morgan 34 fuel tank

m34sailor · #1 (**permalink**) 01-28-2008

the good news is: the tank is monel and 40 years old. the bad news is: there is probably a lot of gunk in it. anyway, i have removed my diesel for some work and want to replace the fuel tank. has anyone had experience with this task? is there a new tank that will fit without a lot of alteration? the backup plan is to try to clean the existing tank? any ideas? thanks in advance.

scottwj · #2 (**permalink**) 06-15-2008

I found that a radiator repair shop is a good place to
have a tank cleaned. The monel is about as good a
tank material as you can get.
If you are going to replace the tank, I would have a
smaller one made for the diesel to reduce the weight
in the back of the boat, unless you really need that much range.

Scott

Capnblu · #3 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008

Look up KBS coatings, If you have the tank out. Their 3 part system was idiot proof and our tanks looked like new after using their cleaning solution.

deryk · #4 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008

The mechanic at my marina suggested i drain my tank and flush it with some gas since the 1969 Morgan 34 I bought has been sitting for almost 3 years (she did start up on the first try though) Was it hard to get the tank out? Ive given some thought to moving the tank back and moving the stearing pedestal forward so I can be under a bimini and maybe add a chair Ive got a bad back and lumbar support is a good thing... is that doable?

scottwj · #5 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008

Removing the tank is not too bad, but the tank is
bulky to handle, so I would empty it first.
My tank was originally supported with perforated strap, which
had rusted near the batteries. I replaced with stainless strips
when I had the tank out.
On mine the vent tube was soldered copper tubing, so
I had to cut it and splice back with a coupling.
Moving the tank aft has two problems that I see:
1) the fill hole will also need to be moved
2) the trim of the boat will be affected as you move the weight aft.

Coating the inside of a monel tank would be a waste of time since
corrosion is not a concern (monel is a copper/ nickel alloy).
In today's market it probably has good scrap value if you replace it.

SailingAlien · #6 (**permalink**) 05-20-2009

Does anyone have a picture of the tank placement they could share? Based on what I can tell, the original tank was yanked and fuel supply is done now through an external tank in the cabin berth. I'm looking to purchase a new tank (Right now a Moeller Moeller Marine Permanent Below Deck Fuel Tanks - BoatersWorld.com) but I am concerned about placement. The engine room is quite large considering and the tank will only be ~11 gallons. I'm hesitant to ask but - where should I put it?

deniseO30 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-20-2009

M34, just replace it. (just my suggestion) I went with a poly tank from Moeller. even the fuel guage sending unit was provided. new tank = around $200. remove old and take to shop = time lost + cost + still old = bet it leaks in the near future anyway.

I'll never understand why so many people are so attached to old fuel tanks when new ones are so cheap!

cboudart · #8 (**permalink**) 07-25-2009

Keep the tank. Here is a good trick to clean your tank. Take handfull of old steel nuts. Pour them and a gallon of diesel fuel in the tank. Shake the tank untill all of the sediment is removed. You might have to do this many times, but it works. That tank has plenty of life left in it.

Sea Treasure
Hull #110