Thread: Cleaning out a plastic fuel tank ?

I spent some time tonight, looking at fuel tanks. Im not finding anything close to the shape that's in it. Trying to think of alternatives. This tank fit in between the stringers, the thinner side under the step to the back deck, and the top part (taller side) went under the rear seat pedestal mount.






All the belly type tanks I'm finding, that will fit in between the stringers, are long . Otherwise, it's more of a cube style. Which I'd need to find an alternative spot.
Maybe two? One on each side of the boat?

Still haven't ruled out trying to salvage the old one.

Originally Posted by skunked again

Got a bit of dilemma. I bought some pinesol, was going to try cleaning the inside of the tank .
There are two threaded fittings on top of the tank. Withdrawal and vent. The fill and tank level openings are molded and fine.
I took the fittings out, too aid in cleaning them (full of gunk) noticed the nut around the threaded fittings where both broke. Removed the broken nuts. The threaded fittings are not coming out, and the threads are all buggered up.

Would you -
- figure out a way too remove them? At the moment, I don't have a big extractor. Might look for one tommorow.
- cut both fittings out, make a flange and mount new fittings?
- buy a new tank? I briefly priced tanks...... Ouch. Although, that could open new possibilities for transom area storage.
Any and all help/options are welcome !

I wouldn't give up on the old tank just yet.
Why not try and retap the threads of the same size. That effort would reshape the existing threads and make them usable again.
I'm assuming they are pipe threads?
Might be able to find a tap(pipe or standard thread) at an automotive store(napa etc) or hardware store.
If those threads are not salvageable you could find a heli coil(tap and threaded insert at automotive store) to replace the old threads with.
Trying to find a new/different one that will fit might be opening a can of worms.
I too thought about replacing my existing fuel tank with a smaller tank to allow more room for installing/removing my 2 batteries but wasn't able to find what would work so just kept the same tank.
Good luck and keep us posted.

In addition to the Pinesol, put some clean gravel in there (No sand) and sling it around some. You might have to put it all in the back of the truck and go for a little "Ride". That should cut the crud.
I have done that on metal tanks, and once in a copper bottom steam kettle. I slung it around, and it worked great!

Why don’t you try calling boat manufacturer and see if they might have a part number and name of tank maker then work from there.

Originally Posted by Cray

Why don’t you try calling boat manufacturer and see if they might have a part number and name of tank maker then work from there.

I had that thought.

I'm gonna mess with it tomorrow. See what I can get done.
Rethreading is an option.
I like the rocks in the tank, to bust stuff loose.

It looks like a poly tank. You could get a plastic welder and fix those threads. The threads in those tanks are molded most of the time. May or may not work but it’s worth a try. I bought my welder from Harbor Freight to fix a spray tank. Welder was half the price of a new tank. Worked like a charm. I’ve since fixed several more things and also some stuff for neighbors.

I’d be willing to try and fix yours if you were closer.


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Originally Posted by tcounty

Have a few more Wild Turkeys without the Coke. Then whip out that credit card and get on Amazon.

Always works for me.


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I'm afraid if I did that I'd also have a Garmin force, three of their 12" compatible graphs, 15' talons or the biggest power poles, and lithium batteries on the way !!!