I also replaced my 35 year old diesel tank during a refit in 2009-2010. Same cause of failure - pinholes in the bottom because of moisture collecting between tank and wood platform. The seepage caused a bit of lingering diesel smell in the boat, and I was unable to find any leaks that would explain the smell. At least until I removed the tank.
I was able to get a new tank made and increase from 20 to 22 gallons. Cost was more reasonable than yours, but then it was 7 years ago, I'm doing the work in rural North Carolina, and paying is $US. When I reinstalled the tank, I put 6 nitrile pads between it and the wood platform to allow air to circulate. They are 6x6 (150mm?) by 1/8" thick rubber sheets available at the local hardware store and used to make plumbing gaskets. Just bought some more to use as cushioning gaskets for another project and they were $1.59 at Lowes. Based on our similar experiences, owners of older boats with persistent diesel smell from an unknown source might want to check the bottom of their fuel tank. Rick Brass Imzadi C&C 38 mk2 #47 la Belle Aurore C&C 25 mk1 #225 Washington, NC From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of robert via CnC-List Sent: Wednesday, November 8, 2017 10:39 AM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Cc: robert <robertabb...@eastlink.ca> Subject: Stus-List Diesel tank No opinion on the hoses.....simply don't know. However, a few weeks ago, I also removed my 33 years old aluminum fuel tank.....there was a pin hole in the bottom where the tank sits on the wooden platform. Took it to a local machine shop for their inspection and input. They are in the process of welding a new bottom on the tank......the rest of the tank is fine. I too had a difficult time getting the tank out of the locker......the same issue.....the inlet fitting was approx. 1/4" too high so I tapped the top of it down and squeezed it out. Told the machine shop about the difficulty removing stating that any repair could not make it bigger otherwise I would not get it back in through the locker. They said "no problem, when we cut the bottom off and weld a new one on, the tank will be 'one inch' smaller, from 12" to 11"......you will loose approx. 1.5 gallons volume in the tank". My response was do it......I don't really care if the tank holds 20 gallons or 18 gals. as long as it has been adequately repaired and I can get it back in without all the hassles of a new tank and assembling and installing the fittings. Talked to the machine shop yesterday......they said the tank will be ready maybe Thursday....finishing the welding today and then will pressure test it. They said the tank, after they cut the bottom off, was a like new condition, a little dirty but no signs of corrosion anywhere. They said the pin hole started on the outside where it sat on the wooden platform......water got between the tank and the wood and the action of electrolysis caused the corrosion from the outside in. They are going to attach something to the bottom to keep this from happening again (as if I will worry about it at my age (66) happening again! Cost will be in the $400 range for the repair. FYI for anyone else thinking about this. Rob Abbott AZURA C&C 32 - 84 Halifax, N.S. On 2017-11-07 10:22 PM, John and Maryann Read via CnC-List wrote: Removed my OEM aluminum diesel tank now 35 years old. Exterior looks great but interior shows a number of corrosion issues. Had to remove fittings and saw off the inlet fitting to get the tank out of the locker so was committed when I did that to getting a new tank. That said, the hidden corrosion on the interior tells me an incident was in the making so replacing now is a good idea. Have replacement aluminum tank made by Luther's in Bristol RI who by all accounts are the "go to" source for a tank made right in all respects. Not the least expensive by any stretch but by far the best value or so they say J Question is replacing the hoses. West carries the Shields brand, Defender the Trident at a cost differential of some 20% less in price. Specifications are essentially identical. Any reason to not embrace the lower price?? John and Maryann Legacy III 1982 C&C 34 Noank, CT _______________________________________________ Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
_______________________________________________ Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
