1993 Wellcraft Eclipse196S Rebuild

[havoc_squad]

Slowly making progress but going to have to wrap it up soon for the season due to weather. Wanted to field advice on the fuel tank. It’s a Moeller 36 gallon. They don’t appear to make this model anymore - it’s been almost 30 years so I’m not surprised. Dims are 48” x 29” x 8” to main top surface + ~ 1.75” for fill inlet. Looks like the Moeller 39 gallon is a bit too long for the cavity and I plan on rebuilding the boat to factory dims. Anyone know of a tank that would work without going smaller? Looks like Moeller makes some smaller units but I’d rather not give up capacity. Or, should I just put this tank back in the boat when the time comes? If so, could use advice on how to clean it. I’m pumping out the fuel through an in-line filter and there’s some sediment getting picked up, so would want to clean it before reinstalling. Thanks!

I think you got that backwards, what is all that gap at the back at the bilge.

If possible, always leave some wiggle room for the tank. Not a lot but least 1/2" or more.

On the positive side, your tank has 2x4 support grooves on the top, that will make re-installation super easy.

When you re-do the floor, always make a section that allows you to remove the floor for future removal of the tank. You'll need a few extra mounting spots installed on the stringers that are glassed in. Otherwise you'll be destroying whatever floor job to pull it if the tank fails.

 

[AirJordan613]

I think you got that backwards, what is all that gap at the back at the bilge.

If possible, always leave some wiggle room for the tank. Not a lot but least 1/2" or more.

On the positive side, your tank has 2x4 support grooves on the top, that will make re-installation super easy.

When you re-do the floor, always make a section that allows you to remove the floor for future removal of the tank. You'll need a few extra mounting spots installed on the stringers that are glassed in. Otherwise you'll be destroying whatever floor job to pull it if the tank fails.

The tank is still factory installed (haven’t removed it yet) so whatever wiggle room is in there is what Wellcraft decided.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

I’d stick with the oem tank. It’s poly, so as long as it never moved in it’s coffin, it should be like new once cleaned up. There should be no real need to replace it.

 

[AirJordan613]

I’d stick with the oem tank. It’s poly, so as long as it never moved in it’s coffin, it should be like new once cleaned up. There should be no real need to replace it.

That's what I've been thinking as of late. New Wema sending unit to replace the old float sending unit - hasn't been very accurate and the cork is crumbling anyway. Any advice on cleaning the inside of the tank?

 

[Baylinerchuck]

That's what I've been thinking as of late. New Wema sending unit to replace the old float sending unit - hasn't been very accurate and the cork is crumbling anyway. Any advice on cleaning the inside of the tank?

I used purple degreaser on mine inside and out. A handful of hexnuts tossed in the tank with the tank rolled from side to side will loosen the junk. Rinse well and dry thoroughly. Add a water separating fuel filter to your set up and you’ll be golden.

 

[tpenfield]

The tank looks to be a Moeller brand (certification label). I would pull it out, drain it, (you could suspend the tank upside down to purge the fumes). Clean it up - inside & out, then pressure test it (3 psi)