminum Tank. Are there any advantages to the Fiberglass tank, and would there be a big penalty from the judges if entered in a show. I would appreciate hearing any comments. P.S.... What is the web site for the company that makes the Aluminum Tanks?
Thanks
MStover
Thanks
MStover
- Chad Durren
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- Location: Chicago, Illinois
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Mstover
Just helped a buddy change the fuel tank on his Boston Whaler.
Can’t show you in writing, but have heard in many different circles, that fiberglass tanks are getting week and delaminating because of this Ethanol.
Not sure if this is an old wife’s tale or not!!!!
What size CC do you have? Mine is a 1958 17' sportsman and it’s equipped with a round tank about the same size as 4 5 gallon buckets laid end to end.
If you want a picture let me know, I'll take one in the morning.
Lucky
Just helped a buddy change the fuel tank on his Boston Whaler.
Can’t show you in writing, but have heard in many different circles, that fiberglass tanks are getting week and delaminating because of this Ethanol.
Not sure if this is an old wife’s tale or not!!!!
What size CC do you have? Mine is a 1958 17' sportsman and it’s equipped with a round tank about the same size as 4 5 gallon buckets laid end to end.
If you want a picture let me know, I'll take one in the morning.
Lucky
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NOT an old wives tale, Ethanol DOES harm fiberglass tanks, they will degrade and sort of sweat gas, then seep, then??? Remember it is the fumes that blow up, so the tank does not even have to be leaking actual liquid gas. Bigger boats that take on fuel at Marinas, may be at less risk they have Ethanol for sale, but trailer boats that fill up on the road at gas stations are in peril.
Don't mess around with gas tanks, don't shortcut, if you are doing a restoration, get new tankage, plenty of places can duplicate your tank exactly in Monel or alum. You could even get a plastic sort.
John in Va.
Don't mess around with gas tanks, don't shortcut, if you are doing a restoration, get new tankage, plenty of places can duplicate your tank exactly in Monel or alum. You could even get a plastic sort.
John in Va.
1980 Fairchild Scout 30
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
1954 Whirlwind deluxe dual ckpt 16'
1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
1954 Whirlwind deluxe dual ckpt 16'
1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)
Tank Cleaning
Not worth the effort.
www.racotanks.com
www.racotanks.com
Doug, judging from your avatar you've got a pretty old boat. Another issue the guys on the forum brought to my attention was getting rid of the old bottom feed original tank for safety reasons, and replacing the tank with a top feed. With a bottom feed tank if you get a leak anywhere in your fuel system the whole tank ends up in your bilge. Now I just need to follow my own advice. Dean
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