Aluminum or plastic???

BajaBass · Aug-25-2009, 03:55 PM

O.K. guys, got the tank out of the Invader. I've decided to go with a new one. Found a 35 gallon Moeller tank (plastic) that is almost a perfect fit. Less than 300.00 I have not found any aluminum tanks yet, but I know where I can get one fabbed. $$$??? What is the better way to go? Any premade aluminum tank companies you guys are familiar with? Thanks Again, Jon

dieselpusher · Aug-25-2009, 04:56 PM

I own a fuel tank company, and highly recommend plastic over aluminum for boat use. (And we don't sell plastic tanks...)

Bottom Line · Aug-25-2009, 05:20 PM

Jon - the 35 gallon Moeller is the one I put in my Invader. The only thing I was worried about was the fill neck wasn't the correct angle and I had to put a 90 degree elbow on it - this sometimes is a problem when filling at a station with a fast pump but not a real issue.

Was the hole in the old tank where I said?

BajaBass · Aug-25-2009, 06:21 PM

On a quick visual, I see no leaks, but a lot of discoloration, corroded outlet fitting. OH, just looked a little closer. On the left side,on a line from sending unit hole, a roughly 3 inch circle of decay, white powder,(

) ate at least halfway through. I am going to pressure test for fun. I found the Moeller tank on Amazon.com for243.52/free shipping. I will order it tomorrow. Does it come with a sending unit? I know they are unreliable, thinking of a floscan or something like that. I can get a high flo fitting from the local race plumbing co. It may be overkill, but I will use a lot of steel braid line and stainless, I have a lot of favors coming due amongst my customers. Plumbing, electrical, paint, hardware, ect. I point their racecars straight, and keep the wives and kids safe. A motor is next. Any hookups on a very clean 90 to 115 hp-20in shaft? Thanks for the advice guys, it is paying off big time.

Bottom Line · Aug-25-2009, 06:38 PM

The hole should be around halfway up the tank and in line
with where the sending unit wire comes through the stringer.

I believe my tank came with a sending unit.

I do structural repairs for racecars - currently repairing an IMCA alcohol modified that was wadded up a couple weeks ago.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BajaBass

On a quick visual, I see no leaks, but a lot of discoloration, corroded outlet fitting. OH, just looked a little closer. On the left side,on a line from sending unit hole, a roughly 3 inch circle of decay, white powder,(

) ate at least halfway through. I am going to pressure test for fun. I found the Moeller tank on Amazon.com for243.52/free shipping. I will order it tomorrow. Does it come with a sending unit? I know they are unreliable, thinking of a floscan or something like that. I can get a high flo fitting from the local race plumbing co. It may be overkill, but I will use a lot of steel braid line and stainless, I have a lot of favors coming due amongst my customers. Plumbing, electrical, paint, hardware, ect. I point their racecars straight, and keep the wives and kids safe. A motor is next. Any hookups on a very clean 90 to 115 hp-20in shaft? Thanks for the advice guys, it is paying off big time.

Bottom Line · Aug-25-2009, 07:05 PM

One more thing - before I installed my tank, I glassed-in 2 pieces of 1.5" ABS tube the length of the tank on either side of the keel - this will allow bow to stern drainage - I bought 2-part pour foam and foamed the tank in. This is a tricky procedure since that crap goes everywhere and expands like crazy! I carefully centered the tank with wood spacers and cut some long boards to span the deck - these had blocks secured to them to stop the tank from rising up from the expanding foam. I had my buddies stand on these while the foam set - about 3 beers worth.

Fishbones · Aug-25-2009, 09:14 PM

Plastic!

BajaBass · Aug-26-2009, 08:05 AM

Perfect call Steve! Good idea on the foam. The old tank was just laying on the carpet, 1 screw in each mounting tab, loose and bent. Oh, was the 3in wood support that runs end to end rotted in your boat? Up high on both sides, supporting the floor, glued to the stringers. I have to tear mine out, almost looks burned it is so black and rotted. Mold? I have some narrow strips of left over starboard to use. Plan on glueing them in, and matt-resin to seal it all. This is a little more work than I wanted, but for what I paid for the boat, I'll do it! Just aligned a Henry J Super Gas car headed to Indy for the U.S. Nats. Nasty little car!!