Back to the boat- Fuel tank

[fetoma]

OK guys, I had a project to get done and now I'm back to the '86 V20 I bought earlier this year. My boy has been bugging me. So I took the cover off the fuel tank. Doesn't look too horrible I'm guessing. The tag states it's a Patriot 49 gallon. My plan was to pull the sending unit out, drain the fuel, and inspect the inside. One thing I know it needs is a new line from the tank to the motor.

Any other input or thoughts from you guys would be great.

Thanks,
Frank

 

[Blue_Runner]

Hey Fetoma, curious how you plan to inspect the inside?

 

[fetoma]

Just going to look thru the sending unit hole.

 

[Blue_Runner]

I ask because I tried that but could not see S*** through that little hole.

 

[Destroyer]

I ask because I tried that but could not see S*** through that little hole.

Go on eBay. Do a search. Type in "Endoscope". You'll find about 50 different ads for them ranging in size from 1 to 50 meters in length. (A meter is about 3 feet) They are cheap as snot.. about $15 or less including shipping, depending on the dealer. They are all made in China and are pretty much alike so expect about 2 weeks for delivery. Buy one with the 7MM head and about 2 meters long. The wire is very flexible so you need to tape it to something that you can stick into the hole and point it where you want it to go. (I used a length of 12 gauge solid copper wire that I stripped from some 12/3 non-metalic jacket wire).
Hooks up to any phone that has Android (NOT I-Phones) or you can hook it up to a laptop computer USB port (I use my Notebook) Works very well and sin e they have their own built in LED lights you'll be able to see just about every nook and cranny you can get to. I've used mine to look at pistons in my car engine, my boat's fuel tank, the bathroom sink drain (yuck) and several other impossible to get to area's. Trust me on this one. They work.

 

[fetoma]

That's a great idea. Thanks Destroyer!

 

[phatdaddy]

Mark the top of the sending unit and your tank to make sure you get it back in the right spot. Also seal it back as well as you can, make a new gasket if you can. Seems like once you take it off, its hard to get it to seal again

 

[SkunkBoat]

Go on eBay. Do a search. Type in "Endoscope". You'll find about 50 different ads for them ranging in size from 1 to 50 meters in length. (A meter is about 3 feet) They are cheap as snot.. about $15 or less including shipping, depending on the dealer. They are all made in China and are pretty much alike so expect about 2 weeks for delivery. Buy one with the 7MM head and about 2 meters long. The wire is very flexible so you need to tape it to something that you can stick into the hole and point it where you want it to go. (I used a length of 12 gauge solid copper wire that I stripped from some 12/3 non-metalic jacket wire).
Hooks up to any phone that has Android (NOT I-Phones) or you can hook it up to a laptop computer USB port (I use my Notebook) Works very well and sin e they have their own built in LED lights you'll be able to see just about every nook and cranny you can get to. I've used mine to look at pistons in my car engine, my boat's fuel tank, the bathroom sink drain (yuck) and several other impossible to get to area's. Trust me on this one. They work.

They have one at Harbor Freight real cheap!No need for phone or computer, has its own screen.

 

[fetoma]

That's a great idea. Thanks Destroyer!

Done

 

[Destroyer]

They have one at Harbor Freight real cheap!No need for phone or computer, has its own screen.

Skunk, you're absolutely right. I have one of those also. But the problem is that the probe is only about three foot long, the resolution is less than half that of the Endoscope (but very clear on the screen) and the price is substantially more (about $65). But on the plus side the cable from the camera lens to the screen is the type that is self sustaining (you can bend it to any shape you want and it stays there) If you only have a small area to inspect I agree with you and highly recommend that unit just because you don't have to worry about hooking it up to anything...it's self contained as you pointed out.

 

[jetblue319]

i think the right way would be to pressurize the tank to the stated pressure on the mfg tag (usually 3 psi) and see if it holds pressure. of course a visual external and internal is highly recommended, you don't know when the tank will let go. enclosed are photos of my original factory 60 gallon tank that still had 30 gallons of fuel when i purchased it. it was wrapped around with water soak foam

 

[jetblue319]

additional fuel tank photos

 

[fetoma]

Thanks Jet. That's good info!