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I need the gasket (appears rubber) that seals the fuel pickup at stern of the tank. See photo..

[IMG]http://i1363.photobucket.com/albums/r711/Jbeaux2000/image-7.jpg[/IMG]


I'm not a competent gasket maker so I need oem or identical if still made. Thanks.
-beaux

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Try and save the old one as you take it out as you will likely need it for a pattern. Some here may know who originally made the tank to source the gasket or a for a template. good luck

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save the old one, go to your local automotive shop and purchase gasket material, they should sell it and cut one using the old one as a pattern.

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I wouldn't use the automotive stuff, may break apart when soaked in fuel. Search for MCMaster-carr in google and look for gaskets in the website.

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Nope, it won't, it's what it's made for. There is nothing special about what McMaster-Carr sells other than they probably have more choices than your local NAPA store.

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Whatever material that is used should be rated for direct fuel contact and be resistant to ethanol. I would try the autoparts store as Kamie suggests like napa.

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Anybody know original thickness and material? Or should we just eyeball it at the auto parts store? My understanding is to simply insure that material is rated for fuel filter gasket use and of appropriate thickness.


Thanks again for replies and suggestions.

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Eyeball is good!

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If your replacing it why not just take it off before you go?

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Mainly so that I knew information to confirm availability before taking it off just in case I was not able to source locally. I prefer to know what I'm getting into before creating a leaking 6" access into my fuel system. My boat is stored under cover, but outside. Of course, I will take with me to the auto parts store.

I would have rather found a marine source from some other whaler 18 owners that knew where to have a prefabricated gasket sent to me. It appears that this is not an option.

Again, thanks to everyone for trying to guide me on finding the best option.

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Permatex does make a gasoline compatible sealant if for some reason you can find a gasket. Eyeball should be fine, you could always measure the thickness with a micrometer if you have one.

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You could try Florida Marine Tanks, the OEM supplier.

http://www.floridamarinetanks.com/productline.php?catalog=accessories

Might have to wait a bit, but probably could get a direct replacement.

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Thanks. Like minds....
I had actually sent them an email after searching around on this site prior to posting this thread. I had not heard back, so I posted the thread to find out other sources and DIY ideas. I thought I might have to improvise something.

I got return email today. They still make inspection plate/ pickup and gaskets. I am gonna look for id sticker on tank by the sender when I get home for actual tank capacity to confirm 63 gallon tank and then order.

Edited to update:
I verified it is a 63 gallon from Florida marine per sticker by fuel sender.
[IMG]http://i1363.photobucket.com/albums/r711/Jbeaux2000/image-8.jpg[/IMG]

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Update...

I received the new pickup/gasket/inspection plate. After removing the old, I inspected the tank and found more potential problems for my etec.
[IMG]http://i1363.photobucket.com/albums/r711/Jbeaux2000/image-9.jpg[/IMG]

The largest piece was approximately the size of a quarter. The other piece was about a half dime size portion along with numerous specks of grime,etc. I started a siphon and used it to remove all debris. The debris and the bottom 15 gallons of fuel were removed. Importantly, both larger pieces of debris stopped the siphon hose and blocked it. This tank clean out probably saved me from serious engine failures due to fuel restriction or at a minimum a breakdown at sea.

The new pickup came predrilled and ready for assembly. It did require massaging of a few of the screw holes to allow passive fit when tightening. The pickup did come with a anti siphon valve in place. I chose to remove it as I did not want possibility of a $.05 SS ball and spring causing me an issue with fuel restriction.

Differences : Original pickup had threaded ending with screen protection over its end. The new pickup came with a beveled end and no screen. I liked this as the new pickup was able to be made slightly longer and reached closer down to the floor of the tank. This will allow better fuel pickup at lower tank volumes.

Overall, I'm happy with Florida marine tanks.
I have the exact measurements of the new gasket that came with the new pickup. I also photocopied it at the office so that a template could be made if any of you need it.

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Did the inspection plate come with the welded tab for the ground wire?

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Yes. It had welded tab that was predrilled but not tapped. I used a ss machine screw to hold the two ground wires to it.
[IMG]http://i1363.photobucket.com/albums/r711/Jbeaux2000/image-10.jpg[/IMG]

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Dimensions off fuel tank pickup gasket for those wanting to know what's there BEFORE removing the old part.

http://s1363.photobucket.com/user/Jbe...1.jpg.html

New pick up was 7.5" from underside of plate to the longer side of the bevel on the end of the pickup tube. It had about a 3/4" bevel on ending verses the flat threaded end of the original.

EDIT: [IMG] does not work in the forum sections. User [url] instead.