FUEL TANK REMOVAL

[walleyebr549]

Got a 1997 coastal over the winter have all cleaned ready to go fishing but now that I have filled with fuel I have a gas leak. I have taken off the inspection plate tightened all hose connections sopped up all gas went back next day gas there again rechecked all hose clamps, rubber gasket on top of tank looks good. When I dry off tank no leaks found from fittings but a few min later have gas back on top tank from somewhere to the front of connectors. How are these taken out and replace? I don't have acc panel in floor to pull out. All solid floor. Do I go as far as pull the whole top of boat? Or some how cut floor. and at what size or location for this Thanks for your input. Al

[A1251]

Your going to have to cut the deck. I would have a fiberglass make the cut since he will be the one who has to put it back and make it look right. If your on long island I know a great shop. Best of luck, sorry I know it stinks.

[walleyebr549]

Thanks for info. I've done glass work, just don't know exactly how big to cut. DonT want to make it to small and have to recur. Then that's the prob. Is the area to cut the smooth within the texture area :angry.

[A1251]

One would assume, but you know what they say about assuming things.

[Blaskpa]

Wondering if you ever resolved this issue. I have a 2006 252 coastal. Have a leak somewhere in the upper portion of the tank I believe. Only leaks when the tank is above 3/4 full or heavy seas.I have checked all hoses in connection and planning to cut the deck this weekend. Any problems he ran into or suggestions would be of great help.

[A1251]

I would pull the fill and vent lines before cutting. I bought a boat and when i went to fuel it for the first time I had gas in the bilge. I pulled the fill hose and it was dry rotted real bad which made it leak. Tank was fine. Worth a shot before cutting. Good luck

[04FXdwgi]

Disconnect the hoses and have tank pressure tested before surgery ??????