Fuel Tank Woes Update!
Well from strong encouragement from my Mechanic not to try and clean / add access plates, I decided to try to get the old one out myself. I pumped the 11 gallons of fuel out with a Jabsco, electric drill pump into two 5 gallon jerry cans.
Then I removed all the fittings and hoses I could. Had to cut a couple of the hoses because the hose clamps were too corroded. Then I took my $30. buck Harbor Freight reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade, and cut the fiber glass, matting that secured the tank to the two 3/4 " plywood mounts it was seated on. Once it was free, I grabbed hold of the deck fill spout, and I was able to pull it out of the Lazarette in one piece. When I got it home, I removed the fuel output fitting, pulled it out and it was covered with tar like crud. I tipped the tank to get the remaining fuel out into a bucket. Probably only a couple quarts. It was BLACK and very gunky, chunky with some water in it that looked like jelly.
I saw the old spec plaque that was painted over. I used paint remover and then sanded it down to see what it said:
Ericson Yachts (w/ logo)
Manufactured by: Vic Berry, Sheet Metal Dept.
Date of Manufacture: 1973
Capacity: 15 gallons
Fuel Type: (I could not make this out clearly)
Max Pressure Test: 5 psi
Now I have to make a mounting platform out of 3/4" Marine Ply, Glue, Screw and Epoxy it in place on the two existing supports. Paint with Poly of Blige coat. Install all new fittings and hoses, and I should be good for many years to come. My Mechanic, say's too keep it topped off all the time, and add biocide. Still have heard other opinions on that.
Looks like I got a couple more weekends before this is complete.
It is what it is. Oh yeah. I am replacing the original 24" X 16" X 10 ", 15 gallon galvanized sheet metal tank with a Mollier 12 gallon plastic 24" X 18 1/4" X 7 1/4" tank.
:0 More progress pics to come. The main point for current and future E-27 owners, this tank can be removed in one Piece!
I would rather do a bottom job or eat snakes than to do this job again. What a bitch! And I have been missing great sailing weather here in So Cal.