What dimwit thought of that?

[ndutton]

Helping a friend with fuel system issues, we suspect there may be a leak in the fuel tank pickup tube or at least we would like to eliminate the possibility and while there, remove the filtering screen at the bottom of the tube if it exists.

Well, have a look at what we are dealing with. The pickup tube is completely unserviceable since it's welded into the tank. In literally hundreds of tanks observed I have never seen such a . . . . I can't find the words.

[roadnsky]

That looks like a frame from a bad sci-fi movie!
"The Return Of The Evil Molten Zardoz"

[edwardc]

But at least its a good-looking weld.

[joe_db]

Well the boat will never suffer from having the pickup tube stolen, so there is that

[Dave Neptune]

Fude for thought

Neil, per Ed that is a nice beefy weld. You could just saw the fitting off and then drill out the old tube. Then perhaps there will be enough material to re-tap larger and install a new tube.

Dave Neptune

[thatch]

Has anyone noticed that beautiful sealant job on the gauge probe to the left of the "mega-weld" fuel tube?

[roadnsky]

Has anyone noticed that beautiful sealant job on the gauge probe to the left of the "mega-weld" fuel tube?

Tom-
That is where I got the inspiration for my Sci-Fi pic!
Wonder if that's "Magic Flex Seal"?

[ndutton]

Neil, per Ed that is a nice beefy weld. You could just saw the fitting off and then drill out the old tube. Then perhaps there will be enough material to re-tap larger and install a new tube.

Before going that deep we'll need more convincing the tube is actually a problem. The exercise was to confirm that it wasn't.

[joe_db]

I would be tempted to haul the entire tank out and see what else the previous owner's maintenance club had got up to

[sastanley]

I would be tempted to haul the entire tank out and see what else the previous owner's maintenance club had got up to

...and then not bother putting it back in the boat!!

http://www.moellermarine.com/product-category/fuel-containment/permanent-fuel-tanks/

[Administrator]

...and then not bother putting it back in the boat!!

http://www.moellermarine.com/product...nt-fuel-tanks/

+1.

Bill

[ndutton]

Well fellers, the owner is not interested in removing the tank without evidence it is necessary which we do not yet have. We are renewing and modifying the entire fuel system because of air entering the system (diesel). We are eliminating the mechanical fuel pump in favor of a Facet (rebuild and diaphragm maintenance/concerns), eliminating the on-engine fuel filter (a known Yanmar problem), new Racor filter, new fuel hoses throughout and adding my polishing system. His tank is currently at about 3/4 so if after our other fuel system work is done we are still getting air, we will fill the tank and test again. If the air problem disappears we will get after the pickup tube no matter what it takes.

[sastanley]

Sounds like a solid plan to me!

[ndutton]

I was invited back channel to elaborate on the known problems with the on-engine filter for the benefit of our Yanmar friends who may come across this thread either now or in the future.

There are two issues the boat owner's research uncovered:

• Bleed screw on the filter housing - over-tightening the bleed screw tends to crack the housing. How much is too much? When you figure it out it's too late.
• Vibration failure - the ring that holds the filter bowl is known to rattle loose from engine vibration.

[GregH]

I was invited back channel to elaborate on the known problems with the on-engine filter for the benefit of our Yanmar friends who may come across this thread either now or in the future.

There are two issues the boat owner's research uncovered:

• Bleed screw on the filter housing - over-tightening the bleed screw tends to crack the housing. How much is too much? When you figure it out it's too late.
• Vibration failure - the ring that holds the filter bowl is known to rattle loose from engine vibration.

I'm far from expert but if one has to tighten the bleed screw hard enough so it doesn't leak AND that it cracks the housing.. sounds like there is no copper washer or it really needs replacing? ... but then this is apparently happens enough times to be able to be researched..