Marinette Boat Forum

I have a 76 32' fly bridge Sedan with the original fuel tanks. I am fairly sure I have a leak in my starboard tank. I smell gas throughout the boat and I noticed after we docked our boat, that over the months, the starboard fuel gauge reads lower and lower. I cannot see any dripping, but feeling the lower inboard corner of the starboard tank, I feel moisture. It doesn't smell like gas, feels a little oily.

Question 1. Is there a easy way to detect a leak in the installed tank?

Question 2. Will aluminum tanks corrode?

Question 3. How would you remove the tank on my boat?

Bill Schneider

1. Before doing all that, take a careful look at the gasket where the level sender unit goes. Try tightening the screws a tiny bit (don't snap them off!) and see if that helps. I had a leak there once.

Very difficult to spot a gas leak unless it's really obvious. Try dabbing any area your suspect with a fresh slice of bread. Bag it immediately, go somewhere else, and then sniff test it ten minutes later (when you're not still smelling gas fumes). Ask the wife to do it, 'cause if there's gas stink there... You know.

2. That damn ethanol gas can ruin anything!

3. Nightmare! The aft cockpit deck has to come out, along with sawzalling a few floor beams.

Good luck!

Jeff

“Let’s go Brandon!”

Thanks for the reply, disappointing as it may be.

Bill Schneider

I found that the tanks will corrode on the bottom. What ever they are sitting on will hold moisture between the tank and the rubber strip or wood or what ever. Empty it out, loosen it's bindings and check underneath for pitting.
Good luck

All above info good. Yes, Al will corrode. My 37' has dual freshwater tanks that have leeched thru. Water, sludge and gunk in the bottom of the fuel tanks will do this too.