|
Removing the fuel was quite easy. I
only had half a tank to begin with and I used my oil changing pump to
remove all the fuel. Just as I suspected there was large hunks of "stuff"
floating in the tank. There was not a lot of gunk adhered to the walls of
the tank, but rather this free floating debris. I also noted in the 90
degree angle from the tank to the electric fuel pump that the ball
valve was full of debris. I also pulled out a piece of silicon that was
used during installation that was caught in this position.
Once the tank dried out I placed my
shop vac on blow and stuck the hose in the inlet. I was afraid of fumes
while I was cutting. So as a precaution I ran the blower on my shop vac
while I was cutting. I cut a 6" hole in the top of the tank and this
allowed me to reach in and wipe the tank clean with acetone. I used a
small amount on a rag just to pick up loose debris that was not siphoned
out. I also was very thorough to ensure I did not leave any metal shavings
from my jigsaw in the tank. It worked quite well.
After cleaning I secured the flange
with the rubber gasket (it's not actually rubber, but I had a hard time
finding something that could handle contact with diesel fuel. If anyone
needs any of this material let me know. I had to by a square yard and only
used and 8" square piece.) I secured it to the tank by using self-tapping
sheet meal screws. I pre-screwed the holes so I was able to clean up any
metal shavings before my access was gone.
The true test will come when I have
the tank filled and heel the boat over to check for leaks. I feel
confident that the gasket material and the dozen screws will provide the
necessary and appropriate seal, although I will certainly verify it
visually. |
