Inspected Gas Tank Compartment

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HMBJack

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My 330 Express is a model year 2006.
Since the boat was built, the fuel tank deck plate has never been removed.

So the other day, I lifted the deck plate off to do an inspection.
While, I have rinsed the tank compartment with freshwater from time to time, I wanted to see if I had any issues going on in there.

Here are photos of immediately after I lifted the deck plate and also of the tanks after a good cleaning.
No corrosion whatsoever and all looked amazingly good after 17 years.
Before I closed it up and resealed it, I gave everything a generous coat of Bioshield T-9.
 

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You really can't tell without pulling the tanks. Corrosion happens where tanks sit on something. Usually the rubber strips.
 
Hookup1 said:
You really can't tell without pulling the tanks. Corrosion happens where tanks sit on something. Usually the rubber strips.
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While I agree, there is no need to this now. That day will come I guess when I get any sort of leak.
My main objective was to re-seal the 17 year old silicon caulk which I know was leaking a bit.
I was pretty happy with what I saw after I lifted the panel.
 
I'll bet if you cleaned off the "gunk" on the underneath side of the hatch that it would look almost brand new. For being 17 years old, I definitely expected much worse and think with a small amount of cleaning that it would look great. I'm impressed!
 
Mustang65fbk said:
I'll bet if you cleaned off the "gunk" on the underneath side of the hatch that it would look almost brand new. For being 17 years old, I definitely expected much worse and think with a small amount of cleaning that it would look great. I'm impressed!
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Looks like some areas of water intrusion on the hatch. Check to see if the edges have separated from the glass over the plywood. What happened on mine was the plywood got wet and leaked the glue out on top of my tank. Tank cleaned up but I may do them this summer. They are overdue.
 
Interesting post - great job on the clean-up. I have a 2003 in SoCal and keep wondering when my tanks/fuel hoses may be a problem. Like you, inspections by my mechanic say all is weel. Another question, does anyone know where to buy/find the black push-in nuts that cinch down the generator/stern-area hatch to the deck???
 
I did the same inspection on my 2004 265 Express and your pics look just like what I found! After seeing the same possible water intrusion around the inspection plates, I unscrewed all of them and found very little sealant on the flange (in some of the flanges, none). I resealed with 4000UV. Perhaps this is something for you to consider. The ones on the transom area were also in need of resealing. I replaced all the o-rings while I was at it.
Impressive results for the tanks (what I could see using a scope) considering they're almost 20 years old.
 
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I have found the deck plates don't seal well with regular silicone. I'm using 3M 4000uv. It's a mild adhesive and works well. Yes- the o-rings should be replaced, silicone grease and all surfaces clean. I'm tempted to caulk the dam things!
 
Thanks to all for your remarks.

About 5 years ago, I switched out my pop in access ports (6" Round) with the screw in kind. Sealed them with 4200. These screw in types are virtually water tight. I know this from doing the rear splash well area. What looks like water intrusion under my tank panel was likely from 12 years of dribbling from the original pop in type seals.

I used GE Silcone (in almond) to reseal the large deck plate since the color match is perfect and it is easy to cut and remove if, when, I need new tanks. I will continue to monitor the interior of the tank compartment but have to say I was pleased with what I saw during this inspection. 17 years is alot to ask of any silicone seal!
 
If you still have the hatches open I suggest you remove the tanks and inspect the underside. I’m in the process of replacing my main tank. My tank looked great on top but it was pitted on the bottom where the 2 plastic strips that Grady installed to keep the tank from touching the deck. The strips are a great idea but they need to be glued to the tank so they don’t trap moisture. My new tank is epoxied and glued on the strips with 5200. 853B47AE-C0C2-4D86-B9C8-7F27171AEFB0.jpegAEE1121F-CAA5-4FBC-9445-BA8737D017CD.jpegCB5524CD-DFD0-48D7-8D1E-1FAA59744F77.jpegB3816B69-FF99-4B8B-B4C2-6B2E225F62B6.jpeg1FE48793-162D-4C80-B5CA-40ADBE2E299D.jpeg
 
how much of a pain was it to dig out that caulk? i am planning to re-seal my hatch. it seems like digging caulk out of deep and narrow gap would be tough
 
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