[C38] Fuel tank removal

[Gus Woods]

Thanks to all of you for your assistance in getting the tank out. Knowing that it could be done without great difficulty made all the difference.

My tank, like Max's, was held in by screws instead of bolts and those on the back side had been painted over with thick paint, perhaps gelcoat and were difficult to get out. However, once I got the fill hose out of the way and positioned myself behind the tank, the ones on the front were easy to remove.

The tank itself looks pretty good from the outside and I will be cutting into it tonight to see how the inside looks.

Before it goes back in I will install an inspection port and a fitting for an outboard tank to connect to it - I have been intrigued by Tom's idea since I read his description of it several years ago.

>>> "Max Soto" <maxsoto at gmail.com> 5/4/2007 2:11 PM >>>
Hi there,

I found this drawing on my archives, but is different from the ESTANCIA. I
just have 12 self screwing bolts with copper washers.

Max

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Max Soto <maxsoto at hotmail.com>
Date: 04-may-2007 8:56
Subject: Fuel tank removal
To: C38 <listserve at catalina38.org>, maxsoto at gmail.com 


Hi everybody,

No door on ESTANCIA #198.

I removed my fuel tank last year for repair. I'm a very skinny person, so my
arm went to the forward part of the tank with no problems. I don't
remember quite good, but I think that I was able to use a wireless drill
with a philips bit in there, or it was only on the rear???...uhmm...not
sure.  By the end I was out in less than 15 mins. It took more time to drain
the diesel, than taking the tank out.
When it was out, I threw 2 feet of chain inside the tank through the tank
gauge meter,  started shaking it  and flushing it in order to clean it.
Also, I welded a 1/2 access, so I can measure the level with an stick, just
in case the level gauge dies!!. I found no need for bigger access port, but
is just my opinion.

Max Soto
C38 ESTANCIA
Puntarenas, Costa Rica

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