weeping fuel tank

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Ade123

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Recently purchased boat have noticed slight diesel leak under one of tanks. Tanks are masked by substantial soundproofing but even after partial removal leak is difficult to see, It seems to be leaking at bottom somewhere, impossible to see without removing tank. Nightmare job with all galley and saloon to dismantle above it. Is there any kind of addative or lining available to fix the leak?
What I can see of the tank seems in good nick as is rest of boat.
Contacted surveyor who side stepped responsibility with 'where accessible' clause.
Steretched myself to buy boat, can't afford to replace tanks!
Can anyone help ? adrian@mothershipton.co.uk <ul type="square">
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You need to consider a couple of things:

1/ What are the tanks made from? If steel, this might be the tip of a corrosion iceberg!

2/ You can't afford to replace the tanks, but can you afford not to?

I think it's a lose: lose situation, but at least empty the tank, get it cleaned by a specialist and check it out
 
You won't be able to successfully repair in situ so start thinking about removal of the tank which involves draining down and storing or using up the fuel.

Then you will have to work out how to remove the tank, check with manufacturers first, if still in business?

Repair is easy enough once out of the boat but the surfaces will need cleaning properly and I am afraid this you won't do without removing the tank.

There is no additive(s) which can be added to the tank which will repair a leaking tank, unlike cooling radiators, and any linings which might be available will be prohibitively priced and would probably require a drain down internal inspection and steam clean first!
 
Looking on the bright side, have you checked the connections to the tank yet? It could be a simple loose connection. I hope so otherwise there is no alternative to tank removal. You may need legal advice depending on the wording of the sales contract etc. If you found the leak, surveyor should have done so also. Presumably the leak was visible before you removed the soundproofing?
 
Thanks for that.
The leak isn't from the outlet pipe to the engine that's ok seems to be coming from underneath where I can't get to visually or physically.
Had to lift board up but stains and leakage on hull can be seen. Trouble is it was surveyed over 3 months ago.
It was a petracted purchase and its been on hardstanding since I have a seasonal business so can't spend much time with the boat so have only just had a good poke about in the engine bay.
 
You have to remove it, but once removed depending on the material, there is a few cost effective ways to repair, including a putty like substance you can apply which then hardens (to steel like qualities, paintable etc...) I've used this a few times on old cars and has been perfectly acceptable. can be bought at local motorfactors.

check for cracks long the side of welded seams, this is usually the weak point.

Obviously if your taking it out, a local engineer would probably weld it up for you after you dropped a match in it!

There are various ways of evading fuel/vapor from a tank before welding, just make sure he uses one of them!

Also are you sure it's fuel and not condensation? - Sorry if it's obviously not, but worth pointing out...
 
Volvopaul asked what was the make of the boat, is this a secret? he may be able to advise you if you tell us what it is.
 
Once the tank is out it will be short work to have it plated and welded, whether it is stainless or mild steel. Using compounds would be a false economy after all the trouble of removing it.
Fine for a temporary repair of course!
 
looked at one last week & thought the tank was suspect, sounds like its maybe a common problem with these boats.
I suppose the answer is to replace with GRP or Ali tanks (once you get access of course)

p.s. seen any good C-kips for sale around

cheers
 
Just thinking, if I am to replace the tank it'd be easier to cut it up to get it out and then replace it with something I can get through the hatch and pass the engine.
What does a diesel tank have to be made from?
Have a seen a flexible one somewhere.
The existing one is 120 gallons though /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
once seen a guy cut up a steel heating oil tank with a metal grinder - set fire to all the neighbours gardens

/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
If you do end up replacing the tank, then consider a plasic one. You can get them custom made by Tek Tanks, usually comparable price to ali or SS. Be warned, though no good tanks are "cheap"
 
I have been reading about vetus tanks you could put two smaller ones in and conect with the vetus tank conecting kit - should cost less than £500. I can email you the pages from the catalogue if you like

canI ask if you are pleased with the C-Kip ? - your not up here are you ?
 
I have tried all ways fixng leaks on fuel tanks and never been succesful in the end.

Once they start leaking (assuming not from a connection) then that is the beginning of the end. Fix one leak and another will start somewhere else.

Fix the leak at half full, then fill up, the tank distorts, and leaks again.

Only way is bit the bullet and replace.

But before you do think outside the frame. Is that realy the best place and shape for the tanks? What size tanks and how many do you need. Is drain down easy if fuel is contaminated?

Many years ago (197?) I worked on a boat that had made to measure rubber tank liners fitted, this was because the tanks were fiberglass and part of the hull. However they cost more in manufacure and fitting labour than steel replacement tanks would have cost.

The best replacement tanks I have had, for cost and ease of fitting, were aluminium. They are solid, cheap and light; but still have a high temperature fire risk. Plastic is easy and cheap but the BSC bans it inland, and I do not think it will be long before plastic tanks are banned on all boats due to fire risks.

So - If you are keepin the boat long term, replace with good quality steel tanks. If not then botch and sell quickly.
 
Where do you get your information about Plastic tanks and the BSS. I have just re-read the guidance and it states that CE marked polythene tanks are acceptable for both petrol and diesel.

Your post is the first time I have heard of plastic tanks being "banned" - most of the major boat builders use them, and I guess they would not if they were unsafe or about to be banned!
 
Not sure yet, just got it.
Never had displacement before but fancied the accomodation.
Can't afford to go any faster soon anyhow.
During sea trial seemed stable and very quiet doesn't rock about when you walk about decks
 
Hi
I can understand why people say you must remove the tank and repair the leak that way, however on aircraft we use a sealant usually on the inside of the tank but I successfully repaired my petrol tank by painting the sealant on the outside and as far as I am aware it is still leak free. We also use it on the outside of the skins once we have drained the tank and dried the surfaces then applied the sealant.
I suppose you what to know the name of the sealant, there are 2 types, one you brush on, PR1422A1/2 and PR1422A2, one goes off in 1/2 hour the other 2 hours, the other one is thicker and you spread it on, PR1422 B1/2 and PR1422A2, and it is made by PRC-DeSoto International, Darlington Rd, Shildon, Co Durham, DL4 2QP 01388 772541
Give me a shout if you require any more info.
Hope this is of some help.

Steve
 
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