[C320-list] inside my 1996 fuel tank

[Graeme Clark]

I think you could well be correct Jeff. Unfortunately overseas in U.K. the cost of importing a new one is horrendous!
I'm thinking of having a new bottom welded into place instead. Relatively simple and inexpensive. The sides and top aren't really that bad. 
Graeme

Sent from mobile: please excuse typos etc.!


> On 4 Nov 2017, at 15:32, Jeff Hare <Catalina at thehares.com> wrote:
> 
> If you look closely, you'll see all the internal pitting/corrosion (the dark
> spots).  The early tanks (even through 2002 models) used significantly
> thinner aluminum than the latest tanks.
> 
> I predict that this tank will spring real leaks before much longer,
> especially now that it's cleaned and the corrosion can really get started
> again. Instead of just cleaning out the inside of the tank, I think you'll
> soon be pulling out the aft water tank and cleaning leaked diesel from that
> area and the grid stringers.  These old tanks will all fail. And it's those
> pits that will start weeping.  Ours was replaced 2 years ago in our 2001.
> 
> Also the newer tanks have a pickup that dips near the bottom but doesn't sit
> on the bottom.  I actually prefer that the crud to be picked up and handled
> by your primary filter, so that your tank retains less debris over time, but
> that's just my preference based on how and where we use our boat.
> 
> We designed and installed a ~24gal replacement tank that EZELL built for us
> using the same thicker material they use in the newer tanks.
> https://c320.org/mediagallery/album.php?aid=298
> 
> -Jeff Hare 
> #809
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
> Of Graeme Clark
> Sent: Saturday, November 4, 2017 10:41 AM
> To: Catalina list <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] inside my 1996 fuel tank
> 
> Indeed so Ted,
> The ends are folded over and inserted INTO the folded body then welded on
> the outside. I guess it gives extra rigidity around the edges, but is also
> leaves an impossible to clean crevice where dirt can collect.
> I have no idea what the gunk consisted of, but there was a grittiness to it.
> I suspect its a combination of things!
> Graeme
> 
> 
>> On 4 Nov 2017, at 12:22, Ted Harrison <tharrison at innovations-plus.com>
> wrote:
>> 
>> Thanks for the pictures. What I also noticed was the metal seams.
>> 
>> Ted Harrison
>> 
>>> On Nov 4, 2017, at 8:14 AM, Graeme Clark <cg at skyflyer.co.uk> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Before and after pics, having cut an inspection port and cleaned out 21
> years worth of gunk!
>>> 
>>> I was surprised to find the rubber extension hose on the fuel pickup
> leading to the very lowest point of the tank (forward port corner) where it
> is ideally placed to suck up any accumulated muck!
>>> 
>>> Before:-   https://ibb.co/giY9Nb <https://ibb.co/giY9Nb>
>>> 
>>> After:-   https://ibb.co/d9wJFw <https://ibb.co/d9wJFw>
>>> 
>>> Graeme
>>> #366, Jaskar, 1996, UK
>