1989 3807 fuel tank replacement

[Matt1989Carver3807]

I have a 1989 Aft Cabin 3807 and the Port Fuel tank is leaking and sitting in fuel ( gas) just noticed the smell about 2 days ago and popped the hatch to see where it was coming from - Looks like the only way to replace the fuel tank is to o the the hull or pull the motor ??

Any help would be greatly appreciated! and where would I get that done?

Matt- San Diego

[tomschauer]

I would ask Carver or try to find an old carver dealer and ask them

[Matt1989Carver3807]

Thank you I appreciate that- I called today but they are on a different time zone and I missed them

[Viper]

Ya pull the engine, put it off to the side of the salon over the other engine and pull the tank. I'll usually lay some 2x6 planks over the floor to spread the load, and brance the supports underneath. Short of that, you're removing the engine out through the cabin door and that will require engine dissasembly. Having said that, how many hours are on the engines? Now may be the time to rebuild since you have to remove them anyway.

While you're at it, I'd recommend considering tank replacement on the other side as well. Chances are it's just a matter of time before it starts leaking too. Given that it's gasoline, this is something you want to be proactive with and not reactive.

You can try calling or emailing Carver with your hull number and they'll provide you with the tank manufacturer but I've been finding a lot of suppliers from back then are no longer around. I've dealt with these guys a few times. They may even have drawings for your tanks. https://speedytanks.com/

Good luck Matt and keep us posted.

[Matt1989Carver3807]

Surprise, Surprise. Further investigation revealed that the "leak" was not from the tank but from the filler hose where it attaches to the tank. The hose was replaced with the coast guard approved gas tolerant hose and all gas odor and spillage disappeared. There was no major structural damage so there have been enough trips to say the problem is resolved without going through a tank replacement. And thanks Viper

[Midnightsun]

Wow big difference especially on the wallet. Glad it was an easy cheap fix.

Oddly enough my previous 1997 boat had the same issue. A year after I sold it the new owner called me to tell me what had occurred which was the filler hose had started to leak. I do not understand how the rubber can deteriorate in a filler hose as it only sees gas when filling up which is not all that often especially up here where the season is only 6 months. I do realize it sees fumes all the time and assume this is what ate away the hose. Must have been something wrong with the rubber used by the manufacturer as this is not normal IMHO. Bet you it was the same brand hose as my previous boat.

[RGrew176]

Glad to hear it was not a worst case situation.

[darrenlife]

I had a fuel leak as well in the beginning of the season and the fuel fill hose was the culprit. I realized that there was a slight valley in the hose just before the tank fitting which caused some fuel to pool and possibly sit for weeks before the next fill-up or several month during winter layup.

I replaced the hose immediately and ran it such a way that the radius bend angles were minimized and no low spots between the fill neck and tank.

[bud37]

Good to bring this out.....fuel fill hoses get overlooked IMO....they are hidden from view , usually they live in a fairly hot area and because the hose fits over the tank attachment point, fuel can sit there trapped between the hose and the tank fitting.....much like having a low spot.

Thanks for posting guys...good things to check.

One tip I would like to add....when buying critical hose, like exhaust or fuel fill etc, try to make sure you are buying the freshest hose you can.......ask when they got it/ how old......sometimes this stuff gets to be sitting around in hot dry storage areas and has already started to break down......much like tires.

[Viper]

That's good news Matt. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Ya the fill hose is a common theme in all brands after a certain age.