Fuel tank removal

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Hoppy

.
Jul 25, 2007
3
- - seaside nj
does anyone know how to remove the fuel tank on a 1981 hunter 27? the boat sat for 4 yrs and i want to clean the tank? thanks Craig
 
K

Kenny

out with the tank

Mine is a 78 and the tank sat in the forward end of the seat locker,if this is where your tank is at then taking it out isn't to big of a project.First I removed all the fuel, it was only about one quarter full so removing the tanks outlet to the filter and draining to a container for disposal worked well. It's slow going until you remember to open the deck fill, then it's not much faster.While it's draining disconnect the vent hose, when empty disconnect the fill hose and the outlet hose. My tank was held in place by two large metal banding straps that had to be cut to get it to move. Once cut the tank was free to move but was still sloshing fuel around a little, so I found a small cork to stick in the outlet. With a bit of turning and rotating of the tank I was able to get it out though the seat.I had it cleaned then reversed the procedure to go back in. I set it on a thin rubber pad ( actually it was a table place mat ) to give it some grip on the smooth locker bottom, then replaced the metlal banding with the black plastic kind you see around packages.I was able to rent one of these tools locally. The hoses were in good shape so I cleaned them myself reattached them to thier connections ,replaced all filters,two on the yanmar sb8,filled the tank with clean fuel ,bled the air at the injector nut using the hand pump and was finished.
 
H

Hoppy

81 hunter

The fuel tank is behind the plywood to the rear of the motor.
 
K

Kenny

this might help

Sorry Hoppy,Hunter made design changes during the years ,it's hard to know when they changed what,but this forum is about help.So ,check out the archives ,enter the words fuel tank removal and click on the 27 model. Seems that J Cianflone of FL has the same set up. Tom H of TX has a solution, it doesn't sound like fun,but he tackled the job himself.Anyone else out there with a fuel tank cleanig tip? Step up and share the info.Good luck with what ever route you take, a pro clean or DIY, either way your diesel will thank you.
 
Feb 26, 2004
98
Pearson 365 Ketch Memphis, TN
I tried fixing the problem another way

When I saw how my '83 tank was situated I tried a different approach. I took a siphon bulb from my outboard motor's fuel tank and hooked it up with some clear tubing and a short length of small, rigid PVC pipe. Then I sat in the lazarette, took off the fuel intake hose, snaked the PVC into the tank and started pumping. I got 2 1/2 gallons of black, algae infested gunk out of an "empty" tank. I re-filled 3 gallons and did it again paying careful attention to the corners. It solved my fuel problem without tank removal. Now if someone knows how to remove an "83 tank easily, I'll really feel like a dope because I couldn't. Ol' Dave
 

Hoppy

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Jul 25, 2007
3
- - seaside nj
sucess

I was able to remove the tank by taking out the plywood to the rear of the motor some screws took a little to find. Tank cleaning at a radiator shop $50. no mess on my end. Thanks for your ideas. Hoppy
 
K

Kenny

great job!

I'm glad to hear you tried it yourself. I believe self sufficiency is something that all sailors take pride in, its not something you'll readily find in the powerboat communities.It's forums like this and DIYers that share the info that keep our elderly classics afloat.Hope to hear more from you again in here.Fair winds!
 
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