H37C fuel tank replacement ?

[Morrie]

I think I have a leaky fuel tank in my 1979 37C. I have read that aluminum tanks can be expected to last around 20 years so I guess I'm over due. Has anyone changed fuel tanks in one of these? What type of replacement tank would be best? Looks like a major project, any suggestions appreciated.Thanks,Morrie

 

[Ed Schenck]

20 Years?

Aluminum for diesel should last a lifetime in my opinion. My own H37C tank looks like new. But maybe if saltwater got trapped under the tank it could corrode from the outside. So are you sure it is the tank and not a hose or fitting?My first inclination if it is definitely the tank would be to replace it with a poly tank. But you won't find anything that will fit in that space and still give you 40+ gallons. Lots of tanks will fit but they will have to be smaller because of the odd shape of the space.That tank is glassed in along the top outside edge, not sure where else. A lot of wiring and the manual bilge pump hose go across it also. The easiest way to add a new tank would be to leave the old one. Just cut out the top around the perimeter. Put the new one inside the old one. But I'm betting you don't need a tank.

 

[Gene Gruender]

Repair after installing cleanouts

I put a cleanout in mine, and when I did, I found that the very bottom (forward corner near motor)had deep pitting from the acids, etc, that collect in the crud in there. If I hadn't gotten in when I did, mine would be leaking, too.I glassed up a leaking water tank and converted it to a fuel tank last summer. Before doing it I talked to The West systems people. It's not a problem using their stuff on aluminum to hold fuel, and if you just cut a cleanout, you can easily patch it. It's going to be far easier and cheaper than replacing.Feel free to email me if you want to talk details for a bit. Gene Gruenderrainbowchaser@ev1.net