Can't get my gas tank out....HELP!

[gwp]

89 Regal Valanti 225 SC - 5.7 Mercuiser / <br />The gas tank tucks nicely beneath the floor and has two 1/16"x2"x2" aluminum "L" channel braces spot welded along the top edge of the tank. The channel is used to fasten the tank to the boat framing. Problem is...several spot welds have broken. I figured that I'd remove the tank and have the channel re-welded and then re-install. I emptied the tank and when I tried to remove it the tank will not BUDGE! Do you think the factory used some sort of glue underneath? There is a gap all the way around it so it's not wedged in. It looks like maybe foam strips coming up the sides for a cushion. I'm sure that I'll have to remove the tank and fill with water to have it welded...right? Do I really need the channel? Please help! THANKS!

 

[johnkc]

Re: Can't get my gas tank out....HELP!

gadoo, i have seen tanks that were foamed in ,but that is usually evident,you will see foam all the way around tank.if you have an over head hoist/cherry picker you can remove the fuel sender ,take a steel rod 1/2 inch in dia.and about 1ft long,with a rope tied onto its middle ,put this thru the hole ,this will give you some thing to pull up with BE VERY CAREFUL don't pull too much as to ruin what you still have for a tank also be aware of the gas fumes . the angle brkts are not agood method of holding the tank ,as you see ,just pad with rubber mat material and wood . good luck

 

[gwp]

Re: Can't get my gas tank out....HELP!

John,<br />Are you suggesting to use wood and hard rubber instead of the angle bracket to secure it? Didn't think of that. That way, I won't have to remove the tank, which would be a big pain. Thanks

 

[johnkc]

Re: Can't get my gas tank out....HELP!

yes ,block it in good & tight with wood covered on one side,tankside, with pieces of rubber {commercial floor mat cut into strips}

 

[Trent]

Re: Can't get my gas tank out....HELP!

gadoo...What city you from?<br />Troy here. Just south of Montgomery

 

[gwp]

Re: Can't get my gas tank out....HELP!

Trent,<br />On Hwy 98 a few miles from Gulf Shores in Elberta.....You?

 

[gwp]

Re: Can't get my gas tank out....HELP!

I'm relieved to avoid removing tank. I agree, I'll block it in. God bless this forum, it paid off again...Thanks...Gary