possible gas leak in belly tank

[havasu2009]

Hi,I have a 1990 chapperal 25.5 sx ,I just found the sump full of gasoline, this boat has a 80 gal belly aluminum gas.Whats the best way to remove or determine how to repair thanks

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: possible gas leak in belly tank

If it's leaking that bad you have a serious safety issue--hope the bilge pump doesn't click on! followed by a serious enviromental issue.

If the boat isn't on the trailer get it on one; flood the bilge before operating.

Drain the bilge but catch the oily water; do not let it go into the ground or worse down the ramp.

Disconnect the battery while you are flooding the bilge (assuming the batteries are nearby)

Get a professional company to pump out your tank ASAP. We have companies here that come to your boat to do it.

Now, if you are exagerating about the "sump full of gasoline" and you have a little gas in the bilge water, do the same as above but it's not quite as serious. Yet.

Any way to determine if you have a bottom leak, or a top leak around the fills, sending unit, etc? Or where a hull component has chafed through? leaky hose or vent?

 

[havasu2009]

Re: possible gas leak in belly tank

Gas has been pumped out ,it had around 35 gal total leak is trailing in from small opening just in front of engine compartment,

 

[tpenfield]

Re: possible gas leak in belly tank

Probably a hole in the tank due to corrosion or a weld failure. You will be pulling the tank for inspection and probably a replacement tank. There is probably fuel in the foam around the tank. (assuming that it is foamed in . . .)

Your toughest challenge may be the fire/explosion safety hazard with the fuel that remains in the boat.

 

[havasu2009]

Re: possible gas leak in belly tank

cut floor and removed gas tank found small hole in seam weld,currently being welded should be completed today thanks for info