22 Classis Gas Tank Issues

[evetsathom]

While winterizing my 1996 22 Classic we smelled gas fumes in the engine compartment. Upon further investigation it appears that the fuel tank is leaking. I'm now faced with the task of resolving this problem before next spring. It appears that the only way to get the tank out is to seperate the entire top shell from the hull or butcher the floor? Any advice would be appreciated. What about a new tank. Where can I get one or should I consider having one made out of stainless steal? I don't want to do this twice...

[Trueser]

You are correct.
Look thru some of the old post from George Carter. You will find everything you need.

[gcarter]

Yep.
Here's my current project that you can use for removal;
http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=50476
Next is a thread about RDS, the tank mfg. in Perry, FL
http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36420&highlight=tank
And here's one about foaming a tank in.
http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=49388

[TXDONZI]

In what year did Donzi change the type of tank they used to a typ that in not a problem. What materials did they use and which one is it that fails? My 99 from what I can tell is some sort of a poly material. evetsathom what type of material is yours?

[Pismo]

Removing the deck to change the tank I assume is a huge deal. There must be another way.

[gcarter]

Removing the deck to change the tank I assume is a huge deal. There must be another way.
There is, but in the end, it's a bigger deal (cut the cockpit sole out, and repair the glass to look new, keeping in mind the deck sits on the cockpit sole so how do you keep everything in place while the glass work is being done?????).
I think, but I've not done it, if a person were to thouroughly plan the change over and do as much work as possible before hand, the deck removal could be done in less than a day.

[Sweet little 16]

search the project of Paul O's 22 he sorta made the boat look like pac man and got the tank out thru the front

[penbroke]

No butchery required. It's not that hard. Really. I did my 18 myself in the garage with no special tools or skills needed. I was terrified when I started but in the end it's not that big a deal to seperate the deck from the hull. Don't cut the boat.
Frank :cool:

[p729lws]

Why would a '96 have a bad tank already? I'd look into it some more. :crossfing:

Dan

[Cuda]

Why would a '96 have a bad tank already? I'd look into it some more. :crossfing:
Dan
I agree. I had the deck separated, and the tank replaced in our 1982 22 C, because I thought I could smell gas. After it was separated, it was determined that the tank was not leaking. It was the gasket around the sending unit. I had the tank replaced anyway, since I had the deck off, and had already ordered the new tank. I doubt that tank is leaking.

[Sweet little 16]

they do say the average life of a tank is 10 years,but before i go the replacement i would check all the lines and gaskets the new fuels ( ethanol in the mix) eat up rubber parts that aren't made to resist it like fuel lines ,fittings, and gaskets

[BigGrizzly]

I am with the guys looking for another leak not the tank. We also replaced the tank in our 16 for a leaking sending unit. The good part is we replaced the steel type with a aluminum one, so we don't worry for a while. That 30 years ago and still no leaks. I remember Paul O post he jacked up the bow on his 22 and pulled it out. If I remember he didn't even disconnect the steering, ithdid look like packman.

[boatnut]

It seems one could remove as much gas as possible and pressure test the tank (1 to 3 psi maybe??). Of course vents, lines etc. etc. would have to be properly plugged but then you could use a soap solution and chk around the sending unit, fittings, etc. If no leak is detected and if the tank holds pressure for days -- I wouldn't think your gas issue is coming from the tank. Any gas from the engine area could float on bilge water and get up front to the tank area which could make analysis confusing. I am hoping you find something else as I have a '97 and I haven't changed the tank yet in our
'69 (which has no signs of leaks). I was planning on changing the tank in the
'69 but not the "new" Donzi (1997 to me is new). Also, with a tank mounted in foam and with a path for moisture, crevice corrosion (the pitting that typically causes the leaks) can happen in aluminum or stainless steel as well as galv. steel. I think some form of a plastic tank would be the only safe path. Any form of metal needs to be carefully coated and then the risk is minimized but still remains. Stainless and aluminum need air with sufficient oxygen to prevent corrosion. Ed

[MOP]

I am a little late on this one was away, stainless steel is a very poor choice they are prone to crevice corrosion. I am also along with the rest of the gang, I would check the connections at the tank, fill and vent hoses, and the sending unit. Most gas leaks are in soft products, hoses and gaskets. Your boat being as new as it is should have a poly tanks which in our application almost never fail.

