Slow fuel leak?

[TB2BLAZER]

I have a 2000 180 Sportsman and I think I might have a small fuel leak. Last season I had about 10-15 gallons in before I winterized it. Pulled it out today for the first time to get it fired up and ready for the season and it would not start. Looked at the fuel gauge and it was blinking empty. Put some fuel in it and it started right up. Ever since I first bought it around march of last year I noticed a smell of gas when you open the hatch door under the cockpit. I checked the fuel lines, hose clamps and connections that I can see and the fuel line looks brand new and all the clamps were tight. It would have to be some kind of gravity drain I would imagine to have leaked everything out. Is there a fuel line at the bottom of the tank I cant see? Is there another place to check?

 

[SkunkBoat]

There are no small fuel leaks.

No sign of gas drippng out the garboard drain over the winter?
Look in the bilge. Is the trailer cranked up to let drain?
10 gallons is a lot.

Smell of gas earlier is an ominous sign.
Hate to say it but probably corroded aluminum tank.

First, take up the deck hatch. Look around.
Not sure if they still used aluminum or if they still foamed in the tanks on that model.

 

[TB2BLAZER]

No sign of gas dripping from anywhere. I checked the bilge and it had some liquid in it barely any. I'm going to put a rag on a stick and soak some up to see if its gas tomorrow. Trailer was not cranked up its kept in an 3 sided enclosure. If it is the aluminum tank how much on average does it cost to replace one? Thank you for the reply.

 

[Sparkdog118]

I agree. I think the tank is pitted on the bottom and leaking the gas out.

 

[Sparkdog118]

How many gallon tank do you have?

 

[TB2BLAZER]

I believe it's a 60 gallon.

 

[Sparkdog118]

Cost is about 12 to 14 dollars a gallon to fabricate a tank here in sw Florida.

 

[Sparkdog118]

I repaired mine 10 years ago. Mine is a 93 in my 88 offshore. I took it out, sandblasted the pits, used pc-11( like marine Tex) to fill the pits. Then I sanded it down and fiberglassed the tank with 3/4oz mat. That keeps it from corroding again. Still in perfect shape.

 

[TB2BLAZER]

How much on top of that to have it installed or is that something I can do?

 

[leeccoll]

TB2BLAZER,

My tank was not yet leaking, but on the verge. Cost me $800 plus shipping for a new 90 gallon tank for my Seafarer.

I got the dimensional drawing from Grady White customer relations by email.

Another member suggested Paul @ Patriot Marine Fabricating in NJ (609) 693-5542

Awesome manufacturer to work with and somewhat close to you.

I did the install myself. It's not rocket science, but gritty.

Lee

 

[TB2BLAZER]

My favorite hobby is to rebuild and restore motorcycles. I work on all my own vehicles, house projects and I'm pretty good with my hands but I have never worked on boats. I imagine the way to replace it would be by taking the center console off but I wouldn't know where to start after disconnecting the controls and wires. Is there anywhere that might have a basic rundown of how to take it out/off for a Grady in particular or should I just youtube on any old center console removal? I just emailed grady for the dimensional drawing of my tank and I'm going to contact Patriot Marine as soon as I hear from them. Thank you all for the replies.

 

[SkunkBoat]

Try these guys too. did good work. Atlantic Coastal Welding NJ | Custom Marine Fuel Tanks ...speedytanks.com

shipping will kill you though. try to find someone you can drive to...

 

[SkunkBoat]

You can also try to find a Moeller plastic tank to fit.Fuel Tanks | Moeller Marinewww.moellermarine.com › off-the-shelf › fuel-tanks

 

[leeccoll]

Yep,

That's another solid option!

Hopefully another member that owns a 180 Sportsman and has replaced the tank can chime in how to access it.

Normally, Grady places them under a removable deck hatch, can't imagine you will have to disassemble your center console to replace it.

There I can't be much help because of my model being so different.

I looked into speedytanks as well, but in my case they wanted $1100 plus shipping....

Good news is you have options!

 

[seasick]

If there is a removable deck panel you will see the seam of course. My 2001 208 does not have access and if the tank needs to be replaced, the deck has to be cut!.
The tank is poly though and they seem to last a long time.

 

[TB2BLAZER]

Update: Went out this morning to go do more poking around to try and pinpoint a leak. Took the cover off right above the gas tank and noticed that it has a poly tank. I stuck my nose down in the hole and under the cockpit and there was indeed a gas smell. It was not as strong as it was last summer but still there (Granted its 50 degrees here in North Ga). Looked into the bilge and there was liquid there, more than yesterday. So I got a parts grabber and stuck a paper towel on the end then dipped it in the liquid. I pulled it out and smelled it and didn't smell like gas at all so that was a relief. I was talking to my wife last night and she said that the last time we took the boat out the fuel indicator was on the last bar and blinking so I imagine that I had less fuel in there than I had originally thought(My memory is truly horrible). When I went to start it after bringing it out of storage yesterday I completely forgot to pump the fuel bulb (again awesome memory) which may have been why it took so long to start. So with all this new information what does everyone suggest I do? Should I leave it and say it was just a bad coincidence or should I still tear it apart and replace the fuel tank? I do not have a panel above the gas tank to remove it, I would have to take the entire console out from what I can see. I have heard these poly tanks can emit a smell could that be why I smelled gas in the cockpit storage when it's hot outside? Thank you all for everything you have been extremely helpful in getting this thing figured out.

 

[seasick]

Keep an eye on it but no need at this time to take it apart. The fill and vent hoses are probably past their prime but not yet critical. How was the boat stored? Covered or inside? I ask because if covered, the fuel vent built into the fill fitting (assuming you have a combo fill) will put out some fumes as the temperature of the tank changes. Those vapors will be 'trapped' under the covering and can cause some gas odor.

 

[seasick]

Forgot to mention. When one bar shows on the display on my 20 foot with 80 gal poly tank, it means that I have 20 or less gallons of fuel. When that one bar starts to flash, I have less than ten. If I was not looking and notice the bar is flashing, I could have close to zero gas If you look at the gauge while the boat is in motion, the gas level will read higher that it really is since the gas pools aft. The real or more accurate method is to let the boat come to a stop, move any passengers forward or better yet off the boat, let the thing sit for a minute and then read the gauge. My 20 foot hull can change two full bars during that test.

 

[TB2BLAZER]

I have always kept it in a barn with only the bow facing the open and a cover on it. I have never smelled gas with the cover off just walking around the deck. It's only when the cover is on and it's hot out or I stick my head under the center console to grab something out of that storage area.

 

[seasick]

Same thing on my 208. I only smell slight fumes after it has been sitting in the sun for a while with the helm cover snapped on. It's been like that for years and years.