1982 Aztec IMP gas tank replacement

[donald callies]

Hi, I recently picked up a 1982 Aztec IMP. The gas tank I think is leaking. How do I replace it ?

anyone can help me ?

 

[Mr Efficiency]

Is it "glassed in" ? You can't unscrew a panel and inspect it ?

 

[donald callies]

Is it "glassed in" ? You can't unscrew a panel and inspect it ?

I do not know. I have not looked under the carpet. There is a storage compartment next to it.
I have books etc on everything except the boat construction diagram

 

[donald callies]

I do not know. I have not looked under the carpet. There is a storage compartment next to it.
I have books etc on everything except the boat construction diagram

been cold n raining for couple days, soon it warms up I will be working on looking
for an inspection plate.

 

[Mr Efficiency]

Boats with "glassed in" tanks can be a real problem if they develop a leak, as getting them out can create a risk if a spark ignites vapours. Anyway, first check for access.

 

[donald callies]

Boats with "glassed in" tanks can be a real problem if they develop a leak, as getting them out can create a risk if a spark ignites vapours. Anyway, first check for access.

Yes it was kinda scary seeing all that gas under the motor. I pulled the plug instead of using the bilge pump

 

[fallguy]

Pump the tank out with a gas transfer pump.

Fill the bilge water and drain it.

Open all bilge access to the environment. Consider running a fan into the bilge..

wait a week, smell for vapors

Cut as needed, if needed. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

some ideas

 

[Mr Efficiency]

You can pressure check fuel tanks for leaks fairly easily, by stopping off the breather, ensuring the filler is screwed down tight, and attaching a fuel primer bulb opposite way round, to the outlet hose. A few squeezes should harden up the bulb, and it stays hard, if it does not, there is a leak somewhere.

 

[BlueBell]

And you can use spray soap to find the leak(s).

 

[Mr Efficiency]

That is so bluebell, but I was more thinking about tanks in situ, you can't easily get to, though if there is fuel in the bilge area, it is pretty likely there is a leak in the actual tank.

 

[donald callies]

Ok folks, I sure appreciate all the replies. Damn am lucky this thing did not catch on fire. At least 10 holes in the bottom of the aluminum tank. I see old sea salt crystals. It was quite simple to remove, already found a replacement in eBaY. Sure is a nice cuddy cabin 21 foot boat, complete 350 chev engine new block new everything / Mercuiser rebuilt / 4 new tires on the trailer / new bilge pump / I might sell it after I get it in tip top shape. Till next time ===> IMP moon-phaze

 

[Mr Efficiency]

That was relatively easy work, by the sounds. There is something to be said for non-metallic tanks, corrosion isn't an issue.

 

[donald callies]

Certainly, I am replacing it with a plastic tank. Also it was poor boat design, tank sat flat on bottom. Thinking there should be a 1 or 2 inch rubber drainage mat under the tank. The space provided was exact size of tank. I had to go to a smaller tank, but oh well.

 

[fallguy]

Certainly, I am replacing it with a plastic tank. Also it was poor boat design, tank sat flat on bottom. Thinking there should be a 1 or 2 inch rubber drainage mat under the tank. The space provided was exact size of tank. I had to go to a smaller tank, but oh well.

Plastic needs at least 2% expansion area l &w, and even more up. 3% is the manufacturer advise. I pressure test the tank at 2-3# and they rise up pretty high.

Also, make sure nothing sharp is in the expansion area.

 

[Mr Efficiency]

The alloy and SS tanks not infrequently go from the inside.