Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Tempo Fuel Tanks - Heads Up!

Posted by A Little Madness on 05/07/10 - 7:50 AM
#1

Several years ago we installed a 27 gal. red Tempo fuel tank under the RPS of our 89' Montauk during a major restoration project. The other day the brass fitting for the fuel tank was bumped, loosened, and of course drew air and killed the motor. Tightened it back up and went back to the dock. I bought some thread sealant and went to reinstall the fitting and found that the plastic threads in the fuel line/bubble fuel gage piece were stripped. I did reinstall it with lots of the sealant as a temporary fix and think it will be fine for now.

So then I contacted Tempo only to find out that they'd gone out of business several years ago, had no replacement parts but had sold some molds/inventory to Moeller.

So I contacted Moeller and found that while they had almost identical tanks, their fittings were NOT interchangeable with Tempo.

So the bottom Line is: If you own a Tempo Fuel Tank and need to replace a part.....you CAN'T!

If my temporary fix doesn't work I've either got to find a slightly larger diameter fitting to try and force thread it in...or I buy a new tank...OUCH!

Recommendations Welcome.

Posted by joninnj on 05/08/10 - 6:01 AM
#2

Hi Chris,

I am almost in the same situation. Although my Tempo says 28 gal capacity... I am sure it is the same tank. The gasket under the fuel fitting is cracking and I am sure I will need to fabricate a new one. I also noticed the brass fitting did not seem to be threaded evenly into the plastic female adapter and it was not very tight when I bought it. I did not want mess with it, I used Teflon tape around the brass threads to insure a good seal and it seems fine. I have had this whaler for 4 years and tank looked to be replaced shortly before I purchased the boat.

I wonder if it is possible to replace entire fuel pick up assembly with a Moeller. May mean some cutting and drilling.

Posted by SeaLevel on 05/08/10 - 6:03 AM
#3

Don't force thread it. Get a fitting with larger threads. Make sure the threads are NPT, 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", which ever is the next largest size. Go buy an NPT tap to fit the threads, drill out the hole the appropriate size and re-tap to fit the new fitting. If the new thread size is close to the old one you may not have to drill out the hole just run the tap into the existing hole. My first choice for thread sealer would be Permatex non hardening. Hope this helps.

Posted by Guts on 05/08/10 - 4:23 PM
#4

joninnj wrote:I am almost in the same situation. Although my Tempo says 28 gal capacity... I am sure it is the same tank. The gasket under the fuel fitting is cracking and I am sure I will need to fabricate a new one.

Those gaskets are thicker than you think, just because they have cracks doesn't mean they need to be replaced.If it is not leaking gas LEAVE it alone I have replaced them before and I do Not recommend replacing them just because it looks bad.
Kim

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s2...gasket.jpg

Posted by A Little Madness on 05/09/10 - 5:42 AM
#5

Jon,
According to what Moeller told me their fittings, etc., are not compatible with Tempo....they used to be head-to-head competitors. No, regretfully, if we can't come up w/our own fixes, then new tanks are the only solution. Think I'm going to try the tap for a larger thread size. Will post back when I do it with the results. Good Luck

Posted by SeaLevel on 05/09/10 - 11:26 AM
#6

A word of caution, go easy with that tap. NPT threads are tapered and it's easy to go too far and make the threads too big for the fitting. Remove the tap occasionally as you go and try the fitting in the threads. If it will go in one to one and a half turns or so than that's far enough. There will be enough thread left on the fitting to tighten it up without bottoming out. You usually should not have to go in with the tap more than one half of the length of the threads. It's a touchey feeley kind of thing. If you have a piece of similar material the same thickness laying around it would be best to practice a little.