proline gas in hull

[Surfwtw]

We got ready for a fishing trip today, went to the gas station to top off my tank. I noticed that it was holding a lot more gas than it should have. I thought someone stole my gas. Then, I pulled the plug out of the back of the boat and out poored gallons of gas. What could be the problem and is this fixable? Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: proline gas in hull

well first, disconnect the negative battery terminal. you have to flush that hull before it blows up. you must have a split. fill hose, fuel line,, or cracked tank. get some gas cans, open the sender for the fuel gauge, and siphon off the remaining gas. easiest way is to get a hose that will go thru the drain hole in the transom. no electrical tools or anything that will create a spark, until you find the problem. it's going to take lots of water to flush it.
let us know what you find.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: proline gas in hull

if you are not good at this stuff. get on the phone and find a service center that will take it. it is a potential bomb.

 

[Surfwtw]

Re: proline gas in hull

Right now we have drained about 15 gallons out of the hull. we are now about to run water through the hull to flush it. Next we are going to siphon what is left in the tank. One thing that we noticed is the the fuel line is kinda old and feels dry rotted. I really don't know what could have caused this. Anyway, I am tired of this boat now and I just don't think I am going to spend anymore money trying to fix it. I will probobly just sell it and wait until I can afford a newer boat.

 

[Surfwtw]

Re: proline gas in hull

well I called the fire department and got thier opinion. They drained the gas out and soaked it up with kitty litter. They told me to let the fuems evaporate and the flush the boat out. Now, what should I do for repairs. The only acces I have is holes and it seems that there is really no way for me to fix this unless I were to cut open the deck. There was more than 15 gallons in the hull so wherever the leak is it is pretty big. I don't think it was the fuel lines because of how much gas leaked out. Does anyone have experience in fixing problems like this. Also, should I just forget about repairs and resort to an external tank?

 

[Bondo]

Re: proline gas in hull

It sounds to Me like you need a New Gas Tank,+ the Fuel Lines........

 

[thinksun]

Re: proline gas in hull

If you have access panel to tank connections try to check for fuel connection leak that may have syphoned fuel out of tank before you go ripping deck out.

I have seen tank leaks from bad anti-syphon valves (cracked) and also damaged hoses at pick up caused by clamps or age etc.

 

[jlinder]

Re: proline gas in hull

One note regarding the suggestion of disconnecting the neg. battery terminal. Glad there were no problems, but even disconnecting the neg. terminal can cause a spark if there is a current draw.

The best way is to just leave it until you get the fumes out, then disconnect the power.