Diesel Fuel Tank Replacement

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shoemelbch

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Mar 29, 2011
14
O'Day 272LE Satellite Beach
Has anyone found a company that manufacturers replacement fuel tank for 272 LE O'Day? Our 1986 fuel tank has a leak, must be replaced. Our tank was manufactured by Florida Marine Tank, however they are closed till Monday so trying to obtain info.
In addition, those that have replaced tanks, plastic vs. aluminum? Your thoughts? Thanks
 
FastOlson

FastOlson

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Apr 8, 2010
2,119
Ericson Yachts Olson 34 28400 Portland OR
Plan C, maybe...

Several years ago I had a new aluminum fuel tank built to replace the original too-small diesel tank.
If you are replacing your factory tank, this is the perfect time to do any upgrades like an inspection port, better-located fittings, new gauge sender, and perhaps an increase in capacity to better utilize the space it occupies.

I am really happy with their workmanship.
http://coastlinemarinetanks.com

I would note that unless your vendor is so close that you can pick it up in person, shipping distance is not particularly relevant. Reputation is, though! :)

I built a "perfect" plywood mockup first and from that I made a drawing for them to follow.
Nice folks to deal with.
If you want the project link let me know.

Regards,
Loren
 
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damauney

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May 26, 2004
168
- - Oriental, NC
Used Florida Marine Tank

Used them for a modified design on my O'Day 35. They were excellent to deal with and great product. Good quality improvement over the tank that came with the boat. The beauty of them was that they have the dimensions of your present tank. They will add what you want or even switch places of different inlets, outlets or ports. Worth the wait for me. Not a quick project from my perspective anyway.

http://floridamarinetanks.com/contactus.php

Good Winds
DaveM
 
thinwater

thinwater

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Mar 26, 2011
3,718
Corsair F-24 MK I Deale, MD
In the future...

* Use a corrosion inhibitor in the fuel.
* Check for galvanic corrosion. Were there dissimilar metals in the system, even not directly attached to the tank? Avoid brass valves and the like.

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ASTM D975 (this is the basis diesel standard) Appendix X2.7.2: Fuel Storage Conditions:

Copper and copper-containing alloys should be avoided. Copper can promote fuel degradation and may produce mercaptide gels. Zinc coatings can react with water or organic acids to form gels which rapidly clog filters.


Caterpillar installation guidance.

http://pdf.cat.com/cda/files/3375312...EBW4976-04.pdf

Material. Black iron pipe is best suited for diesel fuel lines. Steel or cast iron valves and fittings are preferred.

CAUTION: Copper and zinc, either in the form of plating or as a major alloying component, should not be used with diesel fuels. Zinc is unstable in the presence of sulfur, particularly if moisture is present in the fuel. The sludge formed by chemical action is extremely harmful to the engine’s internal components.

Cummins installation guidance. https://www.cumminspower.com/www/lit...0_p115-132.pdf

Diesel Fuel Piping. Diesel fuel lines should be constructed from blackiron pipe. Cast iron and aluminum pipe and fittings must not be used because they are porous and can leak fuel. Galvanized fuel lines, fittings, and tanks must not be used because the galvanized coating is attacked by the sulfuric acid that forms when the sulfur in the fuel combines with tank condensate, resulting in debris that can clog fuel pumps and filters. Copper lines should not be used because fuel polymerizes (thickens) in copper tubing during long periods of disuse and can clog fuel injectors. Also, copper lines are less rugged than black iron, and thus more susceptible to damage.

Note: Never use galvanized or copper fuel lines, fittings or fuel tanks. Condensation in the tank and lines combines with the sulfur in the diesel fuel to produce sulfuric acid. The molecular structure of the copper or galvanized lines or tanks reacts with the acid and contaminates the fuel.

Yanmar manual http://www.mackboring.com/DAN/files/...0329PM63nj.pdf piping is specified as rubber or steel (page 9).
 
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damauney

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May 26, 2004
168
- - Oriental, NC
From my memory Florida Marine Tank took one week to settle design and about 2 more weeks before it was made. Hope that helps.
 
SailingCal21

SailingCal21

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May 30, 2006
354
Oday 34 Chesapeake Bay
I found Florida Marine Tank to be very helpful when they fabricated a replacement for Karma's tank 9 years ago.

If you're anxious to sail for the few weeks to manufacture the tank perhaps you can install a temporary one.

Also, research crevice corrosion as it relates to aluminum to mitigate future leaks.
 
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cbourne200

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Dec 27, 2011
279
Oday 272 Pensacola
Are you replacing the tank yourself? I had what I think was fuel starvation problems last time out, and due to back problems have not had opportunity/pain-free time to really tackle problem. Since I've replaced all filters, and don't have water problems, I assume problem may be with pick-up tube filter. Planned on tank removal until I saw how it was located in stern.

Please take lots of pics and do a full write-up if you can. Couple of people I talked to gave some ideas of cutting bulkhead so you can get into rear part of lazarete w/o going thru starboard Lazarette.

