E 29 Gasoline Tank Replacement

[Cutbait61]

Before I ask the question I did execute a search of the archives for the subject matter and did find several threads regarding same.

Situation: 1976 E 29 ..original fuel tank...Atomic 4 engine ( which runs fine btw) ...PO did mention he had to pull the tank and repair some leaks at one time..so..I'm considering replacing the original tank...and installing a plastic tank..opinions/advice/pros/cons/personal experience/recommendations
Thanks!!

 

[Christian Williams]

We don't seem to have many specific threads about gasoline tank replacement.

What material is your factory tank?

 

[Cutbait61]

Metal..Aluminum im guessing..havent investigated that far yet..

 

[frick]

I took my 1971 E29 tank to a shop in Farmingdale Long Island. They did an exact replica for 250 Dollars. That was over ten years ago now. The nice part was that ll the hoses matched up 100 percent.

Rick

 

[Christian Williams]

If it's aluminum, we have many accounts of repair and replacement options as this is a popular issue. Threads will have further internal links.

Here're a few, any of which can be a good place to revive with new questions:

E35-3 replacing fuel tank

There are a couple of points leaking from the tank, enough to put a quart of diesel fuel in the bilge in the last month. So it's replacement time. When we tried to remove the quarter berth plywood over the tank, we've found it glassed in at several places. Hoping to hear from someone who has...

ericsonyachts.org

E27 fuel tank replacement

I've searched this topic on the site but can't seem to find an answer. So here goes. I have an 1978 E27 with wheel steering. I've converted from gas to diesel. I removed the original 15gal aluminum tank that was in the port quarter. I had to cut it out to get it through the locker opening. Now...

ericsonyachts.org

 

[Cutbait61]

If it's aluminum, we have many accounts of repair and replacement options as this is a popular issue. Threads will have further internal links.

Here're a few, any of which can be a good place to revive with new questions:

E35-3 replacing fuel tank

There are a couple of points leaking from the tank, enough to put a quart of diesel fuel in the bilge in the last month. So it's replacement time. When we tried to remove the quarter berth plywood over the tank, we've found it glassed in at several places. Hoping to hear from someone who has...

ericsonyachts.org

[URL

 

[Cutbait61]

Considering the age of the boat and what I've found so far regarding the work the PO did himself in other areas , I think the best thing to do is to remove the tank and have another fabricated and use the original as a pattern , provided I don't have to destroy it to get it out , which I don't think I will.

 

[Loren Beach]

If you look at my story here of replacing our OEM tank, note that our 1988 tank never leaked. Point is that after several decades it can be nice to upsize to get a little more range and sometimes to put the tank hose connections in better places. We did all that and added a new sender for a new gauge and also some clean-out ports. Our diesel-powered boat had an aluminum tank and we specified that for the new tank as well.
Usually when a tank is removed that's the best time to replace ancient hoses.
There are a lot of articles on the site about fuel tank replacements, like this one: https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/threads/e-29-fuel-tank-replacement-repair-inspection-ports.13913/

 

[Cutbait61]

If you look at my story here of replacing our OEM tank, note that our 1988 tank never leaked. Point is that after several decades it can be nice to upsize to get a little more range and sometimes to put the tank hose connections in better places. We did all that and added a new sender for a new gauge and also some clean-out ports. Our diesel-powered boat had an aluminum tank and we specified that for the new tank as well.
Usually when a tank is removed that's the best time to replace ancient hoses.
There are a lot of articles on the site about fuel tank replacements, like this one: https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/threads/e-29-fuel-tank-replacement-repair-inspection-ports.13913/

An overhaul from tank to end use will definitely be the aim...one part of the story I failed to mention was when I looked at the boat the first time the engine was ran off of a portable tank on deck...the PO said the engine was starved for fuel after he "repaired "it...the A4 fired right up and ran fine once it got some fuel...last weekend I checked the tank vent on the transom and it was clogged with cobwebs and dirt dauber nests...It will all work out..
She won't leave the dock until I'm satisfied she's safe to operate..
Thanks for everyone's comments and suggestions..