ContinuousWave   Whaler   Moderated Discussion Areas   ContinuousWave: Whaler Repairs/Mods   What To Look For In Buying Used Fuel Tanks    search | FAQ | profile | register | author help

Author	Topic:   What To Look For In Buying Used Fuel Tanks
budana	posted 03-16-2010 11:41 PM ET (US)         [What should be looked for in buying used fuel tanks?]
AZdave	posted 03-16-2010 11:51 PM ET (US)             You would like it to fit your desired installation location on your Montauk. It should also have a shape that lends itself to fastening securely. The fittings should allow you to fill and connect the fuel line in a safe and convenient manner. The sender unit should match your fuel gauge, otherwise you could mark the gage when you know that the tank is 1/4, 1/2 full and so on. Most important is lack of corrosion. It might appear as tiny dark spots or as a rough area. You should take a good careful look inside the tank too.
jimh	posted 03-17-2010 07:28 AM ET (US)             When buying a used fuel tank, look for leaks.
bdawg5219	posted 03-17-2010 07:32 AM ET (US)             Yes, look for leaks. Is it sun-faded & old? I myself would go with a brand-new tank because you are going to know the tank is clean. Flush-out old gas from the fuel system lines
contender	posted 03-17-2010 04:44 PM ET (US)             It's not worth it, unless you know the tank...
deepwater	posted 03-17-2010 05:54 PM ET (US)             First I look at the size than the outside condition and inside condition,,If I know the size I want "will it fit" can I make it fit",,Is it to replace an OEM or is it for extra fuel,,And than the price,,The tank is or is not what "YOU" want it to be or do,,
budana	posted 03-17-2010 11:37 PM ET (US)             It will be main tank,replacing Pate fiberglass.
budana	posted 03-17-2010 11:45 PM ET (US)             AZdave what did you mean sender to fuel gauge need to match??
AZdave	posted 03-18-2010 11:33 AM ET (US)             My understanding of fuel gauge senders is that the resistance changes as a float in the tank changes position. The fuel gauge in the dash is really measuring the current flowing through the resistor. If the sender and gauge are not matched, the reading on the gauge may be off. Again, you could fill the tank to a known level and mark the reading on the gauge. Ignore all of this if the gauge is on the top of the tank. Larger whalers have a belly tank with a gauge on top. It is a direct mechanical connection.
jimh	posted 03-18-2010 07:03 PM ET (US)             If any of the recommendations of what to look for do not make sense, don't look for them.
White Bear	posted 03-19-2010 08:58 AM ET (US)             Considering the labor involved in exchanging tanks, it would take an amazing deal on a used tank to make it worthwhile for me. Why was the used tank declared surplus by the previous owner? I would buy new for the peace of mind that goes with such an item.
Sal DiMercurio	posted 03-19-2010 10:12 AM ET (US)             Keep in mind, there's a reason the other guy is selling that tank. Most people don't just remove good tanks from their boats. The guy either went to a different size tank, or had problems with the one for sale. I tend "not" to believe some people while they are trying to sell something. Not many people say what's wrong with what they want to sell. Remember the 1955 Buick Century that only had 30,000 miles on it, & was driven by that sweet little old 85 year old lady, who had the oil changed every 3 months, because someone told her oil gets old in 20 minutes. Why is the guy selling that tank? Buy a new poly tank. Sal
budana	posted 03-21-2010 10:07 PM ET (US)             Thanks for the input,decided to go with plastic new.

Hop to: ContinuousWave: The Whaler GAM or General AreaContinuousWave: Whaler MarketplaceContinuousWave: Whaler Repairs/ModsContinuousWave: Whaler PerformanceContinuousWave: Cetacea CommentsContinuousWave: Small Boat ElectricalContinuousWave: Trips and RendezvousContinuousWave: Post-Classic Whalers