Recently I found the source of my diesel fume smell. My 1993 Hunter 33.5 developed a very minor leak in the bottom of the aluminum tank. After calling Hunter and being redirected to the tank manufacturer I have some reservations. I gave the tank manufacturer the model and serial number of the actual tank. They said they don't have records dating back to 1993 and I would have to remove the tank and make a drawing for them to build a replacement. Has anybody had luck with the plastic under deck sytle fuel tanks available from West Marine. I am not sure I want to purchase a replacement tank from the original Hunter supplier that tells me the tanks are only built to last ten (10) years. I hope the Hunter folks read this !!!
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An Option
would be to pull the tank after pumping all the fuel out and have it steam cleaned. Then it could be welded. I would think that the vibration of the diesel engine has caused a seam to crack in the tank. Diesel fuel isn't considered caustic like urine is. As for a plastic tank, all of the Hunters since at least 95 have plastic fuel tanks.
would be to pull the tank after pumping all the fuel out and have it steam cleaned. Then it could be welded. I would think that the vibration of the diesel engine has caused a seam to crack in the tank. Diesel fuel isn't considered caustic like urine is. As for a plastic tank, all of the Hunters since at least 95 have plastic fuel tanks.
Tank Out... How?
I have the same year and make boat. My fuel leaks have been confined to the fuel lines so far. If or when this happens to me would the tank be removed through the aft cabin? By the way my spring project is to replace the aluminum holding tank and plumbing before they leak. Jeff
I have the same year and make boat. My fuel leaks have been confined to the fuel lines so far. If or when this happens to me would the tank be removed through the aft cabin? By the way my spring project is to replace the aluminum holding tank and plumbing before they leak. Jeff
Tank out thru
The Aluminum fuel tank is located under the battery compartment. You will have to remove the batteries and wood plateformt the batteries sit on then, the tank should come directly out through the hatch. By the way tell me more about your fuel line leaks maybe I can learn from your fixes. Regards, Steve
The Aluminum fuel tank is located under the battery compartment. You will have to remove the batteries and wood plateformt the batteries sit on then, the tank should come directly out through the hatch. By the way tell me more about your fuel line leaks maybe I can learn from your fixes. Regards, Steve
Steve
I need to figure out a quicker way to access the fuel shut off valve. Perhaps an access hole of sorts. When I had my leak it took several minutes to get the battery out and find the valve. It was located just forward of the removable panel out of sight. Enough fuel leaked to make it to the bilge pump and go overboard. The Corp Of Engr. frowns on this. To contain what was left in the bilge I cut the wires in the bilge to the bilge pump. I have since installed a cut off switch in the bilge just in case. We estimate maybe a quart or two went overboard. Boy does it spread! After a visit with the harbor master I began to look into my leak. All indications pointed toward the mechanical fuel pump. Wasn't looking forward to replacing this since its location is the toughest side of the engine to work on. The gasket in the body of the pump showed signs of weeping. Without checking further I ordered a pump since this one is 10 years old. One week later and a box full of parts I began the disasembly process only to discover the fuel lines at the pump had vibrated a little loose and had been the problem all along. Boy I felt stupid! After a little wrenching and test ride with my nose in the engine compartment all was fixed. That was last spring and still no leaks. Obviously I have added a couple of things to my maintance check list. Can't get the rest of the diesel smell out though! I'll take your word for the tank removal but it seems hard to believe it will come out through that small hatch. Jeff
I need to figure out a quicker way to access the fuel shut off valve. Perhaps an access hole of sorts. When I had my leak it took several minutes to get the battery out and find the valve. It was located just forward of the removable panel out of sight. Enough fuel leaked to make it to the bilge pump and go overboard. The Corp Of Engr. frowns on this. To contain what was left in the bilge I cut the wires in the bilge to the bilge pump. I have since installed a cut off switch in the bilge just in case. We estimate maybe a quart or two went overboard. Boy does it spread! After a visit with the harbor master I began to look into my leak. All indications pointed toward the mechanical fuel pump. Wasn't looking forward to replacing this since its location is the toughest side of the engine to work on. The gasket in the body of the pump showed signs of weeping. Without checking further I ordered a pump since this one is 10 years old. One week later and a box full of parts I began the disasembly process only to discover the fuel lines at the pump had vibrated a little loose and had been the problem all along. Boy I felt stupid! After a little wrenching and test ride with my nose in the engine compartment all was fixed. That was last spring and still no leaks. Obviously I have added a couple of things to my maintance check list. Can't get the rest of the diesel smell out though! I'll take your word for the tank removal but it seems hard to believe it will come out through that small hatch. Jeff
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