Fuel leak - under deck tank

Andy0 · 20 April 2017, 08:10

Does anyone have any experience or recommendations for sorting out a leak from an under deck fuel tank on a Ribeye S-785? I have ruled out the usual issues of sender unit and pipework so I conclude it is a tank leak. We are sticking a camera into the bilges to see if we can identify the problem and will also be pressure testing the tank and lines. I fear it is a 'tank out' solution and wondered if anyone has experience of this and the associated costs - we are currently getting quotes, too.

Thanks

Xk59D · 20 April 2017, 09:33

Do you have a rear bench?

Last Tango just put a new tank in another ribeye with same problem.

Basically write the tank off under the deck and put one in the rear bench.

Andy0 · 20 April 2017, 11:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xk59D

Do you have a rear bench?

Last Tango just put a new tank in another ribeye with same problem.

Basically write the tank off under the deck and put one in the rear bench.

Thanks but this will change the balance of the boat and remove most of our storage space. Although costly, I would rather repair or replace the existing one.

Hf500 · 20 April 2017, 11:33

Pressure testing and camera are v wise options. Is it a plastic tank or stainless ? I'm not familiar with your boat but recently had a tank failure on a Delta.
There had been so much fuel leakage it was hand tools only ( spark risk ) outdoors and well vented to take deck off.
Other less serious issues could be 'O' rings on the senders but be very thorough or get it done professionally. Our bilge pump and the cabling was being eroded by fumes so a spark was inevitable at some point in the future.
Good luck with it all. Hopefully it's an easy fix for you.

Andy0 · 20 April 2017, 11:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hf500

Pressure testing and camera are v wise options. Is it a plastic tank or stainless ? I'm not familiar with your boat but recently had a tank failure on a Delta.
There had been so much fuel leakage it was hand tools only ( spark risk ) outdoors and well vented to take deck off.
Other less serious issues could be 'O' rings on the senders but be very thorough or get it done professionally. Our bilge pump and the cabling was being eroded by fumes so a spark was inevitable at some point in the future.
Good luck with it all. Hopefully it's an easy fix for you.

Thanks for your response. The 'O' rings on the sender were deformed and leaking so I replaced them but we appear to still have a leak. I am hoping for an easy fix but it looks more and more likely that it will be a deck off job.

Hf500 · 20 April 2017, 12:14

Sounds like you are doing everything right. Is it a recent thing ? If it has been long term , if you have any wood below the deck make sure it hasn't soaked in. I'm sure there will be lots of opinions on them but ...vapour alarms do work even on open ribs ( they will go off as fibreglass sets over 6 weeks or so too )

Xk59D · 20 April 2017, 12:43

it doesn't upset the balance of the boat that much btw, it is no different than a passenger or 2 sitting there depending on how much fuel you take.

anyways, i understand the lack of storage issue and be good to fix properly as you suggest.

i can't comment on deck ripping up but i was quoted 2k to move 6 jockey seats 6" backwards and reflowcoat of existing deck, maybe some indication for you.

gtflash · 21 April 2017, 23:43

I believe crosshouse trailers had a ribeye in their yard the other day, fuel was coming out the bilge drain and it looked like it might turn into a major op. Maybe try PMing them for some guidance on those boats.

69cmw · 22 April 2017, 06:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xk59D

i can't comment on deck ripping up but i was quoted 2k to move 6 jockey seats 6" backwards and reflowcoat of existing deck, maybe some indication for you.

Sounds like someone is trying to take the piss price wise ......

Andy0 · 22 April 2017, 07:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtflash

I believe crosshouse trailers had a ribeye in their yard the other day, fuel was coming out the bilge drain and it looked like it might turn into a major op. Maybe try PMing them for some guidance on those boats.

Thanks for the heads up on this, I have just PMd them.

lakelandterrier · 22 April 2017, 11:32

How old is the boat?

It might be worth contacting Ribeye themselves to get their view on options / costs

gtflash · 22 April 2017, 13:19

The other thing that might impact a quote is if you have a mounded deck and rail system. Some rib eyes did. Some didn't. Matching a mounded deck with non slip tread would be tricky and impact price.

Andy0 · 23 April 2017, 00:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by lakelandterrier

How old is the boat?

It might be worth contacting Ribeye themselves to get their view on options / costs

Thanks, we are also in discussion with Ribeye.

Andy0 · 23 April 2017, 00:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtflash

The other thing that might impact a quote is if you have a mounded deck and rail system. Some rib eyes did. Some didn't. Matching a mounded deck with non slip tread would be tricky and impact price.

Thanks, we are trying to get drawings of the hull and deck. It is possible we may have a rail system. We will find out in the next few days.

Andy0 · 23 April 2017, 00:16

We drained the tank today, using the engine fuel line to symphony and retrieved about 150L. We also drained 3L from the bilge; not much for several days sitting in a rack.

The tank and lines will be pressure tested early next week and only then will we know more.

willk · 23 April 2017, 10:26

I presume you've checked the filler & breather pipework, from the cap to the actual tank? I know it's obvious but I felt I should ask. A split or gap can be hard to spot but still dump a few litres into the bilges when filling. Don't ask me how I know this!

Andy0 · 23 April 2017, 11:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

I presume you've checked the filler & breather pipework, from the cap to the actual tank? I know it's obvious but I felt I should ask. A split or gap can be hard to spot but still dump a few litres into the bilges when filling. Don't ask me how I know this!

Thanks, the fuel has been leaking constantly over the last week so we ruled out the filler pipework and breather tubes. It could still be the fuel supply line and this will be pressure tested along with the tank. In our case, over filling normally results in a backlash of fuel from the breather.

diver 1 · 23 April 2017, 13:33

I've replaced all the fuel lines on my ribcraft including the filler and breather, and repalced fuel fender gaskets. I've fitted a Barton fuel whistle to the breather line this is great - you know exactly when to stop adding fuel because the whistle noise of displaced air stops thus indicating tank is full. Stops you from filling up the filler and breather lines as well!

SteveHall · 24 April 2017, 08:38

That Barton fuel whistle sounds a brilliant bit of kit, very clever but very simple.
Think I might have to add one onto the list of things to fit, as I am sick of spilling loads out of the breather.

Hf500 · 24 April 2017, 09:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by diver 1

I've replaced all the fuel lines on my ribcraft including the filler and breather, and repalced fuel fender gaskets. I've fitted a Barton fuel whistle to the breather line this is great - you know exactly when to stop adding fuel because the whistle noise of displaced air stops thus indicating tank is full. Stops you from filling up the filler and breather lines as well!

I have never heard of such a thing ... I'm off to chat to google. Thank you diver 1