30 year old fuel tank

TogTeeth · #1 03-01-2009, 11:05 PM

I am refurishing a 20-foot 1978 MA. The fuel tank had a few pits in the top but was otherwise in great shape. I am using a wire brush to get it down to clean aluminum. I was thinking about painting the tank. I would guess it to be around 75 gallons. Would you guys reccommend coal tar epoxy or another kind of epoxy paint. I am going to use zinc chromate as a primer before the paint. What are your thoughts on this?

Tiny · #2 03-01-2009, 11:40 PM

You might want to pressure test it if you have ANY areas of concern, we needed a new tank after pressure testing , though the tank looked only somewhat pitted. Just a thought.

Michael Vezzosi · #3 03-02-2009, 08:50 PM

I believe I still have the original aluminum fuel tank in my 1979 MA. She is due for a pressure test due to some odor coming up the rigging tunnel this past year-I'd have it done especially if it were out. I believe mine is stamped at 68 gallons. For what it's worth. Good luck. Part II.

TogTeeth · #4 03-02-2009, 10:05 PM

Great advice thank you. I would hate the put the tank in and then find out I have a problem. I guess the Coast Guard will do a pressure test?

Caymanboy · #5 03-02-2009, 10:28 PM

Pretty sure the CG will NOT due a test, either a tank manufacturer or yourself will have to do it, not to many other people will take on the liability on a used tank, as far as coatings go, stick to one manufacturer, IE, Interlux, Pettit, etc. Haven't heard of coal tar being used in eons. Might want to reasearch that a little further. I do know if you are coating old aluminum you better make sure it is clean, and a wire brush isn't going to cut it, it should involve some kind of etching acid of the same manufactures of the epoxy you plan to use.

Islandtrader · #6 03-03-2009, 08:32 AM

Normally if you have the tank clean a radiator shop can pressure test it for you.

Remember if you PT it yourself not to let the air in to fast...slow is the key. You only need to get 3-4# of pressure.

TogTeeth · #7 03-04-2009, 10:46 PM

Thank you caymanboy and islandtrader. Great advice once again. I plan to go to a local radiator repair shop for the pressure test and I will most definitiely chemically treat the tank with a cleaner before the paint. Interlux or pettite paint will be used. All I have to do is pick a color. Thanks again guys.

Tiny · #8 03-06-2009, 12:06 AM

HighC,

If you put it in like this you won't need to paint or tar it...

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm

If it's still good, you gotta think, it's been in there 30 years with no pain or coating and it's still fine...it will likely be fine another 30 years from now sans paint.

Make sure you take the strips off the bottom of the tank (if they are still on there) that's often where the worst corrosion is.