Fuel Tank Pick Ups

Aussie Syd · Post by **Aussie Syd** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 10:54 pm

I understand a number of memebers here may have removed and clean the pick ups and fuel tank, It looks like I will need to do this also, my question is will this be a difficult job to perform and would I be able to do it my self. The fuel lines attached to the large hexagon nut appears to be threaded into the metal base plate, and I not sure if this will unthread from the base plate or should the whole unit including the base plate be removed from the tank to provide access to the inside of the tank. The fuel gauge and return fuel lines on this base plate also look rusted Would appreciate receiving some instructions just on how the the job should be done and if any particular tools are needed. Thanks Syd

Justinf89 · Post by **Justinf89** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 6:35 pm

Same here. I was just about to do this because the gauge on top of the tank just stopped moving a couple of days ago and I was wondering if all 20 (exaggerated) bolts need to come off the top of the tank to remove the sensor. Also, can just regular 4200 be put back on in the gasket's place?

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 6:51 pm

I have not removed the pickup but I have removed the sender, several times and would not recommend removing the entire plate unless you really had to . I'm sure the pickup is attached to the large hex fitting the fuel lines come off of. I would get a large adjustable wrench or better, a socket that fits it properly and remove it that way, then when you re-install you should use some good pipe thread sealant on the threads. Other than that I would not remove the plates unless you have to or if they are leaking and If you had to use a sealant use one that is compatible with fuels, like hylomar on the gasket but I think a new gasket and no sealer would be the best way to go, again , if you really must remove the whole plate.

lobsta1 · Post by **lobsta1** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 4:44 pm

Syd, I just looked at the fuel pickup I removed from my old tank. You should not have to remove the base plate. There is a single pipe threaded into that hexagon fitting. At the end it is fitted with a bronze screen about 6" long. If you are getting a lot of crud in your fuel, you may want to leave that screen off. Then you only have to deal with your primary & secondary filters. At least those you can access while at sea. Al

lwrenn · Post by **lwrenn** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 2:48 pm

Two to three hours to clean the pickups. Remove the fuel Ines and the many bolts. Lift pickup straight up and remove, clean and you will have access to your tank. Watch the bolt lengths and where they came from as some have a shorter bolt length. Captain Larry Wren 305-360-4900 www.apirateschoice.com [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... Choice.jpg[/img]

Aussie Syd · Post by **Aussie Syd** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:29 pm

Thanks Guys for the replies, Just a further question to Frank Price, Frank when you did your repower to diesel how did you clean and remove all the Gas from your fuel tank,and how was the condition of the fuel ? Thanks Syd

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:19 pm

Syd, Because of the ethanol gas we have here I already had been emptying the tank for winter layup, so it was empty when I started on the repower. Also because of the ethanol , the tank was really very clean. The first season of the ethanoil gas, the fuel would turn a bit oranger in color than I would say was usual, I assume that was the old residue from inside the tank. Anyway, the tank is clean and healthy and so far no problems . I'm not sure why you're having problems. Could it be that someone put bio fuel in your tank and over time, caused a problem when mixed with regular diesel?