Fuel Tank Cleanup

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guidera48

guidera48

.
Jul 7, 2009
252
Beneteau First 405 Myrtle Beach, S.C.
What a gorgeous week-end. Frost on the pumpkin at 6am and 75 degrees at noon. Needless to say, spent the day shedding clothes.
After finding unidentifiable items floating in the fuel filter cup and while replacing the fuel line, I decided to clean the fuel tank after 32 years of fuel storage.
I read the post in the Hunter owners mods, and decided to tackle the tank. I made a plate out of 1/8 aluminum to cover the hole when done. After emptying the 30+ gallons of red fuel with the hand pump, I removed the float and made the cut. Made a 1/2 starter hole and cut an opening about 8x10. Looking inside I found a thin layer of black residue attached to the sides of the tank. At the bottom, there was a small puddle of muck but below the pick up tube. After cleaning the interior properly, I installed the cover plate with a large rubber gasket and screws. I guess I was disappointed expecting to find other things (jimmy hoffa??). but I will feel better now approaching the jetties under power and heavy rolls.
I started refilling the tank with fresh fuel. The first 5 gallons indicated 1/4 tank on the gauge! although the tank is 40 gallons capacity?? I made a note with a sharpie on the tank. I will resume filling, 5 gallons at the time and marking the tank appropriately.
Now how to get that captivating diesel aroma off me. Clean clothes and several showers later, the Admiral still refuses to mingle with the crew.
 

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Ed Schenck

Ed Schenck

.
Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
Same here Jose, years ago. But how did you clean the aft end, other side of the baffle? I would think you might need to adjust the float arm on the gauge. Five gallons should be a little less than 1/4, more like a 46 gallon tank although marketed as 50. On second thought, because of the vent problems, maybe leave it and consider 40 full.
 
guidera48

guidera48

.
Jul 7, 2009
252
Beneteau First 405 Myrtle Beach, S.C.
I also made a smaller hole in the aft part of the tank and used the cut off tank piece of the larger hole as a lid for the smaller opening. Just trimmed it square and made the hole slightly smaller than the lid. Did not find anything other than a black coating on the walls. The fuel shut off valve was frozen in the open position. Took it apart and cleaned. Works now but I guess i will leave it in the open position. Can imagine reaching it from the starboard locker. I used my small hand pump to prime the new hose and filter. Attached it at the banjo bolt in the carb and pumped until fuel reached it. Now I only need a new battery.
 
Ed Schenck

Ed Schenck

.
Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
Jose, what do you mean "reach it from the starboard locker"? Do you not have the "door" from the quarterberth? The valve is right there handy, right next to that flashlight.
 

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guidera48

guidera48

.
Jul 7, 2009
252
Beneteau First 405 Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Yes. I found your post showing the modification after I had tried to commit suicide by hanging upside down in the locker on the starbord side. What a head rush. With this opening I was able to rewire the pedestal and navpods, install new water heater, expansion tank and plumbing, replaced heater hoses and even replace the rear engine mounts. I had an old foam roll pad and a pillow on that berth along with a cooler on hot days, I spent so much time there. Last thing this week end is to replace the Grey Port lense and I am out of there for good.
Now, on to the lazzarette and the steering. I am running out of boat:dance:
 

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