I have just found out that the bottom of my 22 gallon diesel fuel tank on my 83' Pearson 303 is corroded and has a slow leak. Any ideas? Can the tank be removed through the cockpit locker? ------------- Bill in Punta Gorda FL
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303 Tank Removal
Hi Bill. Yes, the tank will come out through the cockpit seat hatch. I had mine out for cleaning a few years ago. Disconnect the hoses, ground wire, loosen the straps, and it should free it up. Not a convienent place to work on the tank, unless you like standing on your head a lot. The Florida company that made the tank still existed then and you could probably get an exact replacement. Their name is on the tank near the fuel gauge (that you never look at!) However, the problem I was having had to do with the filter screen/sock inside the pickup tube getting clogged and there was no way to get it out without removing the tank. Mine is an '85, they stopped using the filter screen in the pickup tube in '86. This way the dirt/crud will make it to your Racor filter where you can clean it out with a filter change - I don't know what they were thinking. Note: Most everyone says just disconnect the hose and unscrew the pickup tube from the tank to clean it out. However in the '303, you can't do that because when you try to lift the tube up & out you run into the cockpit sole due to close clearence - thus you have to remove the tank to clear the blockage. Been there, done that! I removed the screen and have had no problems in over 500 running hours since then. George
Hi Bill. Yes, the tank will come out through the cockpit seat hatch. I had mine out for cleaning a few years ago. Disconnect the hoses, ground wire, loosen the straps, and it should free it up. Not a convienent place to work on the tank, unless you like standing on your head a lot. The Florida company that made the tank still existed then and you could probably get an exact replacement. Their name is on the tank near the fuel gauge (that you never look at!) However, the problem I was having had to do with the filter screen/sock inside the pickup tube getting clogged and there was no way to get it out without removing the tank. Mine is an '85, they stopped using the filter screen in the pickup tube in '86. This way the dirt/crud will make it to your Racor filter where you can clean it out with a filter change - I don't know what they were thinking. Note: Most everyone says just disconnect the hose and unscrew the pickup tube from the tank to clean it out. However in the '303, you can't do that because when you try to lift the tube up & out you run into the cockpit sole due to close clearence - thus you have to remove the tank to clear the blockage. Been there, done that! I removed the screen and have had no problems in over 500 running hours since then. George
George re tank removal
George: Thanks a bunch for the reply. Tank is not out yet, but to my knowledge, I don't have a gauge on it. Do you have the name of the Florida tank manufacturer?
George: Thanks a bunch for the reply. Tank is not out yet, but to my knowledge, I don't have a gauge on it. Do you have the name of the Florida tank manufacturer?
Tank Mfgr
I don't remember the tank mfgr name. It was on a label on top near the rear of the tank. I just remember making a phone call to them in south Fla somewhere, possibly Ft Lauderdale area. You'll probably see the label when you get the tank out, and clean off the dust.
I don't remember the tank mfgr name. It was on a label on top near the rear of the tank. I just remember making a phone call to them in south Fla somewhere, possibly Ft Lauderdale area. You'll probably see the label when you get the tank out, and clean off the dust.
Tank followup
As I remember more, I think I was able to read the label using a mirror & flashlight, looking thru the stbd quarterbirth engine access hatch. You may have to wipe off the dust, etc to find/read it. I sometimes do the same to read the round glass fuel gauge on top of my tank if I can't dipstick the tank.
As I remember more, I think I was able to read the label using a mirror & flashlight, looking thru the stbd quarterbirth engine access hatch. You may have to wipe off the dust, etc to find/read it. I sometimes do the same to read the round glass fuel gauge on top of my tank if I can't dipstick the tank.
George: Tanks a lot
Got the tank out and was able to read the label. Ordered a new tank from Florida Marine Tanks in Miami. Thanks a gain.
Got the tank out and was able to read the label. Ordered a new tank from Florida Marine Tanks in Miami. Thanks a gain.
tank cost
Tank price was $235. Did not have a gauge. Don't understand your question re the pickup tube, but no I did not check it.
Tank price was $235. Did not have a gauge. Don't understand your question re the pickup tube, but no I did not check it.
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