Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: 1984 18' Outrage Gas tank Q
Posted by SJ on 07/12/15 - 9:31 PM
#1
Are there baffles in my tank? Trying to clean/siphon a stock tank that fresh water got into and has been sitting for over 5 years. You can imagine the amount of crap thats in my tank.Tried sending a clear tube to the back of the tank but I believe I'm hitting a baffle before I reach the end. After 2 atempts at cleaning the tank and 3 injector (2009 yamaha 115 4 stroke) cleaning's, I'm now running exterior tanks to get me through our Salmon / rockfish season. Any tips on getting my tank right would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Gregg C 707-567-1509
[IMG]http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb236/greggh_fish/IMG_5350_zpsidjpv9r1.jpg[/IMG]
Posted by mtown on 07/13/15 - 5:27 AM
#2
I had similar issues with my 1985 18'. I simply disconnected the fuel barb from the motor. Stuck a small nail to keep the ball bearing stop open and put the barb lower than the tank bottom. Squeeze the primer bulb and let siphon do the rest.
I then used a flexible stick and a rag to completely dry the tank. No baffle that I know of.
You should probably install a Racor or other water separator.
Posted by gchuba on 07/13/15 - 9:03 AM
#3
Yes, there is a baffle in the tank. My guess is your current access is at the fuel filler side. You then have a deck access cover over the aft side of the tank where the fuel pick up tube is. I installed (1979 22' Revenge) a 4" tank access plate by Seabuilt cutting a hole around the the fuel pick up tube. The 4" plate measures 6' O.D. and fits. I drilled and tapped a hole for the fuel pick up tube. I ended up with an access hole my hand fits through on the backside of the baffle. With a minimum of 2" holes on each side of the baffle you can have fuel polishing done or clean how you see fit.
Garris
Posted by gchuba on 07/13/15 - 9:37 AM
#5
Polishing cannot get past the baffle. You need at least 2" for the equipment on either side. I was told this by a polisher in Washington 3 to 4 years ago. I could not find a local one at the time in Northern CA (I may have a lead now) so I do not know if that access issue still stands.
Garris
Posted by cg_wilson2003 on 07/13/15 - 3:49 PM
#6
I was having the same issue you are describing and thought it was old dried up gas. Actually turned out I had a hole in my tank and all the sediment was foam parts. You could clean it all you want and new junk would get introduced. I never smelled gas or put it together until I pulled the tank and found the nickel sized hole. I wasted a lot of time and effort trying to get it clean. If I had it pressure tested right away I would have know there was a leak.
Mine was a Outrage 1980 so if your tank is original that may be your issue. My fuel tank has 3 baffle's so it may be harder to clean than you think.
Posted by SJ on 07/14/15 - 6:44 AM
#7
CG,
What did the crap/foam look like that made it to your tank? Color, size would be helpful.
Posted by cg_wilson2003 on 07/14/15 - 3:45 PM
#8
SJ wrote:
CG,
What did the crap/foam look like that made it to your tank? Color, size would be helpful.
It looked very similar if not the same as the first picture you posted with the exception to the string looking item. Most were small crumb size yellow in color(foam is yellow) for the most part but a few were pea sized. Just a lot of filth settled on the bottom of the tank generally. The tank would come clean but the sloshing action of the fuel was breaking more foam free so it get all filthy again.
How did fresh water get in the tank? If you are not sure it may be from a hole in the tank. I also expearenced that as well. The outrage I have sat up for 5 years with 20 gallons of gas in it so I always thought it was old filthy gas and the tank was just that dirty from varnished gas.
Tank pressure test would have saved me a lot of time. Your story sounds almost exactly like mine by the way.
Edited by cg_wilson2003 on 07/14/15 - 3:51 PM
Posted by SJ on 07/14/15 - 3:59 PM
#9
The previouse owner failed to take out drain plug during the rainy season and the boat flooded. The gas filler and overflow lines failed/cracked and allowed water to get in.
Posted by cg_wilson2003 on 07/14/15 - 4:15 PM
#10
SJ wrote:
The previouse owner failed to take out drain plug during the rainy season and the boat flooded. The gas filler and overflow lines failed/cracked and allowed water to get in.
All the junk I described would be ontop of the tank as well and could have been introduced through the broken line.
That being said I would pressure test the tank before you spend any more money on it. Sitting under water would speed any corrosion that was there as the foam is likely fully saturated.
Regardless of if there is a hole It's a 30+ year old tank and well passed its service life. I just replaced mine during winter. I sure enjoy not using on deck tanks and the piece of mind of it being all new. Florida Marine Tanks built it for me and it went very smooth and the tank fit perfect.
Good luck.