Cleaning fuel tank in a 1984 hunter 31

[Missinglink]

Here is a short pictorial on cleaning out a fuel tank on the 1984 Hunter 31 and instaling an access port and then replacing it.

Web album updated on 5/30/09, finished job

Did not show replacing wall but this gives the general idea, just measured back 44" cut the quarter berth wall out and removed the tank. This also gives you good access to the exhaust and cockpit drain hoses.

http://picasaweb.google.com/malink274/1984Hunter31FuelTankCleaning?feat=directlink

 

[ktm500mx]

thx for the pics

any more pics of the bulkhead replacment and did you replace the exaust hoses?
thx Mike

 

[Brett B]

Thank you , thank you, thank you. I was just getting ready to try to filter the fuel through the fill (at the cost of a pump) and if that did not work cut an opening above the tank and fit a cleanout from there. This is a much better option, now that I see it. Now I just need to find a way to use more than one tank of fuel in 9 years.

 

[Missinglink]

In the process of replacing the bulkhead, I will post more as the job progresses. And yes I did replace the Exhaust hoses while everything was open. I also purchased hoses for the cockpit drains today as they are original and I did not trust them.

 

[Steve Dion]

Did you try removing the tank from under the galley sink? I was under the "assumption" that if you removed the water heater the fuel tank would also go through the same place that the water heater goes when R/R it too.

 

[Missinglink]

I have my refrigeration compressor mounted above the water heater so it would of been much more difficult that way.

 

[Don Crowther]

Thanks Mike

I'll be looking at mine this weekend
Don

 

[Keith13315]

When I got mine it already had a cut out with a door just aft of the water heater. It sure makes it easier toi get back there and work. I can crawl inside and work on things. The refrig. Comp is there as well as the starting battery.

 

[Brett B]

Well, I did as directed.

Having previously removed the cabinet door, sink, water heater, I was not looking forward to that path to try to manhandle the tank out that way. I did as directed and cut the bulkhead. The tank then came out with ease. Took it home, added an 8 inch access port. Found some water and about a cup of non-liquid matter. This is after 9 years on the same tank full of fuel. Not as bad as I was expecting.

Replace all the hoses, new Racor filter, new filter element on engine and all is well. Noticed better speed and a higher max RPM. Only problem was that all the fuel hose fittings were 3/8 except maybe those on the engine. I got the hoses on but it was not easy. Not sure if those were actually 3/8 or not. Also my transmission shift cable is hard up against the hose clamp on the return fuel line so I will have to find a solution to that so it does not wear through.

I added a board to the backside of the joint where I cut the bulkhead. I was going to add another attached to the cockpit floor to support the bulkhead but then I realized that the fiberglass tray under the steering mechanism attaches to the cockpit floor and the bulkhead and supports it very well.

Still need to add some sort of finishing trim to the joint but I now have easy access to the tank, hoses, exhaust hoses and cockpit drain hose.

I have some pictures but they are basically the same as already presented. Thanks for posting your plan and pictures.

 

[ktm500mx]

photos

thx for the photos mike
pa anyone know if that bulkhead is structural?

 

[Missinglink]

Re: photos

Bulkhead is not structural, after it was cut only 2 screws at the bottom and the screws for the steering qudrant cover were the only things holding it in.