I'll like to clean (flush?) the fuel tank and I called a yard that does that but actually said that he would not recommend it in my H31 because he did not think that the tank was large enough and that furthermore the tank has baffles thus making it virtually impossible to drain all of it. I have read postings on this but I am still not sure that even setting up a pump and filter myself will get it really clean because of the above. I'll appreciate resonses on actual experiences. Thanks Ed
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Tank cleaning.
After a couple of engine problems due to bad fuel I cleaned my 50 gallon tank. I had to cut two cleanout ports because of the baffle, one on each side. I pumped the fuel into a six gallon can and dumped that into a barrel. The marina took the fuel for their tractor. I used one of those cheap drill-mounted pumps which needs priming to get started. Lots of rags and mineral spirits later I had a spotless tank. Actually it was not bad after 20+ years, just some gunk that had formed around the pickup tube. And all that work cutting 8" holes and then fabricating covers for those holes!
After a couple of engine problems due to bad fuel I cleaned my 50 gallon tank. I had to cut two cleanout ports because of the baffle, one on each side. I pumped the fuel into a six gallon can and dumped that into a barrel. The marina took the fuel for their tractor. I used one of those cheap drill-mounted pumps which needs priming to get started. Lots of rags and mineral spirits later I had a spotless tank. Actually it was not bad after 20+ years, just some gunk that had formed around the pickup tube. And all that work cutting 8" holes and then fabricating covers for those holes!
Call this guy
Forget the shipyards, especially Seabrook Shipyard. Biggest ripoffs in Clear Lake. Call Glenn Kingham at 281-339-0293. He can clean your tank through a pinhole, filter your fuel and not kill your wallet. I used him and he is great. Ron...Portofino Harbour
Forget the shipyards, especially Seabrook Shipyard. Biggest ripoffs in Clear Lake. Call Glenn Kingham at 281-339-0293. He can clean your tank through a pinhole, filter your fuel and not kill your wallet. I used him and he is great. Ron...Portofino Harbour
I pulled Mind
It not hard to do. I did it in one day 1. Removed sink, 4 clips under & disconnect drain 2. Disconnect hot & cold water lines to sink 3. Removed rear wall of sink cabinet, 6 screws from inside deep locker 4. Removed lines to fuel tank 5. Drain fuel tank, hand pump out into portable containers 6. Removed fuel tank strap 7. Removed fuel tank by pulling in through sink cabinet over the hot water heater. 8. Clean tank 9. Reverse steps
It not hard to do. I did it in one day 1. Removed sink, 4 clips under & disconnect drain 2. Disconnect hot & cold water lines to sink 3. Removed rear wall of sink cabinet, 6 screws from inside deep locker 4. Removed lines to fuel tank 5. Drain fuel tank, hand pump out into portable containers 6. Removed fuel tank strap 7. Removed fuel tank by pulling in through sink cabinet over the hot water heater. 8. Clean tank 9. Reverse steps
But how do you know?
To test whether the tank really needs cleaning, draw up fuel from the intake point at the lowest level of the tank. I use the same pump I use for oil changing but use a longer version with a rod inside to give it rigity to find the lowest point. Draw a good quart and let it settle to see what you got. Try it again the next day and you may find nothing settles, which suggests the tank is okay.
To test whether the tank really needs cleaning, draw up fuel from the intake point at the lowest level of the tank. I use the same pump I use for oil changing but use a longer version with a rod inside to give it rigity to find the lowest point. Draw a good quart and let it settle to see what you got. Try it again the next day and you may find nothing settles, which suggests the tank is okay.
Removing Fuel Tank on H31
Patrick, I like you idea of removing the tank and I have been down there several times and can't figure out how to remove the straps. Can they be untied or do they have to be cut? If untied, how? If cut, how do I tie it back? Thank you for your answer Ed
Patrick, I like you idea of removing the tank and I have been down there several times and can't figure out how to remove the straps. Can they be untied or do they have to be cut? If untied, how? If cut, how do I tie it back? Thank you for your answer Ed
Cut Straps
You have to cut the straps (forgot that step) I used long Zip Wire Ties from Home Depot to restrap the tank. Hope that helps. The job is not that hard, go for it. Patrick
You have to cut the straps (forgot that step) I used long Zip Wire Ties from Home Depot to restrap the tank. Hope that helps. The job is not that hard, go for it. Patrick
No Baffles
Ed The tank is 18 gallons and has no baffles. What year is your H31? Mind is a 1987 and when I cleaned my tank I removed almost a gallon of sludge, alge & water. Check your o-ring on the filler cap. Mind was "NG" . The reason I pulled the tank was to install a fuel gauge. I had to cut a hole for the sender. You might want to think about that while you got it out. I used the Snake River's LCD 4 gauge system.
Ed The tank is 18 gallons and has no baffles. What year is your H31? Mind is a 1987 and when I cleaned my tank I removed almost a gallon of sludge, alge & water. Check your o-ring on the filler cap. Mind was "NG" . The reason I pulled the tank was to install a fuel gauge. I had to cut a hole for the sender. You might want to think about that while you got it out. I used the Snake River's LCD 4 gauge system.
Patrick, Thank you for the response. I have hull 109 which is a 1984. I strongly suspect that my tank is as bad as yours and even though I have not had any problems I want to avoid it. How does one attached the new bands that are holding the tank down in its place? Looking at mine they seem to come from under the tank so presumably they attach to the bottom of the compartment upon which the tank sits. I am sure you think it is a stupid question but I have broken more than my share of things trying to take them apart. Thank you again Ed
Removing fuel tank
I removed the fuel tank from my 1980 Hunter 30 a few years age - just to see what was in it and to clean it for piece of mind. Tank (and battery)removal on my boat is facilitated by the ability to remove and replace the cockpit sole. The tank was held in place on a plywood shelf by two metal straps. The straps ran through holes in the wood on either end of the tank thus holding it in place. I cut the straps and removed, drained, flushed and replaced the tank in the boat. I combined two battery hold-down straps to secure the tank on each end. I check them every year for tightness and wear and they seem to be holding up well.
I removed the fuel tank from my 1980 Hunter 30 a few years age - just to see what was in it and to clean it for piece of mind. Tank (and battery)removal on my boat is facilitated by the ability to remove and replace the cockpit sole. The tank was held in place on a plywood shelf by two metal straps. The straps ran through holes in the wood on either end of the tank thus holding it in place. I cut the straps and removed, drained, flushed and replaced the tank in the boat. I combined two battery hold-down straps to secure the tank on each end. I check them every year for tightness and wear and they seem to be holding up well.
New Straps
When you cut the old straps leave them in place. Removed the tank from its tray. Trap the 48" Zip wire tie to old strap. If you can't get 48" ties you double up 2-24" ties. Home Depot has them. Pull the old strap out bring the new strap with in. Easy! piece of cake. Question: Do Texas sailor wear 10 gallon hats and deck boots?
When you cut the old straps leave them in place. Removed the tank from its tray. Trap the 48" Zip wire tie to old strap. If you can't get 48" ties you double up 2-24" ties. Home Depot has them. Pull the old strap out bring the new strap with in. Easy! piece of cake. Question: Do Texas sailor wear 10 gallon hats and deck boots?
Texas sailors
Patrick, Thank you for the final details. True Texas sailors actually wear ten gallon hats and cowboy boots. No self respecting Texas sailor will be seen in deck boots! Cheers Ed
Patrick, Thank you for the final details. True Texas sailors actually wear ten gallon hats and cowboy boots. No self respecting Texas sailor will be seen in deck boots! Cheers Ed
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