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Trying to remove the fuel tank (140 gal) from boat to replace saturated foam around tank. I have freed the tank from the foam on the sides of the tank but not from under the tank. I have tried to lift tank out with out freeing tank from foam under tank with no luck. Looking for help. Thanks.

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When I removed the tank from my 18 Outrage 1984, after cutting and removing the foam from the sides(a million small pieces and sucked out with vacuum.) I used a block and lever to pry the tank from the rear end. Steady pressure during the lift. I found the foam on the bottom was just the excess from sealing the sides. Good luck.

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See if you can get a piece of piano wire or similar started at one end and pull it lengthwise to release it. As a cutting wire.

Stephen

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I had the same trouble with my 1983 Outrage... I felt like there was some suction holding the tank in. I thought slow steady pressure might pull the tank out. And it did.

I managed to slip a tie down strap/ratchet underneath a front corner of the tank after scraping out the foam from around the entire tank. I then attached a large C-clamp to the rafters above my boat in the garage in a very secure fashion. Using the tongue jack on the trailer, I cranked the bow of the boat all of the way up. Then, I attached the strap to the C-clamp and tightened it with the ratchet so it formed a loop under the tank and around the clamp attached to the rafters. Finally, I lowered the tongue jack, leaving the bow of the boat slightly suspended (an inch or two) by the tank. Then I left it.

When I returned a couple hours later, the boat was resting comfortably on the trailer and the tank was lifted up. More than anything else, I think the tank is stuck in there with adhesive which will give under time and pressure.

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The foam has a slight adhesive property when applied.

The common recommendation is to apply gentle force to pull the tank out.

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I removed my 140 gallon tank with 2 4x4s and a floor jack. I layer one 4x4 across the gunnels and ran a strap under one end of the tank. I then stuck another 4x4 under one side of the 4x4 running across the gunners and set it on a jack stand on the ground. Jacked up the 4x4 and pop it came loose.

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Yes slight (lots of) constant pressure was the answer. Its amazing how little was holding the tank in place. Now have to replace due to pitting.

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In removing my tank from an 18 Outrage, I found that only some of the foam ran under the sides. I applied steady pressure by lift the tank with a short 2 x 4 cross ways in the inspection hole . My next move if that had not worked was going to be pouring acetone into the cavity to dissolve the foam under earth the tank but the steady pressure at one end lifted the tank. Good luck

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scubadog, did you replace your tank yet? Did you foam it back in place? I am about to do mine and was wondering what foam is the best to use or is anotehr method prefered.

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I will replace tank in the spring once temp gets into 70's. I am using a 2 part closed cell foam I bought from Jamestown Distributors (can be found on line). I do have the new tank in the garage looks nice, may use it for a coffee table for the winter in the family room.