Installing new tank, foam or no foam?
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scubadog |
Posted on 11/09/15 - 6:56 PM
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I will be installing a new 140 gal aluminum fuel tank this winter. I've read a lot about foaming or not foaming in the tank. Both sides make valid argument and facts. The original tank lasted 28 years in foam, why not foam again?
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cg_wilson2003 |
Posted on 11/10/15 - 12:29 PM
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scubadog wrote:
I will be installing a new 140 gal aluminum fuel tank this winter. I've read a lot about foaming or not foaming in the tank. Both sides make valid argument and facts. The original tank lasted 28 years in foam, why not foam again?
I foamed mine in last fall. My deciding factor was ultimately was the original tank lasted 35 years so foam can't be all that bad.
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bcoastal |
Posted on 11/10/15 - 12:41 PM
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I think foam is necessary because there are no stingers to mount the tank. I made a fiberglass channel that runs water down the side of the tank to the back. Did not foam the back of the tank and left a void. Installed a drain tube to the back compartment that I can drain any water in there. Also moved up the tank a few inches so I can reach down and replace that drain tube when the time comes.
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mtown |
Posted on 11/10/15 - 1:06 PM
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Not exactly on topic but I did major repairs to my 1964 16' that required pouring 2 part foam. Instead of letting it expand wherever it wanted I prepared the area around the pour so I could quickly lay thin plywood pieces to capture the foam and had braces to keep the plywood in place. Also put plastic trash bags under the plywood which kept the foam from sticking.
You end up with a denser foam, and I would argue a more similar job to what was done in the factory.
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Phil T |
Posted on 11/10/15 - 2:29 PM
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No foam.
Use spacer blocks and a small bit of foam on the corners and amidships.
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scubadog |
Posted on 11/10/15 - 5:38 PM
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That was my thinking, the original tank lasted 28 years and only pitted on the top were there is no foam the rest of the tank looked like it was new. The foam was wet and there was moisture trapped against the tank but no rotting. I figure the foam also helps keep it in place. I will add a drain port to check for and remove water if needed. Thanks for your responses.
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