Gas Tanks Redo

[Piddle and Futz]

Both tanks on our 2005 had lots of sun damage when we bought it, so I did a little work to revive them.

before:


after:


Process:

• power washed
• re-melded rough oxidized spots with heat gun (low heat, no gas in tanks)
• sanding where necessary
• plastic bonding spray paint
• a little reconditioning of black plastics and gaskets

Admittedly, this is mostly a cosmetic fix, not something that will add strength to the tanks, but they seem otherwise OK (flexible, not brittle).

[NiceAft]

Nice job.

If you have not yet purchased spare gaskets for those tanks, think about it. Having a couple of spare’s around in the summer might come in handy if you forget to vent the tanks. I speak from experience

[Piddle and Futz]

...
If you have not yet purchased spare gaskets for those tanks, think about it.
...

I looked into new gaskets. Mine are a bit frayed at the edges but otherwise pliable where it matters to make a good seal.

At $17 a pop + shipping for just the gaskets, I think I would rather opt for ~$35 to replace the whole gauge/withdrawal assembly (which comes with a new gasket and screws), especially since the gauge window plastic is hazy with sun damage.

Better yet, $10 for a tube of Permatex gasket maker really appeals to my inner cheapskate. They have a version that is flexible and rated for gasoline.

[NiceAft]

Have something on hand. Whatever it is, have something

[Be Free]

Where did you find replacement parts for the tanks?

[opie]

I see the same blackened pitting on my two tanks that yours had before you renovated them. I always wondered what force of nature could eat substantial little divots out of my gas tank surface. You say, oxidation. wow. thanks for filling in that blank in my education.

[NiceAft]

Where did you find replacement parts for the tanks?

You need to direct that to Piddle and Futz, I purchased the gaskets quite awhile ago. I do check them occasionally to see if they are still usable.

[Piddle and Futz]

Well, I thought that I had found one here, but it turns out the web site is defunct.

http://www.valley-marine.com/gauge-with ... 30299.html

Spoke with the owner today and was told that the original tank is no longer EPA compliant and so parts are not made/sold for it anymore.

[NiceAft]

I assume the tank is a Moeller 12 gallon.

I Google’d Moeller 12 gallon fuel tanks replacement parts, and came up with several web sites. I can’t determine if any work for you. If you didn’t search that specifically, give it a try.

[Russ]

Is it true that the new version of Moeller 12 gal tanks won't fit in the space in the cockpit lockers?

They look to be the same size.

[Piddle and Futz]

My understanding was that they are now too tall. Somehow that doesn't seem to make sense, however, if they are the same volume.

[Be Free]

Well, I thought that I had found one here, but it turns out the web site is defunct.

http://www.valley-marine.com/gauge-with ... 30299.html

Spoke with the owner today and was told that the original tank is no longer EPA compliant and so parts are not made/sold for it anymore.

I was afraid of that. I hoped you had found a source that I'd overlooked. Fortunately gaskets are pretty easy to fabricate. The clouded and crazed fuel gauge not so easy.

[OverEasy]

The only thing that seems to make the newer Moeller Fuel Tanks “taller” is the currently EPA compliant fuel caps.
They have a protective set of ribs around the screw vent.

There are several ways to deal with it for a Mac26X are to :
>> trim off the tabs so the tank can slide in
>> cock the tank at an angle when installing/removing (NOTE: gasoline weighs roughly 6 lbs/gallon so a 12 gallon tank weigh north of 72 lbs… eliminates having to handle the tanks for refueling… just open the hatch)
>> enlarge the fuel cubby opening height (like we did on our on a Mac26X and add hatch covers to the bench seats to access the filler neck and content indicators)

Not sure about the Mac26M locker hatch arrangement….

Nice job on the tank restoration Piddle and Futz !!!

[Russ]

The only thing that seems to make the newer Moeller Fuel Tanks “taller” is the currently EPA compliant fuel caps.
They have a protective set of ribs around the screw vent.

There are several ways to deal with it for a Mac26X are to :
>> trim off the tabs so the tank can slide in

Could you just use a Dremel or something to remove the tabs?
Or use your old caps?

[Skim61]

Whatever you do, don't get the Scepter 12 gallon. It is definitely about an inch too tall for the 26M fuel tank space. I just made this mistake, and am trying to justify raising the lid by moving the hinges to the seat back where they can be mounted higher. But, that creates a bump in the cockpit seats I'll have to deal with somehow. Also, the full tank was pretty freaking heavy to lift onto the trailered boat. Gotta figure that situation out, too, as there are no dockside gas stations here. The only good thing is I bought on Amazon as "Used-Like New", at $65.

Note: For those of you ready to comment t on the hold down strap running the wrong way....I will be adding a 2nd strap and putting them the other way across the tank where the grooves are molded.