Leaking Fuel Tank

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Apr 2, 2009
15
Hunter 26 Lake Mille Lacs
Leaking Fuel Tank


I have 1992 Hunter 33.5 and this spring I discovered a fuel tank leak. The tank is squeezed into a rear compartment below the batteries. It is very very difficult to access and I think I will have to cut the battery compartment floor and remove it to gain access to the tank. It is a metal tank (19"Long, 18"Wide, and 14"High). I pumped the tank dry and the leak slowed and finally stopped so my guess the leak is near the bottom of the tank. I can only see the top. Questions:
1. Has anyone done this? (my search showed someone from 2003, but not too many comments)
2. Did you access from top or cut the bulk head in the rear berth?
3. Did you replace with a plastic tank? (I am leaning that way.)
4. Where did you get the replacement? (I have been browsing for one.)
5. How many connections to the tank will I discover? (fill, vent, fuel line to engine, ????)
6. Any other general advice?

Thanks in advance for any help, this is a nightmare for me. The location of the tank makes it almost impossible to work on. Also any hints on how to temporarily remove a steering wheel would be helpful. I see the big nut in the middle of the hub, but that seems too easy. Do you need a wheel puller of some kind? Thanks again.
 
May 24, 2004
470
Hunter 33.5 Portsmouth, RI
Bill, I have a 1990 H-33.5,but fuel tank is plastic and in aft section of starboard Lazerette with NO BATTERIES ABOVE it. Batteries are below aft cabin bunk decking just to port of shaft and stuffing box. The other tank fitting is "Fuel Return Line" fitting - returns surplus fuel not used by engine fuel injectors. The plastic tank has not yet leaked (knock on Teak). It is a 22 Gal tank but with top "dished down" it holds about 21 Gal. I'm satisfied with plastic tank. I have marked side with Gallon marks and when I place a spotlight on top of the tank I can read fuel level in Gals. Sorry that I can not help about your tank access with batteries over it. I'm surprised they would have done that - that contributes even more to that models Starboard List.
 
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