How do my tanks look? Need some advice.

[Deadstockpomp]

So I pulled my 92 explorer out a little early this season to do a few things. The fill hose to my main tank had a 2 inch gash in it up by the fill neck causing fuel to spill and stink during and after filling up or adding any gas. The hose was replaced. Now as the boat sits im still getting a faint gas odor under the deck. I’m not sure if this is residual fuel stench from spilt fuel somewhere in the gunwhale that cannot be reached by hose unless flooded out. I hosed the tank compartments down already and washed away whatever spilt fuel was in there. I’m no expert but the tanks do not look THAT bad to me from above. I would like to avoid pulling them this winter if I don’t have to and it was the hose all along. The bulk of the fuel smell was from the helm forward up in the cabin which leads me to believe it somehow leaked into tight areas with little drainage. Thoughts? Ideas?

 

[Ky Grady]

Best way to see if you are leaking is raise bow up, remove drain plug and see what migrates out. The top of my tank looked better than yours but I had holes in the bottom and mine is a 2004, you're a 1992. If I was that far in, I'd pull my tank to verify the condition.

 

[Deadstockpomp]

Best way to see if you are leaking is raise bow up, remove drain plug and see what migrates out. The top of my tank looked better than yours but I had holes in the bottom and mine is a 2004, you're a 1992. If I was that far in, I'd pull my tank to verify the condition.

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Wow Wasent expecting that. The boat is on the trailer with the plug removed. Haven’t seen any gas at the bottom near the bilge pump, only after the fill up and rinse down. I will have to make a decision does not help that both tanks are half or more full. I would imagine your bilge was filled with gas with that hole.

 

[gw204]

You are this far in...pull the tank. I can guarantee you will find spots of corrosion and then you can determine if they are bad enough to replace the tank or if you can attempt to slow the process and get a few more years out of it.

 

[chrisk]

Replaced the tank in my '92 Explorer last year. Tank was replaced in '97 due to a "flaw" and last year had the same gas odor in the bilge.
Top looked as good as yours. Bottom had several area of corrosion with some leaking. These tanks just lay on the bottom so there are plenty of areas for corrosion.
As mentioned, you are this far. Be safe and replace it. Sunrise Marine Tanks in Venice FL built mine. Great product and a great price.

 

[Ky Grady]

Wow Wasent expecting that. The boat is on the trailer with the plug removed. Haven’t seen any gas at the bottom near the bilge pump, only after the fill up and rinse down. I will have to make a decision does not help that both tanks are half or more full. I would imagine your bilge was filled with gas with that hole.

Yes it was. Had enough in the bilge to melt the float switch and bracket. Bad part was I didn't realize it was leaking as bad as it was.

 

[glacierbaze]

Why can't you pressure test a tank in place, if you have all that access?

 

[Fishtales]

You are this far in...pull the tank. I can guarantee you will find spots of corrosion and then you can determine if they are bad enough to replace the tank or if you can attempt to slow the process and get a few more years out of it.

I agree with this ^^....

 

[UCPA111]

Top of my tank looked good. Pulled and it was a time bomb. This spots. I'd prefer to deal with it on my terms. Tank was full. LOL! So, I had a bit to drain out.

 

[Meanwhile]

Are there suitable plastic tanks where corrosion is not a concern? My 2005 Striper had a plastic tank, just wondering about the future for my 2007 tanks.