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Fuel tank question? Help!!
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| bottomfish |
Posted on 10/14/09 - 9:52 PM
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Went to reinstall my 27 gallon Tempo tank back into my Montauk after 8 months and upon inspection found the gasket to the pickup was shot and the fuel level lens was cracked 3/4 of the way around it. Problem is that that tank is no longer made. I spoke with the folks at moeller and they can't help with parts or any kind of support. Mine is pretty old and out of shape so I should probably just replace it. Question is with what? I see that Pate is out of business. Tempo is out of business. The moeller replacement looks as if I would have to drill a new hole in the deck to keep the tank in the same position. (No notch for the fuel line) Could go with custom but that is gonna be pricey. I really like and need the capacity and want to stay with a single tank. Experience with the moeller 26? Suggestions for alternatives?
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| dauntless-n-miami |
Posted on 10/16/09 - 9:00 AM
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Hello bottomfish, I installed a Moeller top-side 20 gal. in my Dauntless 15 a few months back. I replaced the original fiberglass Pate 15 gal. when the Ethanol issues arose. The Moeller fit well within the helm seat enclosure that the earlier Dauntlesses use for fuel tank storage. I fabbed some custom hardware for securing the tank that used all the existing deck holes the Pate used. I know your asking about a 26 gal. for a Montauk. Isn't your fuel tank exposed under the helm seat? Routing the fuel line for a Moeller would require how much modification? Have you tried e-bay or craigs list for a used Tempo in your capacity. Good luck with your project.
Edited by dauntless-n-miami on 10/16/09 - 10:18 AM
1996 Dauntless 15, Sportsman Pkg. - 2007 Yamaha 90 HP 2-Stroke |
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| bottomfish |
Posted on 10/16/09 - 2:16 PM
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Dauntless, I have tried all over the internet as well as contacting Moeller directly. No support anywhere for the Tempo tank. My options are very limited. While searching this site and others I have come across Mirax fuel products and have spoke with them. They have a 27 gallon that fits under the RPS but it is shaped like the Moeller as far as width. (it would protrude out the rear of the RPS) It looks like I am going to fit a custom aluminum tank from Mirax under the RPS but change the dimentions to put the tank completely under the seat. I will be able to fill it from the ground outside the boat and it will hold just under 29 gallons. They will modify it any way you would like. I am designing mounts into the tank to also rid my setup of the hold down straps. It is twice the cost of the Moeller but it should last much longer and look much better. Lastly I plan on powder coating it to closely match the interior.
I have pics of the mocked up tank if anyone is interested.
Edited by bottomfish on 10/16/09 - 2:19 PM |
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| Guts |
Posted on 10/16/09 - 3:20 PM
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Wayne I have a gasket for the tank and some where in the garage I saved the gage the hole thing but it would take time to find. I think you should switch out the tank now. After all the work you have done, why go ½ the way on the tank. You will replace it sooner rather than later. Just my two cents.
Kim
I would like to see the pics. when you get time
TKS
Edited by Guts on 10/16/09 - 3:33 PM |
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| bottomfish |
Posted on 10/16/09 - 3:33 PM
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Kim, I agree. The guys at the office are giving me grief as well. At this point just do it they say. Every step just keeps me diggin deeper. Procrastination = justification?maybe, I don't know, I don't think so. It's the little things that seem to trouble you the most.
Update I just got off the phone with Brian at Mirax and the design is pretty much final. I should have the tank in about 1 1/2 weeks. Best part is it is to my dimentions, how I want it and it will fit completely under the seat gaining me 4" of rear deck space. Also no extra charge for the modification. Custom builders of anything are getting harder to find these days. Brian at Mirax has been a pleasure to deal with thus far. Thanks, Wayne
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| dauntless-n-miami |
Posted on 10/16/09 - 7:10 PM
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Hello again bottomfish, glad to hear you've made a decision. Does Brian from Mirax suggest any pointers for keeping the inside of your new aluminum tank from future corrosion due to the effects of the Ethanol blended fuels. Right now we're dealing with 10%, I've read a few articles were the Gov. might bump it up to 20% in the very near future. Here in So. Fla. the humidity levels and these new fuel blends have caused some issues with aluminum fuel tanks. Make sure that the exterior of your new tank is prep'ed or cleaned properly before powder coating. I've seen custom aluminum parts having to be re-done after a short time because of careless powder coaters. Let's see some pic's when you can, see ya...
1996 Dauntless 15, Sportsman Pkg. - 2007 Yamaha 90 HP 2-Stroke |
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| bottomfish |
Posted on 10/16/09 - 9:07 PM
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Dauntless, you know I was so envolved in how I was gonna fit it under the seat and anchor it that I did not touch the subject of internal corrosion with them. We did get into baffeling though and it will have a center baffle and a mechanical fuel gage. I will also be very adamate with the powder coater about prep due to the environment it will be in. I will keep everyone posted and post pics when I get it in about a week and a half.
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| joninnj |
Posted on 10/17/09 - 5:38 AM
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Bottomfish,
I will be facing the same issue. 28 Gal tempo tank and gasket is dying out starting to crack. I plan to make with gasket material from an auto supply and cut it shape. I do not think my tank is more than 5 or 6 years old. Tank looked new when I purchased the boat in early 06. If your tank is in good shape why not try that.
Jon in NJ
Many other boats and outboards in my boating history
The Whaler is the one I like the best!!! |
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| Guts |
Posted on 10/17/09 - 6:56 AM
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joninnj I have had the same issue, with the rubber gasket drying out and cracking. These rubber gaskets thick and wide. What I am trying to say just because it looks like it is going south it will last a long time. I have found it is better top let a sleeping dog lye. If you have gass comming out then it needs to be replaced if not just look the other way...
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| bottomfish |
Posted on 10/18/09 - 8:28 PM
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joninnj, Guts, my tank is not horrible but it is it is completely out of square. It has buldged enough times to keep that shape. The fuel level clear window is cracked and the screws and gasket are shot and it is leaking fuel. Yes I could repair it and strap it in place as it was before but since I am in a redo and the tank hold downs have not been installed and I would have to not only make a gasket but a site window or something else, it seems better to just suck it up and avoid any problems and mods for a temporary fix at best. What's another $400 anyway, my kids tell me that stuff grows on trees......
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