Can anyone give me tips on fuel tank replacement 1972 18' 2+3?
Can anyone give me tips on fuel tank replacement 1972 18' 2+3?
Remove the deck.
Dig the foamed in tank out of the hull.
Early 18's used a 25 gallon tank, sometime in that era, they switched to a 41 gallon tank. It's all pretty easy to do, not particularly quick, but easy.
The tanks are available from at least a couple of companies and cost around $500-600.00, I think.
The early boats w/the 25 gallon tanks can be modified to accept the much better 41 gallon tanks.
Take a look at this;
http://www.donzi.net/forums/showthread.php?t=49388
George Carter
Central Florida
gcarter763@aol.com
http://kineticocentralfl.com/
“If you have to argue your science by using fraud, your science is not valid"
Professor Ian Plimer, Adilaide and Melbourne Universities
And if you go with 41 gallon, have I got a sender for you!
PS. Welcome aboard.
Member - WAFNC
1997 22 Classic (sold)
1997 Formula 271 Fastech
502 Mag MPI
Do a search for George Carters thread on tank replacements. I used it as my bible, right down to the type of foam, etc. Thanks again George. I replaced mine with a stock 25 gallon tank from Florida Marine Tanks (FMT), $350 + $45 in shipping. They told me it would be about a 4 week delivery time, but mine came in 3 weeks.
1978 X-18, SBC, Volvo 280T
Big Grizzly 21 Solas Prop
Heart Bay, Lake George, NY
And whatever method you use to remove and install the one rule to observe is protect that metal...
Scotchguard the entire surface of the tank and remove EVERY BIT OF SHINE on that aluminum...if it comes painted remove the paint and do it again, your prep is not suspect...
Once Scotchguarded and the shine is gone assemble your materials, tape to tape off fills and vents and sending unit...a good two part epoxy primer and coal tar epoxy...
Clean the tank surfaces with a mild soap like Dawn, dry...
Wipe down with Acetone to remove any traces of oil or contaminants...
Prime with 2-3 coats of the Epoxy Primer...I highly recommend Interlux 2000/2000E or Interlux Primocon put several coats on...allow to dry completely
Cover with coal tar epoxy
Then reinstall your tank...it should last 30-40 years like this...
Thanks to all for help on tank replacement issue. I'll probably be back with more questions this winter when I get down to it. Wish an amateur luck.
To administration- GREAT SITE
I've found the best way to remove a tank is go in there wit a sawsall, and a long blade, just wack away at the foam for 5 to 10 minuets. This will efectivly break most of it up so then you just have to lift up the tank. Have fun.
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