Phil

[Tony]

Why would a '96 have a bad tank already? I'd look into it some more. :crossfing:
Dan

I'm hopping on this theory, too, since my 22 is a '96.

IF you have to pop the top, there is a lot of examples on this site to reference. Superman craftsmen, with enough competent help (3 or 4 guys), could feasably do it in a day...providing ALL materials were present and one guy had the experience and plan of attack. For more normal guys like me, working either alone or with my brother, it took considerably longer!

I, too, was hesitant to tackle the project, but as mentioned earlier it really wasn't that bad. Do your homework, take your time, and ask for help when needed. We hoisted my Ski Sporter's deck from a barn's rafters. Lots of reading here, if you want:

Deck-Off, Day 1 (http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=35831&highlight=Deck-off+Day)
Deck-off...Day 2 (http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36114&highlight=Deck-off+Day)
Deck-off...Day 3 (http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36114&highlight=Deck-off+Day)
Deck-off...Day 4/5 (http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36558&highlight=Deck-off+Day)

Remember, if you resolve this somehow, to keep us posted. We like hearing others' tales of adventure!


:beer:

[Sweet little 16]

SS would not be a good choice for a belly tank

http://www.uscgboating.org/recalls/pdfs/BSC79.pdf#free

[Pismo]

Find the leak and fix it in place.

[Inferno]

Looking to fabricate a 75 gal fuel tank for my 22. Poly is my first choice. Any suggestions on getting one custom built.

[gcarter]

I don't know of any custom poly tank MFGRS. I would imagine to do it, a mold would have to be made and you'd be paying for the entirety of the tooling. It would probably cost thousands.
On my 22C tank, I used Best Fab in Bartow, FL

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=62004&stc=1&d=1299334788

Best Fab will build anything you want, you'll notice they'll also coat the tank w/coal tar epoxy. It's the only tank MFGR I've found that will. I think you'll find their prices are about $10.00/gallon.
Foam one of thse tank in and they'll last about forever.

Here's a link to the appropriate part of the thread.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?50476-Now-I-m-getting-serious..../page63

[BUIZILLA]

I juat had a .125 tank done locally, it was $800 coated as shown above

[Fishermanjm]

am i correct in thinking that my tank is plastic? 2001 22c??? i think it is

[gcarter]

am i correct in thinking that my tank is plastic? 2001 22c??? i think it is

It may or may not be. Donzi used both during that time, I've heard.
Only one way to figure it out...........

[gcarter]

I juat had a .125 tank done locally, it was $800 coated as shown above

Jim, I'm glad more companies are providing a coal tar epoxy finish, as I think it's the best available.

[Fishermanjm]

PLASTIC,,, for sure

[MOP]

[ QUOTE=search the project of Paul O's 22 he sorta made the boat look like pac man and got the tank out thru the front[/QUOTE] Beat me too it! It does save de rigging the boat.

[VetteLT193]

RDS is making plastic tanks now, might be worth a phone call. Aluminum has gone through the roof.

[OFFSHORE GINGER]

ATL ...................http://atlfuelcells.com/ these guys offer Roto - molded tanks with baffles .

[Inferno]

Just picked up my new one for my 22 from Best Fab in Bartow Florida. Talk to Barry (800-788-4577) . They did a great job and they used 3/16 aluminum.

[gcarter]

Barry engineered my tank.
I'm sure you'll be pleased w/it.
Did you get the coal tar epoxy coating?