I have just completed installing a new Moeller plastic diesel fuel tank in an vacant/unused location on my Cherubini Hunter 36.
Did this because the 38 year old OEM tank was showing first signs of leaking. The OEM tank is in a really tight location. Removal means cutting into pieces. Manuevering cutting tools into the area will be difficult. So for now (or maybe forever), I plan to leave the OEM tank in place. Empty. Never to be filled again. Probably will epoxy "weld" the fill cap so the tank can't be filled again by mistake.
Using my boat's in-line electric fuel pump, I was conveniently able to remove and transfer the contents of the OEM tank to the new one. I am sure though that just a bit of liquid fuel (and bottom sludge probably) remains in the tank... To continue to slowly leak over the next several months.
What is the best way to get the tank totally empty? I am thinking to insert a 5/8" or so hose into the fill tube. Then tape/seal the top end to the intake hose of a wet/dry shop vac. Suck it out. And hope that sparks of the vac motor don't ignite anything. Fire extinguisher at hand!
Too dangerous? Any other suggestions? I suppose poking some holes around the bottom is an alternative. But in the back of my mind, maybe an in-situ repair of the tank someday might be possible. So don't want to damage it further.
Thanks
Did this because the 38 year old OEM tank was showing first signs of leaking. The OEM tank is in a really tight location. Removal means cutting into pieces. Manuevering cutting tools into the area will be difficult. So for now (or maybe forever), I plan to leave the OEM tank in place. Empty. Never to be filled again. Probably will epoxy "weld" the fill cap so the tank can't be filled again by mistake.
Using my boat's in-line electric fuel pump, I was conveniently able to remove and transfer the contents of the OEM tank to the new one. I am sure though that just a bit of liquid fuel (and bottom sludge probably) remains in the tank... To continue to slowly leak over the next several months.
What is the best way to get the tank totally empty? I am thinking to insert a 5/8" or so hose into the fill tube. Then tape/seal the top end to the intake hose of a wet/dry shop vac. Suck it out. And hope that sparks of the vac motor don't ignite anything. Fire extinguisher at hand!
Too dangerous? Any other suggestions? I suppose poking some holes around the bottom is an alternative. But in the back of my mind, maybe an in-situ repair of the tank someday might be possible. So don't want to damage it further.
Thanks