Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Any advice on removing a fuel tank?
Posted by womms on 04/05/09 - 7:42 PM
#1
I caught a wild hair this weekend and decided to pull the deck plate over my fuel tank. I have been running off of an external tank after I experienced some problems with water in my fuel. Reading previous threads concerning this topic, I knew that a new tank was in my future, but I was holding on to the small chance that the tank could be cleaned and repaired.
Needless to say, after I got through many layers of mud, foam mats, slime, etc, I found large holes in the top of the tank. OK, now I know I need a new tank. So once that decision was made, it was time to get the old one out. I used a saws-all to remove large portions of foam around the tank and found 4 pieces of plywood near the corners of the tank (never heard anyone mention those in previous posts). Getting the foam and wood out has been a bit more labor intensive than I thought it would be, but the worst part is the tank is not budging.
I know that others have used a come-along, and I have even heard of people using a boat hoist to lift the tank out. Any other ideas?
I have pictures, but I am not sure how to start a project page.
Thank you in advance.
Edited by womms on 04/05/09 - 7:45 PM
Posted by Binkie on 04/06/09 - 9:22 AM
#2
Try using a 5 or 6 ft. 2x4 as a lever, after you get as much foam out as possible. After the lever breaks the tanks hold, it will come right out. I got a leaking 80 gallon tank out that way years ago. You need to get the 2x4 under the tank a little bit.
Posted by womms on 04/06/09 - 11:03 AM
#3
Great idea; I will give it a shot tonight. Thanks Rich.
Posted by gigem on 04/06/09 - 11:42 AM
#4
Michael:
I put together a Personal Page this weekend. Got some tank pictures on there.
Does your tank look worse than mine?
No plywood in there, just some nasty pad on top of the tank, saturated with salt...
<--- Click there for Personal Page...
Edited by gigem on 04/06/09 - 11:43 AM
Posted by womms on 04/06/09 - 3:42 PM
#5
Fritz, I saw your pictures last night. I am so jealous, she looks great.
As far as the tank goes, it was a nasty scene down there. I will get some pics up as soon as I figure out how to set up a project page.
Posted by womms on 04/07/09 - 8:20 AM
#6
Well, it's out. Man that was a PITA.
Rich, thanks man, the boards did the trick (I broke a couple in the process).