Fuel tank inspection hole 32-200 (does the tank have baffles?)

[BlueCanoe]

I want to add a fuel tank inspection and cleaning holes as I have been fighting clogged fuel filters since I got the boat. So the question is does the tank have baffles ?

I’m following Christians video here

I can see that Christian’s tank has baffles. But this is obviously a smaller 22 gallon tank. If it has baffles they aren’t obvious from looking at the top of the tank.

 

[peaman]

My 1987 32-3 has a 20 gallon tank with one baffle across the tank at about midway along its length. If you can expose the entire top of the tank, you should be able to find the baffle location by tapping or pressing on the top. You might also see a few marks on the tank top: discolorations or rougher texture, indicating where the baffle is welded to the tank top. In my tank, the baffle is clear of the tank bottom by 3/4" or so. Also, if you remove the fuel level indicator or sensor, you can probably fit a dental mirror through the hole to check further.

 

[JSM]

Our 34-2 has a 27 gallon tank with one baffle down the center. I had it out two years ago to be cleaned the shop had to cut two holes in the top to get the job done,

 

[BlueCanoe]

Well no baffles in the 22 gallon tank of a 1990 32-200. I am however doubting that the actual capacity is 22 gallons. Seemed pretty full and I only got 13 gallons out. It certainly didn’t seem like there was room for another 9 gallons.

One relatively centered 6.25” is enough to get to the entire tank. Not done cleaning by a long shot but in 2 minutes I got at least 1/2 gallon of sediment out of the tank.

The issue I have been having is clogged pump pre filters. But in addition to this I think I will replace the pre filter with a much larger filter. Maybe just a second racor filter / water separator.

 

[JSM]

The issue I have been having is clogged pump pre filters.

Until you get the gunk out of your tank you will continue to have this problem and it will bite you in the ass at the worst possible time
( ask me how I know ) .
If at all possible remove the tank and take it to a shop that specializes in diesel tanks , this is a common problem with semi trucks.
Luckily I was able to remove the tank in our 34-2 and take it to a shop that cut two holes in the tank, cleaned it and welded in new patches. Had it back the same day for $250.
PS
I now religiously ad a biocide whenever I refuel.

 

[BlueCanoe]

Until you get the gunk out of your tank you will continue to have this problem and it will bite you in the ass at the worst possible time
( ask me how I know ) .
If at all possible remove the tank and take it to a shop that specializes in diesel tanks , this is a common problem with semi trucks.
Luckily I was able to remove the tank in our 34-2 and take it to a shop that cut two holes in the tank, cleaned it and welded in new patches. Had it back the same day for $250.
PS
I now religiously ad a biocide whenever I refuel.

As mentioned above I already cut (technically drilled) a 6.25” hole in the tank and the tank is small enough that I can reach every corner of the tank. My Plan is to scoop out as much as possibly by hand and then scrub the tank with purple power using battery powered vibrating sander with a scotch bright pad. If I can’t get the tank completely clean I will pull it out and have it steam cleaned by a local shop that does diesel tanks.

 

[JSM]

As mentioned above I already cut (technically drilled) a 6.25” hole in the tank and the tank is small enough that I can reach every corner of the tank.

Sloppy reading on my part. Sounds like you are definitely on the right track !

 

[Dave G.]

As mentioned above I already cut (technically drilled) a 6.25” hole in the tank and the tank is small enough that I can reach every corner of the tank. My Plan is to scoop out as much as possibly by hand and then scrub the tank with purple power using battery powered vibrating sander with a scotch bright pad. If I can’t get the tank completely clean I will pull it out and have it steam cleaned by a local shop that does diesel tanks.

Inspect the lowest part(under the pick up tube generally) of tank for corrosion closely. It will appear to be tiny little bumps and craters where the sediment was laying. I would not encourage sanding the tank especially with a power sander. Tanks are thin to begin with and the bottom of yours is even thinner by this time. A thorough cleaning with mineral spirits or like will suffice IMHO.