Diesel Fuel Tank Removal

[Stuartlittle]

My 1981 Pearson 365 has deside to have the fuel tank give signs of leaking . The indication is lots of diesel in the bilge and trickles down the bilge from under the tank. The question is has any one removed this tank from a 365 and what method was used? My immediate thought was to be able to remove the tank out the port settee hatch but I don't think the hatch is large enough. The tank is a 50 gal aluminum and I'm not sure of the bottom configuration since it sits in a box just behind the engine. I regret not have removed the tank when I had the engine out a few years ago. So if there is anyone out there in the world that has done this please educate me.

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by Stuartlittle

My 1981 Pearson 365 has deside to have the fuel tank give signs of leaking . The indication is lots of diesel in the bilge and trickles down the bilge from under the tank. The question is has any one removed this tank from a 365 and what method was used? My immediate thought was to be able to remove the tank out the port settee hatch but I don't think the hatch is large enough. The tank is a 50 gal aluminum and I'm not sure of the bottom configuration since it sits in a box just behind the engine. I regret not have removed the tank when I had the engine out a few years ago. So if there is anyone out there in the world that has done this please educate me.

Have you verified first that it could be the fuel hoses leaking the diesel? It is a pressurized system of sorts so it could be the stainless clamps are loose or the fuel hose has a leak or your vent is blocked...

[rperret]

did you try the link below?

http://pearson365.com/forum/

if its truly the tank (and not hoses or any drain plug) - i would first take measurements to see it will fit thru the hatch - maybe make a cardboard mockup to see if you can put it IN the hatch.

do you have an access hatch on top? drain the tank and see if there is way to do an internal repair?

good luck

[Rockter]

Pump the tank out untill the diesel is gone.
Fill the tank with water.
Cut inspection apertures into the top ot the tank if you don't have them already.
Pump out the water.
Dry the bottom of the tank until it is bone dry.
Fill the bilge up to the floorboards with water.
Get a flashlight and shine it into the tank.
If it is leaking, you will see the beads of water appearing.
If so, drill a few holes through the lowest point of the tank.
Get your hose and detergent and scrub and abrade the tank floor and walls until absolutely clean.
Get some two part polysulphide adhesive and seal the floor of the tank.
let it dry.... it takes about a week.
Flood the bilge again, get flashlight, check for leaks. mark leaks with a coin or coins.
Pump out the bilge.
Re-do the leak areas.
Repeat until no leaks.
Flood tank with water up to brim.
Leave for a week to check for in-to-out leaks.
If tank sound, fill tank to brim with water.
Weld on the tank top surface, equipped with inspection hatches for next time.
Pump out tank.
Dry tank.
Fill with diesel.

Been there, done that, 11 years ago.