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Hi All -

Just purchased a couple beautiful aluminum fuel tanks for my 1986 Montauk. However, now I can't find any aluminum or stainless fittings. Need the Yamaha fuel quick connect (2-prong), and a plug, for each tank. Both 1/4 NPT. Alternatively - stainless bushings to convert from aluminum tank to available brass fittings could work.

Any advice/sources?

Thanks,
Peter
1986 Montauk 17

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I installed a "Seabuilt 6" Aluminium Tank Access Plate" for my fuel tank. Not cheap ($125) but thick enough to tap/thread fittings.

Garris

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You will probably have to go the stainless bushing route. Try McMaster Carr for them.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#

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Why not brass fittings?

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Brass and aluminum don't play well together (too far apart on the galvanic scale), you need to separate them with stainless.

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I've never heard of SS fittings being used for outboard on-deck fuel tank connections, except for the hose clamps.

All of the earlier Tempo and Mirax aluminized steel 12 gallon tanks used an aluminum block fitting to which the withdrawl tube into the tank attaches. Then,, if a quick disconnect fitting is needed, an engine specific brass fitting threads into the aluminum block. You can see it here, with an aluminum Mercury bayonet style fitting attached via a brass threaded fitting.

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lgolt...4892495317

Many of the Tempo/Moeller larger capacity red plastic tanks also use this aluminum block withdrawl fitting, with brass fittings screwed into it as needed.

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/lgolt...0208912924

For built-in aluminum tanks, Moeller does offer an aluminum 3/8" hose barb fitting as an alternative to the brass hose barb fitting. I would assume this is to prevent any galvanic action whatsoever.

But with on-deck tanks, I have never had any problem at all with the aluminum withdrawl tube blocks and brass fittings screwed into them. After years, they still come apart easily. BE sure to use the gasoline impervious white thread sealer, and not the teflon tape.

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Thanks for all the suggestions. I did locate some stainless elbow adaptors (from Parker) that would work. I also spoke with the tank manufacturer (Mirax). They said Brass would be OK. We discussed the electrolysis issue, they said the alloys (both aluminum and brass) had changed over the years and this is not currently an issue. I boat in freshwater, which further decreases the risk. So for simplicity sake, I'm going the Brass route.