Gas Tank leak on my 25

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 8:47 pm Post subject: Gas Tank leak on my 25

I had been suspecting I had a problem about a month ago and then decided it wasn't. This afternoon I found about 8 gallons of gas in the bilge. Boat has a full tank, in the garage..I moved it out and have removed the floor panel after much much cutting of the sealant that they used to finish it off after screwing it in place. There is no evidence of any leaks at either of the fill flanges or either of the vent hoses. Nothing at the center where the standpipes or senders are. Only thing I can think is there is a leak in the aluminum tank. I have filled all my neighbors gas tanks and mine and have the tank as empty as I can get it with a siphon hose down the fill port.

Looking at the tank I see no way short of cutting it up to get it out as it is about 4-6" wider than the floor hole .

Calling Les tomorrow. I need to get the boat to someone before Wednesday as I am leaving for 10 days and when I get back our ferry is going to be in drydock for 3 weeks. I would rather have someone replacing the tank during that time if possible. If that is what it will take...

???????????????????

TyBoo · Posted: Sun Sep 23, 2012 8:52 pm Post subject:

Can't help, but so sorry.

hardee · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 1:51 am Post subject:

Closest I came was a call from the owner of the barn I keep my boat at. He thought I had a gas leak. Turned out it was burping out the vent. Less than a cup total, maybe. Scary. Sorry you are having to deal with this now, but sure better than an explosion/fire about 4 days into your trip. Somebody is looking our for you Dave.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

jennykatz · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 11:40 am Post subject: gas leaks

years ago we had a 21 ft aquasport and had a gas leak it ended up being a minute crack in the inlet gas fitting very hard to detect replaced it and no problems .Take all the fittings off and inspect them very carefully . good Luck very scary stuff

BrentB · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 4:21 pm Post subject:

sorry to hear

Please post an update

journey on · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 4:41 pm Post subject:

Fortunately, I haven't had to remove the fuel tank in Journey On, but here's a couple of suggestions. Obviously, you're looking at the hole in the deck and I'm not but here goes.

First, that access hatch was put into the cockpit of the 25 (in 2005) to allow removal of the gas tank without cutting the deck. That's what I was told when I bought the boat, by the VP sales. One of their improvements. So the first thing to do is call the factory and ask them the question. I've been told that in some past time they (maybe not the present they) have done it.

Second, as you know, there's a plate on the top of the tank where the fuel gauge is installed. Have you removed that to both drain all of the gas and inspect the bottom?

Let us know how it works out. If your tank is leaking we may all have that problem someday. When I pull Journey On up the driveway (~8%) to park it a LOT of water comes out and I've always wondered from whence it cometh. Hopefully, not from under the tank.

Boris

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 8:07 pm Post subject:

Here is an update. Spoke with the company in Bellingham that made the tank. Talked to several other people who have had to replace their tank. Took the boat today to Cap Sante marine in Anacortes and one of the techs found the leak right away as he knew what to look for. The tank is held in place against the bulkhead under the door by two pieces of what appear to be aluminum or steel pieces that have been glued or glassed onto the bottom of the boat at the rear of the tank. They are about 6-7" long and run aft to forward and are about an 1 1/2" high. Where they rest agaist the tank is where the leak has been progressivly getting worse. The tank itself can not be removed from the boat without cutting it out. It is at least 4-5" wider on each side. When they remove it they will get a new tank made from Coastline Equipment in Bellingham. The good news is that they will size the tank to drop in and make it wider aft to bow wise and take up some of that 6-7" that is unused space. So I should end up with about the same capacity as I had before. The tank should come in around $900 plus the labor. I will replace the lid myself after I get the boat back.

Could have been worse. Kate could be just spreading my ashes if the boat had blown up.

rogerbum · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 8:12 pm Post subject:

BrentB · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 10:16 pm Post subject:

thanks

sharp tech

How will the new tank be installed and secured?

hardee · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 11:01 pm Post subject:

David,

Sure glad it wasn't you and your C-Dory on the news. That is not the kind of advertising that wins many friends. Good move to take that to where they have good mechanics/techs. nice find and good to get it right away, not after 3 days of looking. Sounds like you will have it all in hand before you leave for your trip and you won't be looking at cleaning up a blow-up mess.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

localboy · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 10:56 am Post subject:

So what, specifically, caused the leak? Corrosion, rubbing/vibration, electrolysis? Are they going to use a sawz-all to cut it out? Spooky as you obviously need to watch for sparks. I would assume the tank will be flushed clean prior to any cutting being done. Either way, a messy, hazardous problem.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 11:31 am Post subject:

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 11:38 am Post subject:

BrentB · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 11:56 am Post subject:

I wonder how your tank installation compares to David Pascoe's.

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 2:18 pm Post subject:

Don't know who David Pascoe is.
If there is a problem is it buried beneath the floor panel and it is a two hour job to remove the steps, caulking floor screws to get the floor panel up. Then you have to put it back together.