E38 Fuel Tank
Date: May 14, 2002 Hello Paul, Date: May 14, 2002 Dear Joel, One has to take the tank out of the boat, a big job after the fuel has been removed. Then one has to remove all traces of fuel with soap (!). Open all possible holes and let the tank air for a week. Then let the guys weld the tank. I assume you have a leak on a weld, although it does not matter. Right, this is an unpleasant job, but with 100% result. Good luck. Date: May 14, 2002 I have an '84 E38 aft cockpit (hull #101) that I purchased in 1994. It had not been used in two years and had much contamination in the fuel tank. It was so bad we had the tank removed, and inspection showed corrosion under the tank almost all the way through. We had a new tank installed but this time we had an epoxy barrier coat applied to the bottom as well as 6 inches up the sides. I expect this tank to last indefinitely. The yard did have to cut a little of the bulkhead aft of the starboard locker in order to remove the tank but that was neatly done and has caused no problems. I don't see many aft cockpit 38's, where is yours located? Date: May 14, 2002 Joel - Date: May 15, 2007 In the May 2007 issue of Practical sailor <http://www.practical-sailor.com/> there is an in depth article exploring the ideal fuel tank replacement. It looks at the pros and cons of various materials, construction methods, and ways of minimizing corrosion in the first place.
From: Joel Fryer joel_fryer@jefryer.com
I have a 1985 aft cockpit E38 which appears to have a small leak in the fuel tank. I would appreciate any information anyone can forward about similar problems and solutions. Most of the postings involve larger boats that have the fuel tank in the bilge area, so the fixes talked about don't apply to the 38. Thanks.
From: Fred Altmann altmann@012.net.il
We have the fuel tank like you "in the boat", in our case under our bed. We have a mid cockpit E38. I assume you have a stainless steel tank. A fuel leak is not funny. Not funny to repair either. Please mark the spot where you see the leak. If you cannot see that, one has to find the leak with water and air pressure after the tank has been removed from the boat.
From: Bob Tressler Bobbolink@aol.com
From: Don Kirkwood don_kirkwood@dynastart.com
My E38CC 1988 model has a fuel tank that is very deceptive. It is mounted just forward of the engine and looks as though it lies just under the cabin sole. But it has a narrow section going DEEP into the keel - in fact within 6" of the bottom of the keel. I know this because the local yard drilled a hole into it! So beware - you may be able to test yours by using a dipstick. Good luck.
From: Paul Uhl endvr32@endeavourowners.com
