Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: 1989 22 Temptation fuel tank
Posted by dnt99611 on 07/09/14 - 9:47 PM
#1
Hello all,
This my first post so be kind. This started out to be a simple fix of a fuel guage. It is turning out to be a whole different can of worms. I could not get to the fuel sender wires so I pulled up the deck to make it easier. What I found was broken wires, a water logged piece of glassed over plywood and totaly saturated foam surrounding my fuel tank. Is the normal in a whaler? I thought they used closed cell foam and it did not absorb water? I have learned this is not true with some reading but it sure came as a supprise to me.
So what is the fix for this? Both most common and best options would be nice to hear. I have done a fair amount of glass work in the past so that part will not bother me.
Thanks, David
Posted by dnt99611 on 07/09/14 - 10:34 PM
#3
Yep, looks just like what I have found. Does the wet foam cause the fuel tank to rust through? I am not sure if I am getting a gas leak into this area from a leaking hose or from the tank itself. I do know that when I fill up with fuel I have a ton of fumes in the boat. They go away after some run time takes the tank level down some. I did not smell any gas in the wet foam I dug our around the tank. I think I have some bad hoses and was planning on changing them all out and then seeing what happens for now. I am pretty sure this coming winter I will pull the tank and get all of the old foam out of that area.
David
Posted by dnt99611 on 07/09/14 - 10:35 PM
#4
Also thanks for pointing me in the right direction Joe!
Posted by Phil T on 07/10/14 - 6:20 AM
#5
Replace the fuel vent, fill and feed lines to eliminate them from the leak culprit.
The new hoses should be marine rated fuel hose and have a colored stripe and say alcohol-resistant.
Pull the floor inspection ports when not using the boat to let the moisture escape.
Posted by wing15601 on 07/10/14 - 6:55 AM
#6
Unfortunately the foam will, as you have found, absorb water. If it had any gas in it, the gas would be on the top. The tank is aluminum so it won't rust.
Edited by wing15601 on 07/10/14 - 6:56 AM
Posted by gchuba on 07/10/14 - 7:08 AM
#7
Phil, I have my replacement fuel fill hose in front of me. It is a "Shields 355 fuel hose USCG type A2 SAE J1527-ISO 7840". No mention of alcohol resistance on the label but I looked up the specs in the catalog and it is alcohol/fuel blend resistant. I know it was not cheap and I was surprised to see the Coast Guard approval labeled. You made a good point for ordering marine grade hose.
I had the same issues with the smell of fumes. My culprit was the age of hose that had a slight crack at the seem where the tank fill nipple ended inside the hose. Go after the removal carefully. Tough bird to remove. Seems to be glued on. I lost a portion of the vent nipple at the fill side of the boat.
Garris
Posted by dnt99611 on 07/10/14 - 7:17 AM
#8
Ok, so the plan is to change all the hoses and then take the boat fishing. This winter I will dig the old foam out, pull the tank and figure out what to do next. The wet foam will freeze for sure so it has to go. Good thhing in no ethenal in the fuel here so we do not have the problems that causes.
Thanks for the replys, David
Posted by Phil T on 07/10/14 - 12:31 PM
#9
The gel coated cavity is only ~ 1/2 inch wider on each side and and inch or 2 longer than the tank.
The factory laid the tank on a narrow rubber strip in the cavity, attached the straps then added foam to keep the tank in place.
For those replacing their tanks the recommendation is to
not use foam. Use spacer blocks instead.
Posted by Eric Chase on 07/11/14 - 1:55 AM
#10
Why the recommendation to not use foam? Isn't corrosion at the points where the blocks contact the tank a big problem? My 1988 tank seems to have developed a leak after 26 years, but I would say the foam did pretty well. Do blocks do better?