Keep us posted as to work done (w/lots of pics) and outcome. Contact me direct at cbourne200@bellsouth.net if you'd prefer.

Charles
1987 O'Day 272
Pensacola, FL
 
S

shoemelbch

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Mar 29, 2011
14
O'Day 272LE Satellite Beach
O'Day 272 tank replacement

I have removed the inboard diesel fuel tank from the transom of our 1986 272LE and it's not easy. It has a leak. Added fuel one day and it was in the aft berth cushion the next.
First, the panel between the lazarette and the aft berth is removed, followed by the panel covering the fuel tank. If you have steering system hardware this may also need disconnecting, but that's not a nessesity The tank can be extracted from its recess without removing the panel from the boat, just push it over out of the way. This means extracting the batteries, and dismounting the fuel filter as well as removing the cockpit drain tube from the cockpit drain pipe. The tank covering panel will slide over the tube to remove it. Third remove the engine control panel to access the tank top and remove the breather tube and loosen the clamp on the fill tube. Remove the screws from the starboard side locating bands that hold the fuel tank and pull the tank base out from its resting place while working the fill tube off the tank top. Then gleefully carry your trophy topside. We discovered algae growth on the floor of the tank that was thick as wet mayonnaise. we plan to use a small portable tank configured to adapt to the fuel line set up until our Florida summer passes. Good luck.
 
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shoemelbch

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Mar 29, 2011
14
O'Day 272LE Satellite Beach
Last item...

shoemelbch said:
I have removed the inboard diesel fuel tank from the transom of our 1986 272LE and it's not easy. It has a leak. Added fuel one day and it was in the aft berth cushion the next.
First, the panel between the lazarette and the aft berth is removed, followed by the panel covering the fuel tank. If you have steering system hardware this may also need disconnecting, but that's not a nessesity The tank can be extracted from its recess without removing the panel from the boat, just push it over out of the way. This means extracting the batteries, and dismounting the fuel filter as well as removing the cockpit drain tube from the cockpit drain pipe. The tank covering panel will slide over the tube to remove it. Third remove the engine control panel to access the tank top and remove the breather tube and loosen the clamp on the fill tube. Remove the screws from the starboard side locating bands that hold the fuel tank and pull the tank base out from its resting place while working the fill tube off the tank top. Then gleefully carry your trophy topside. We discovered algae growth on the floor of the tank that was thick as wet mayonnaise. we plan to use a small portable tank configured to adapt to the fuel line set up until our Florida summer passes. Good luck.
Click to expand
. It's impossible to remove the fuel lines from the tank top while its in its mounting place. I simply cut the tubes up near the tank top but plan to replace the full length of both.
 
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cbourne200

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Dec 27, 2011
279
Oday 272 Pensacola
Sounds like you've done a lot of work. I figure I will have to cut bulkhead, else work out of lazarette hatch (impossibility). Do you have any pics of stbd side where tank is strapped in? Do you plan on replacing Gudgeon while you have things taken apart? When I bought my 272 4 yrs ago, biggest problem I read about was gudgeon breaking and loss of steering. Bought replacement, but obviously haven't done anything about it. Eager to follow your progress.

Charles
 
S

shoemelbch

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Mar 29, 2011
14
O'Day 272LE Satellite Beach
Tank removal 272??

cbourne200 said:
Sounds like you've done a lot of work. I figure I will have to cut bulkhead, else work out of lazarette hatch (impossibility). Do you have any pics of stbd side where tank is strapped in? Do you plan on replacing Gudgeon while you have things taken apart? When I bought my 272 4 yrs ago, biggest problem I read about was gudgeon breaking and loss of steering. Bought replacement, but obviously haven't done anything about it. Eager to follow your progress.

Charles
Click to expand
Sorry no pics,
You can forget about trying to take out the fuel tank without freeing up that panel between the lazarette and aft berth. On our hull someone grafted in a steering wheel system so there are cables which enter the aft berth area through the cockpit floor and turn starboard going through the dividing panel into the lazarette. If you have this set-up then sure, cut the panel in two at that point so you can remove the aft section. We are not doing that. The panel was removed in one piece and a replacement has been fashioned out of A-C marine fir ply since Teak ply is $$$$.
As for the gudgeon pins on the rudder - I have to look. Also replacing all coolant system hoses on diesel during this phase.
 
Coyote

Coyote

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Sep 30, 2008
132
Hunter 30T Madeira Beach, Florida
we had our tank replaced on our OD 28 a year ago,,,
we had it custom fabricated in MELBOURNE, not far from you,,,

I can forward the info if you need, it, we went with a bit smaller Aluminum, 14 gallon tank, for ease of install and removal, and VERY PLEASED with the results, very reasonable cost ---

let me know,
Coyote
 

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shoemelbch

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Mar 29, 2011
14
O'Day 272LE Satellite Beach
Hey coyote, what's their name??

Had found some place here in Melbourne can make a tank?? Please advise. We planning to temporarily use a typical little outboard tank configured to work for the diesel fuel lines ( to-n-fro) until a suitable replacement can be secured.
 
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