28.5 Fuel tank

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Don

Need some help with replacing the fuel tank on my 85 28.5. I believe this is my problem as I get fuel in my bilge after sailing with any healing whatsoever. Have found no leaks at any lines, filters or fittings. No fuel accumulates under engine, no fuel in lazzerette. Fuel seems to migrate to bilge thru stringers under floor. Could it be anything else? Has anyone cut the tank out and replaced it? Any insight and pointers would be extremely appreciated. THANKS IN ADVANCE Don P
 
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Jack

May not be the tank

This is a built in fiberglass tank so I would question if the tank is leaking. Recheck the engine connections as well as the fuel supply and return hoses. Are you actualy finding raw fuel in the bilge or are you suffering from a diesel odor? Try lifting out the aft port seat insert and look behind the bulkhead with a flashlight. If you see water you might have a leak at the exhaust hose outlet which will diesel up your boat pretty well. This will only leak while the engine is running. These have been known to rot out. Another solution to finding the cause is to empty the tank and use a 3 gallon outboard fuel tank for awhile. If you still have a leak then you know it probably isn't the built in tank. I would try and avoid replacing the built in tank if at all possible. Good luck.
 
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Mike

check this thread

Don, Check out the thread on the active postings list here titled "Found water in my diesel fuel" - just scroll down on the current postings and you will see it. I have an '85 hunter 28.5 with a cracked fuel tank. I am using an aux. plastic tank strapped on top of the old tank in the stowage area. I would much rather have a new tank that is form fitted to the old crappy tank void and get my stowage area back. There is faint hope that Hunter can help. According to Jim, who posted on the thread noted above, Hunter provided to him a plastic form fitted replacement tank in the late '80's. I would call or Email Hunter about it. I am planning to do so. A form fitted replacement tank might make it doable as a DIY project. Jim explains what was done to his boat. If you are sure that it's a tank leak, I would strongly - S T R O N G L Y - recommend that you empty the tank right away (and have it cleaned). Install an aux. tank as we have until you can permanently address the problem. If that crack opens up and dumps a large quantity of fuel into the bilge....ugh. Our boat had such a major spill before we bought it..the sole was saturated and ruined, and after 1 year ownership, there is still an oily sheen in our bilge water seeping in from some super-secret void in the pan of the boat. Not to the mention the unpleasant odor of rancid fuel...... If you contact Hunter please post what they have to say..... Good luck Mike
 
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Jim McCue

check posting on this topic within the last 2 wks

There's been several comments on this in last 2 wks. Check the postings on "28.5" - especially " tank construction" jim McCue
 
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