leak in fuel tanki

[Ronnie Ramos]

I have a small leak in the fuel tank. Main problem is accessibility. Would appreciate any suggestions.

 

[pAT]

LEAK IN TANK

Ronnie, we have a 1995 H430 and have eventually taken out two holding tanks and one fuel tank, when I called the mfg they said - - - " oh, we don't build them that way any more." I had a plastic holding tank made, and then 6 mo later also had the 'small leaks' in the fuel tank. If you are in the SF Bay area, or up in the foothills I can dig the guys name out for you, if you are not in central Calif his name won't help you. Find a GOOD diesel guy and ask him (and every body else you talk to) who makes good fuel tanks in your area. You need to replace it. I helped my guy remove the old tank from way down under the aft bunk. We had to cut out a lot of stuff and then build it back in after the new tank was done. But look at it this way, "you'll be a better person for it" when it's done. Besides that, there probably is not a good second choice, and you will know your boat better, and by helping you will probably speed the job & save some $$.

 

[Ronnie]

Diesel Leak

Hello Pat:Thank you very much for your time. Your responce confirms what I did not wanted to do. Sure it will be a mess and lot of work, so help me God.Since the tank is anchored to the bulkhead with alum. angles/srews, I believe there is no way to put it back the same way; so, I will have to anchor it to the bottom or find some other way. If you have any suggestions,please let me know.I am based in Salinas, Puerto Rico (South side of the 100 miles x 35 miles Island, sort of a friendly, safe and extremely calm bay with terrific sea food restaurants (not exotic nor fancy)If you happend to sail up to the Caribbean in the near future, Salinas is a famous stop over for most sailors, specially when the Trade Winds are strong.In order to appreciate your quick responce, I will give you a free tip: If you have not visited the Caribbean, your are missing the very best. If you have a differnt opinion, I will be happy to know and will re arrange my next vacations.It was very kind from you, thanks again.RonniePS -Please excuse me from my spelling errors, since English is my second language.

 

[Tom Reynolds]

New Tank

This is a chronic problem with the Aluminum tanks. I have an 87 H40, and i just finished a holding tank replacement. The capacity was inadequate (13 gal) and had been substantially reduced over the years by corrosion of the dip tube in the years preceeding total failure. I suppose my water tank will be next, followed by the fuel tank. It is sort of strange that in the newer Hunters (like yours) where the tanks were made out of a thinner guage of aluminum that the fuel tank seems to go first (the same thing happened to my buddy's 1991 37.5).I modified the cabinet in the aft cabin that contained the tank and custom fabricated a stainless tank to increase the capacity to 39.5 gallons. A much more reasonable holding tank capacity for a boat of this size. It was not easy or cheap, but it was a most satisfying project and turned out great. I have a friend that has a shop that cut and welded the stainless, but I designed the tank and fittings myself and built a prototype out of foam core board to make sure that I could get it in through the hatches.I strongly reccomend the use of stainless steel over aluminum or plastic. Plastic melts if there is fire, and you have already found out what happens to aluminum in the marine environment. Steel prices continue to escalate world wide, so it won't get cheaper soon. I spent approximately $400 in material and $600 in labor (welding) for this tank, not cheap by any means, but I now have a holding tank that will last for the life of the boat and likely outlast most other components of the boat. I plan on keeping the boat into retirement (many years yet) and will upgrade the other Al tanks with stainless as necessary.I have been to the Carribean and know that it is the Jewell of this Hemisphere. I have sailed the BVI's extensively and spent 2 days in Vieques, including a new moon on mosquito bay. I fully agree with your assesment of your part of the world. Best of luck with your tank!Tom R SV "Island Time"