Fuel Tank, Repair or Replace?

[Bob Camarena]

In follow-up to my posting from yesterday, the aluminum Diesel tank on my 1981 C-30 has developed a leak at the forward, port corner weld. It's just a pinhole, seeping leak. I emptied the tank and removed it today, which was surprisingly a fairly easy job, once I'd assembled all the necessary tools, including three 5 gallon fuel jugs and an electric fuel pump. My question is, should I:1) Repair the tank myself with some form of epoxy compound designed for this purpose?2) Have the tank repaired professionally?3) Replace the tank? If I replace, I assume that I can order an exact-fit from Catalina. Does anyone know if the current replacements are aluminum or plastic? I've read that aluminum tanks aren't the best choice since they are prone to corrosion at the welds.

 

[Tom Soko]

Replace it!

Save youself a lot of grief and replace the tank for a very reasonable cost from Catalina. If it "ONLY" lasts 20 years, who's to complain?

 

[Peter]

Replace

Bob, I think you've gone through the hard part already and that is taking the tank out. I know that we had some posts in the archives of tanks being replaced and purchased from catalina. I believe the cost for the tank for a 36 footer was only $150...I doubt yours should be much more, and that's why I recommend replacing. For $150, i'd feel more comfortable with the new tank. My c27 tank wasn't very expensive, but getting the old one out was a nightmare. Good luck.

 

[Denny Fegan]

Your Choice

I have a 84 model and the tank started to leak last year. The problem is that water will lay in the bottom and since the tank slopes toward the engine the tank corrodes at the edge. I was able to remove the tank and and have it patched by over laying a new piece of aluminum bent to fit the tank 2" on either side and then seal welded. Cost about $80. You can also check on a new tank from Catalina. I would not use epoxy or anyother type of patch except welding. Best, Denny Fegan sdennisf@aol.com

 

[John Visser]

Replace, but think twice...

I have a 1984 C36 with rotted tank syndrome, and Caalina was super about supplying a replcaement at a special price, inclduing a pre-made plywood floor for it. I had to cut reliefs for the shut-off and fill hose into the plywood cover board (in the form of large round holes), and couldn't use the supplied vinyl material underneath, but overall it was pretty good. Its a very high quality, heavy gauge weleded aluminum tank with all necessary fittings plus level sender installed. It was a tight squeeze getting it in, I'll elaborate another time if anyone cares. I would consider a smaller tank. I NEVER need 32 gallons of diesel, and I would much rather have room for another house battery bank than so much fuel. If I did it again, I would put in a smaller main tank, and install a header, or "day" tank in the port cockpit locker, and use the electric lift pump to keep the day tank full, and gravity feed the engine. jv