ContinuousWave   Whaler   Moderated Discussion Areas   ContinuousWave: Whaler Repairs/Mods   Solution to Fuel Tank Pick-up Tube Deterioration    search | FAQ | profile | register | author help

Author

Topic:   Solution to Fuel Tank Pick-up Tube Deterioration

skred

posted 05-20-2012 01:36 PM ET (US)         I've been reading about many boaters experiencing failure of the fuel pickup line inside their 6-gallon portable fuel tank. It appears that ethanol has an adverse effect on the plastic or nylon pickup tube, and softens or melts or dissolves them. I found a great reply on one of the forums: they suggest you remove the external pickup assembly that has the pickup tube attached, remove the tube or remainder of it. Pick up a 6-inch length of 3/8-inch soft copper tubing, and solder it to the brass at the old tube's attachment point. Measure the tube and cut to 1/4-inch or so short of the bottom of the tank, and, if desired, wrap a small piece of stainless steel mesh around the end. I just completed mine, and the total cost was less than $6 and is not likely to dissolve for a century or two.

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