Gas leak 72 cc Skier

My 72 Skier has a gas leak. I can't seem to find it, I dry out the area under the motor and the gas returns. I think its the gas tank nothing else should leak without the motor running. Also it would leak more under pressure. Any one have an idea how to check the tank for leaks? Where can I get a tank? Will the tank come out easy?

Sorry I stated that wrong, it leaks all the time. I meant its not on the pressure side. Not sure about anti-siphon, its vented of course. No fuel shut off. Obviously the hose would be cheaper and easier then a tank. Off to search.

First off, you probably know this, but I would not run the boat til you fix the problem.

How long have you owned the boat? Personally ,with a boat that age, I would inspect every inch of the feul system, including pulling the tank. Thats how I found a cracked fitting in the fuel pickup tube on my 64.

You might be able to get an idea of where the leak is by pressurizing the tank thru the filler inlet. Just dont use a lot of pressure.

A little time invested now could save some big problems later!

I've owned the boat 8 years and have inspected most all of it. Pulling the tank is sounding like the only option.

jborzak wrote: I've owned the boat 8 years and have inspected most all of it. Pulling the tank is sounding like the only option.

I think its time... Not sure on that style hull, but, I've got mine down to about a 15 or 20 minute job.

jborzak wrote: After reading about the epoxy wearing wearing off near the stringers I went and checked. Its wet at the base below the filler side. OK now can that be fixed? If so how?

It's ether a new tank or repair the old. New plastic tanks are available but the filler necks aren't in the same location. Some have done it by plumbing changes but there's not much room under the deck of a 70's style hull. New aluminums can be fabricated but that's the expensive route. Do you have a radiator shop in your area? They typically repair tanks besides radiators. They are the ones who will have the hot tank to really boil out the inside. It may be just adding a patch and then coating the inside of the tank.
Steve (62wood above) is currently going through a coating problem with his but, it doesn't sound like it was done professionally. I know lots of the wood boat owners have had very good success with repairing old tanks.

If you do go that route or the aluminum replacement and the leak is from rubbing on a stringer, make sure you get a layer of rubber under the tank. The tank needs to be strapped down real good so it can't move.

Gainesville radiator has done nice work for me at a very reasonable price. I haven't used them in a while, but they were family owned and quality oriented last time I did.

If you take your tank to them, you'll be within 15 mins from here. Stop by and swap a few stories with us!

I'll give them a call. It seems I either have to go to Gainesville or toward Atlanta and use Sims

I met so many people I won't brave your name...green shirt?

8122pbrainard wrote: Steve (62wood above) is currently going through a coating problem with his but, it doesn't sound like it was done professionally. I know lots of the wood boat owners have had very good success with repairing old tanks.

   
Probably not the best situation, but until I find a replacement tank, I ended up cutting the top of of my tank with a 3" cut off wheel, and opening it like a suitcase. I removed all the old liner,then had my son (who welds for a living) welded it back shut.

When we pressure checked it, there were a couple of pin-holes in the welds, which we expected, so I installed a new "Red-Kote" liner in it last night. That should seal it just fine. But for safety, Im now going to put a layer of tank- epoxy on the culprit weld area.


You sure couldnt afford to pay someone profesional to do this whole process... probably have 7 or 8 hours of time in it.

BuffaloBFN wrote: FWIW-Because of the chicken industry here, there are also several aluminum fabricators here who might be looking for work.

Greg,
What do the aluminum guys do for chickens? Cages?

I like the tackful word "de assembly" Greg

Tim,
Tempo is no more... I tried to call them a week ago. Last year they were purchased by Moeller, who also makes plastic fuel tanks. Looks like they arent making the Tempo tank configurations tho.

Moeller wouldnt even quote me. Said they dont sell direct. .... And, I was just trying to get a part number...

85 bucks is not out of line for the repair. If they are sealing the inside, the Red Kote I used in mine was just short of $25/Qt.

When I was looking at Tempo tanks last year for my Higgins, most were in the 150 to 200 buck range.