What type of gas tank for '79 Johnson 35hp?

[Superwilly]

Hi, I just picked up a 1976 Johnson 35hp outboard model #35R79A, and I need to purchase a used metal gas tank and hose kit. This is my first Johnson/Evinrude, and I'm reading about pressurized and non-pressurized tanks. I've attached a pic of the fuel line connector, is this the "double-line" system I've heard about? There are many OMC metal tanks for sale on FB Marketplace, how do I know which tank will work with my boat? Thanks for helping a noobie out!

 

[Chris1956]

The pressure tanks for Johnnyrude went obsolete in the fifties. Any regular outboard tank with a J/E fuel line connector will work for you. A 6 gal tank allows you to mix 1 pint of oil with the 6 gal of gasoline for a 50::1 mix.

 

[Superwilly]

Thanks for the reply... would the gas tank below work for me? I guess I don't know how to identify what is a pressure tank and what is not...

 

[racerone]

That is the correct and quality fuel tank.------I suggest replacing the 2 o-rings.----There is one on the outlet valve.----There is one on the valve that lets air into the tank.----The 2 wee pins are those valves.

 

[Superwilly]

That is the correct and quality fuel tank.------I suggest replacing the 2 o-rings.----There is one on the outlet valve.----There is one on the valve that lets air into the tank.----The 2 wee pins are those valves.

Awesome, thank you for your help!

 

[Chris1956]

That tank looks to be from the 60's or early 70's. Make sure it is clean and has no rust. Usually the oil mixed into the gasoline keeps the rust inside under control, but it is worth a peak.

 

[tphoyt]

I would take a good metal tank over the new plastic tanks any day. The older medal tanks in my area go for big bucks. Usually around $150 but they are so nice and were made very well.

 

[racerone]

Agreed, they are the best.----Many plastic tanks suffer from broken / leaking pick up tubes inside the tank.

 

[cyclops222]

Those red METAL tanks last FOREVER. Period THey are made with Terne metal. It DOES NOT RUST. I have 5 of them with bottom paint scraped completely off fo over 40 ?years. No rust inside or outside.
Red plastic is GARBAGE quality. IF IF left outside all summer in a open boat. They build up enough pressure to make them almost into balls. That is a lot more pressure for the tiny rubber tipped float arms to hold back for hours or weeks. If not used often. Metal tanks with the caps left loose is fine for decades.

 

[flashback]

They rust.

 

[cyclops222]

You are completly WRONG.

 

[flashback]

Look at it, I see rust on the outside, who knows what the inside looks like.

 

[racerone]

Maybe materials changed over the years.----When cap is on tight and no hose connected , the tank is sealed.---If left open they could rust.----I have seen some where insides where sad looking.----Most of the time they are pristine.

 

[flashback]

Condition is the key, I prefer a good metal tank.

 

[cyclops222]

If someone ADDS different fuel additives or higher than E10 ? O K Rusting coud occur. Since I do not use them for other chemicals. I can only relate to my rust free virgins. I do not store gasoline in them for more than 1.5 years. I dump all the gas liquid in to a car And use it up. I then blow fresh air into the empty tanks to dilute & remove ALL gasoline fumes. Been doing that for decades in both Red plastic and the Red metal tanks.

 

[airshot]

You are completly WRONG.

No...they do rust if water gets inside. They are a form of galvanized steel so as long as a gas/oil mix is left in them, rust is rare, but neglected tanks will rust clean thru. Look into inside the tank, if any rust...pass on it and look for another one ! With any care at all the inside should be good. Lots of folks in my area, refurbish and repaint them with new decals, look new but carry big price tags...150 and up. Used ones in decent condition go for 35 to 75 bucks.....your area may vary !!

 

[jitterbug127]

I would just get a nice modern plastic tank. I just bought a 6.6 gallon Moeller tank that’s been great so far.

 

[airshot]

I would just get a nice modern plastic tank. I just bought a 6.6 gallon Moeller tank that’s been great so far.

If taken care of, they are OK. Try to keep them out of hot sun, keep cap cracked open when not underway to keep pressure from building up. After some years check for plastic becoming brittle. If subjected to extreme cold be care full of impacts so they don't crack. With proper care they will last for years.

 

[cyclops222]

Good advice about Moeller red plastic tanks & being out in the sun May 1 to October 1 every year . My 14 gallon on the small ob boat lasted 2 years then had very deep cracks on all 4 top corners.

 

[stresspoint]

the old red metal tanks are a great looking accessory when they are properly restored.
yes they do rust and good ones are very hard to come by these days as most have ended up in the dump , those that are survivors are collector pieces.

the one you have in the pics will work just fine , have it restored , new stickers put on and sit it pride and place in your boat.