I own Albin Vega #1331 (1971) formerly named Sin Tacha, now Walkabout. She has the original Vega barrel-shaped copper diesel tank which is installed outboard inside the starboard cockpit locker. Seems solid but I would like to have some replacement options if the need arises, or to supplement tankage volume. I’d appreciated hearing from anyone who has replaced or added tankage to a Vega. Tank size(s), location(s), hints, problems, etc. Many thanks! Fair winds.
Copper fuel tank
- Thread starter John Matthews
- Start date
I'm surprised you have a copper tank for diesel, they don't usually get along too well (diesel reacts with copper; it's OK for pipes and couplings but not storage).When I went from petrol (gas) to diesel a polythene tank was installed in the starboard locker.It holds around 40 litres and only needs topping up once or twice a season.No problems, I just made sure that when I fitted my eberspacher heater that the top feed pipe was shorter than the engine feed - so if the heater runs out of fuel I can still run the engine and get home.AlisdairV752
You might look at Moeller Marine. I think they used to be Tempo and Tempo shows up on their website. I was able to put a 13 gallon tank under the cockpit sole aft of the packing gland. I don't see this tank listed but they do have a 12 gallon tank that might work. Good luck! Walt To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.comFrom: yahoo@...Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2014 21:28:19 +0000Subject: Re: [AlbinVega] Copper fuel tank
I'm surprised you have a copper tank for diesel, they don't usually get along too well (diesel reacts with copper; it's OK for pipes and couplings but not storage).When I went from petrol (gas) to diesel a polythene tank was installed in the starboard locker.It holds around 40 litres and only needs topping up once or twice a season.No problems, I just made sure that when I fitted my eberspacher heater that the top feed pipe was shorter than the engine feed - so if the heater runs out of fuel I can still run the engine and get home.AlisdairV752
I'm surprised you have a copper tank for diesel, they don't usually get along too well (diesel reacts with copper; it's OK for pipes and couplings but not storage).When I went from petrol (gas) to diesel a polythene tank was installed in the starboard locker.It holds around 40 litres and only needs topping up once or twice a season.No problems, I just made sure that when I fitted my eberspacher heater that the top feed pipe was shorter than the engine feed - so if the heater runs out of fuel I can still run the engine and get home.AlisdairV752
When I bought #1331 in 2005 the tank was removed, taken to a radiator shop, boiled out and pressure tested. I replaced all the inlet and outlet plumbing, including a new fuel shut-off valve. The outside of the tank was polished and the tank reinstalled.There seem to be a lot of different e-pinions on copper/Diesel. Because the boat was switched to Diesel circa 1983, and showed no signs of trouble when I bought her in 2005, I was comfortable leaving the tank in use. In case of a leak that sent fuel into the bilge, causing the bilge pump to happily pump it all overboard, I installed a Water Witch pump switch that cannot be activated by fuel. Better to have a bilge full of Diesel oil than a large slick in the marina!I like the location of the tank as it's high up in the boat, very visible for inspection, and away from exposure to salt water. It also gravity feeds fuel to the engine, which is a nice feature if the fuel pump takes a vacation. If I were to increase tankage I think I'd place something under the aft end of the cockpit floor, but at the consumption rate of about 1.5 liters per hour a 33 liter tank lasts a long time. For extended cruising I generally carried a couple of 2.5 gallon fuel cans, a more convenient size/weight to transport and stow than the 5 gallon size. I seldom needed to use them, but they were easy to stow and to transport on my bike.Peterwww.mostlyaboutboats.ca
Hey Peter...I knew you would have a sound reason for leaving the old tank in place. When I owned Lyra I also had the original copper tank and the 022 Albin gas engine. Never any issues with the tank but the O22 had it's challenges, most of which I am pleased to say, I was able to solve.Sent from Brian's iPad
OK, so I haven't chimed in for a long time - Brian and Peter probably thought I'd got old or something! I took my old copper tank out on my Series 1 and replaced it with a Moeller side tank in the same spot. It holds 18 gallons but easy to check level as its translucent. I probably would have left the copper tank in place if I wasn't working in the starboard locker anyway. The new tank fits nice and snug. Bill Bach1071 Calimera
Bill...So nice to hear from you.Come up for the Rendezvous at Port Browning we would love to see you. Contact me offline.
Brian Hoflersimplisupr@gmail.com
Brian Hoflersimplisupr@gmail.com
Thanks Bill, Peter, Brian, and all! We're getting ready to head north this summer on our first longish trip. We hope to visit B.C and SW Alaska. I am mentally going over all system so appreciate your comments and assurances. I'm taking Peter's suggestion on the 2.5 gallon tanks.Fair winds and smooth sailing.