'83 31' Hunter Water Tank leakage

[1mcarlson]

I read a previous thread on here about the leaky rear water tank yet cannot ask for further information. In that thread it talked about re-sealing the lid however it went on to say that they finally glassed it in. I have a leaky lid. My aft bunk cushions are getting wet and new girlfriend isn't keen on sleeping on a waterbed. I haven't tried prying up the old lid yet, I did remove screws, one at a time, and applied caulk and added additional caulk around tank on outside. I thought it fixed the problem until girlfriend told me she is sleeping in another wet spot.
My question is should I save myself the time and energy and just glass over the lid and then cut a another inspection hole on other side of baffle for cleaning. Unfortunately (or fortunate) I am now living on my boat and need this fixed quickly and finally as cheap as possible.

 

[IH82BL8]

I would not advise glassing it in. I re-sealed the lid on my tank last year.
1) Remove the screws (obviously).
2) Dig as much of the old seal out as possible using a hooked tool. You might be surprised at how easily and intact the seal comes out.
3) Slit the remaining seal with a razor knife.
4) Gently, carefully, slowing pry up on the tank cover until it releases.
Remove all of the old sealant before re-sealing. Re-sealing is totally intuitive.
While you have it open you should consider cleaning the interior of the tank and the baffle. Remove and re-seal the inlet, outlet and vent ports. If you want to install a larger diameter outlet and supply line to the pump this is the time to do it. Test the seal on the outlet port before resealing the lid.

 

[1mcarlson]

What sealant do you suggest? Also the mounting holes for the lid are pretty sloppy, should i fill these in and re-drill new holes?

 

[pateco]

Mine was glassed in when I got it, but I wish it wasn't. Still leaks when full from around the new access panel. Since it is now glassed in, I can't get inside to clean completely.

 

[IH82BL8]

I used 4200 (not 5200!). Yes you can fill the holes in the lid and in the liner using thickened epoxy and drill new ones. I did that when I re-sealed my holding tank.

 

[1mcarlson]

That sounds great, and I take it no leaks since?

 

[IH82BL8]

No leaks.

 

[whatfiero]

Or you can use bigger screws

 

[jmce1587]

check out this forum under H31 83-87 water tank repair and the one for water tank cleanout. excellent description on how to do this. i followed it and it worked well. In addition when i had the lid ready for removal, I used suction cup handles similar to a glass company (buy at HD) and made the lifing easier.

 

[1mcarlson]

Just an update: I think the idiot before me had it off and used 5200 adhesive. Spnet about 2 hours with drywall knifes and utility knife scrapping out ould caulk. Bought 4 suction cups tried that (2 guys), used pry bars and screw drivers and only thing that happened was broken glass. Even tried heat gun all around. And before someone questions, yes all of the screws were removed. Spent close to 7 hours before I finally broke down and decided because of all the damage to just glass it in. Really didnt have any choice other than sawing old lid off and praying of finding another one
Not first time on this boat I found something improperly repaired.