Fuel leak XS540

[limeydal]

Headed out to the launch ramp today and on arriving ,found the bilge with about 1/2" of fuel in it ! Nothing obvious at the stern (has new fuel filter/separator) . No obvious leaks around fuel sender or fill hose. So disconnected fuel line and removed it. Pressurized it under water and no leaks.
Can't see too well around the fuel tank as built in under the console . So ended up carefully using a hole saw, to drill an access hole just aft of the tank.
So found tank, sitting in a pool of fuel ! ( It's a 110 Ltr aluminium tank,about 13 years old .) So question two fold ! Anyone had any luck removing this type of tank, cutting through the side (without removing whole console ) or just use new exterior tank and forget the original ?
cheers Dal

[mikew4]

As its an XS RIbs boat, suggest you contact them. They will fix it for you, and am sure at fair price.

[two stroke mick]

They might fix it however I believe that transport costs could be an issue

[mikew4]

Lol. I missed the California bit !

On the XS ribs, the cockpit is glassed in. So I guess its a case of cutting the cockpit out to allow access to the tank, then glassing it back in.

All within the capabilities of a competent boat builder / marine shop anywhere in the world I guess.

At least XS could help with advice / parts etc. if need be.

[limeydal]

At this stage of it's life, I don't want to really throw a lot of money at it.Big bucks over here to have that console cut out/ tank replaced and glassed back in.
Also don't have the time to do it myself !
So looking into cutting out the side of the console to get to the tank and removing it (or installing a smaller tank inside the old one,if it proves too difficult. Can get a Moeller 20 gallon tank with all the fittings for about $250. (As don't really need the range the 30 gall gave me).
Anyone done this and had success ?
Will keep you posted
cheers Dal

[jeffstevens763@g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBh9MSZk9iE

dont know if your boat is built like this one but a big job to remove the old tank and very expensive if not a DIY job

[Xk59D]

A few people have done what you are thinking of. Unfortunately a lot of ribs have under deck tanks and if they leak it is get your visa or grinder at the ready.

Do you have a picture of the boat and where the tank is?

[mikew4]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

dont know if your boat is built like this one but a big job to remove the old tank and very expensive if not a DIY job

I disagree thats a v expensive job. This is a relatively straightforward grind-away-grp job.

Would be a different proposition if the tank was under the deck though!

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by mikew4

I disagree thats a v expensive job. This is a relatively straightforward grind-away-grp job.

Would be a different proposition if the tank was under the deck though!

It is where he lives and he hasn't the time to DIY and even more expensive as you say under deck.
If like the one in the video I would be inclined to put a bladder in it through an inspection hatch or try an internal repair there use to be tank repair kits for steel tanks

[limeydal]

Great video Jeff ! Very useful ! Yes, that's my tank exactly!
Shying away from cuttting out the whole console if I can help it, as I don't really want to disconnect all the controls and wiring.I am hoping to get in through the side of the console to access the tank. Either removing it completely( if feasible) or cutting a side out and top to install a smaller tank.Again its costs against use ! I have a local shop that will weld up any size I want and could
slip inside the old. But cost maybe a problem.Whereas a smaller plastic , will manage the trips I do . Even Amazon sell them with all fittings and free shipping !

https://www.amazon.com/Moeller-Marin...EBN3FNNFWC46DM

Will photo document, to let you know how it goes!
thanks for all the advice, cheers Dal

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by limeydal

Great video Jeff ! Very useful ! Yes, that's my tank exactly!
Shying away from cuttting out the whole console if I can help it, as I don't really want to disconnect all the controls and wiring.I am hoping to get in through the side of the console to access the tank. Either removing it completely( if feasible) or cutting a side out and top to install a smaller tank.Again its costs against use ! I have a local shop that will weld up any size I want and could
slip inside the old. But cost maybe a problem.Whereas a smaller plastic , will manage the trips I do . Even Amazon sell them with all fittings and free shipping !

https://www.amazon.com/Moeller-Marin...EBN3FNNFWC46DM

Will photo document, to let you know how it goes!
thanks for all the advice, cheers Dal

Dal as a suggestion if your console is the same why not fit a plastic tank under your helm seat as a quick fix or two small ones connect fuel lines together with a T piece and a cut off valve on one side then you have a reserve tank then at a later date cut out the front, then the tank fit a hatch and use the old tank for a bit of storage.
best of luck and some pics will be good when you do get around to it.

cheers jeff

[limeydal]

tank ordered and should be here for the weekend. So no glassing these in as they have to allow for expansion.
Hmmm, hope those brackets do the job, as they look a little flimsy !

[mikew4]

Originally Posted by limeydal

tank ordered and should be here for the weekend. So no glassing these in as they have to allow for expansion.
Hmmm, hope those brackets do the job, as they look a little flimsy !

Post some pix of tank and brackets eh?

[limeydal]

So started removing the old tank today and was surprised how well it went.!
Although I did splash out and buy a "rigid' cut off tool ! Great buy and would really recommend for this work !. Cuts flush to the deck and made the lower cut a piece of cake. Very little dust and thin blade, so not removing too much material. Made the vertical and horizontal cuts with my rotozip with plastic cutting blade. ( Used a piece of wood ,fixed to console with tape, to get a nice straight edge.)
Only snag I hit was, I measured the top cut at 22" from the deck. I found it didn't give me enough angle to get the tank out the side. So had to extend the cut across the console to remove enough, to pull the tank out the front.
Should have done that first time, as it gave me enough room to cut the glass securing the old tank. Also will make installing the new tank clips easier !
Took about 2 hours, so far. ! So old tank out, kicking back with a beer, waiting for the UPS guy !

[limeydal]

And the cutout, ready to be glassed back in, once the tank is installed.
Thinking of putting in a deck hatch, top mid area, so I can get my hand in to work the glass in.

[limeydal]

Originally Posted by mikew4

Post some pix of tank and brackets eh?

This is the tank I am getting. Smaller than the original , but fine for my trips.
Plus I keep 5 gallon backup, under the front "jump seat".
Will get some shots once it's installed, cheers Dal

[ncp]

That's a pretty good price. I've always estimated custom aluminum here in our neighborhood at about $10/gallon.

American Tanks in El Cajon are the best.

[limeydal]

Actually they are about 3 miles away from me !
But pricing higher now, especially if you want a baffled tank ! So with all the fittings included, thought this plastic one was a good deal.
cheers Dal

[limeydal]

So got the tank, but looks as though the brackets aren't going to work for my application. Seems they are for below deck tank installation and hold from the top. So going to have to rig up a tie down strap.
It recommends a neoprene base pad under the tank and strapping, to allow for expansion.(about 3% - 30 days after filling )
Tank looks substantial and well built though !

[mikew4]

Good job !

I can't help thinking that you should have had old tank repaired or replaced with like for like from XS Ribs or alternative supplier though.

Have you inspected old tank for source of leak and assessed it yet?