Aluminium diesel fuel tank. Any problems?

Submitted: Wednesday, Apr 07, 2004 at 21:30
ThreadID: 11916 Views:5153 Replies:5 FollowUps:0
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This is not a 4WD question but I am sure someone can help.

A friend is looking at buying a 34ft sailing boat which has a welded aluminium diesel fuel tank. He has never heard of this before. Normally stainless steel. The boat is about 20-25 years old and I guess the tank is a similar age.
We are concerned about what might be happening inside the tank with the inevitable water etc. which gets in. The tank shows no sign of leakage.
Are aluminium tanks compatable with diesel?
Thanks, phil.
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Reply By: Magic - Wednesday, Apr 07, 2004 at 21:47

Wednesday, Apr 07, 2004 at 21:47
Yes most of the new trucks have aluminim diesel tanks check for algi if that tank is so old they block fuel line and filters.
AnswerID: 53627

Reply By: Leroy - Thursday, Apr 08, 2004 at 08:33

Thursday, Apr 08, 2004 at 08:33
A neighbor has a 28ft something boat and had his tank cut out recently as it was leaking. The tank had severe electrolysis and was flaking away everywhere on the outside of the tank. Not sure what it was like on the inside though. But it would be of a similat age to the sailing boat you are looking at.

Leroy
AnswerID: 53658

Reply By: Member -Bob & Lex (Sydney) - Thursday, Apr 08, 2004 at 17:39

Thursday, Apr 08, 2004 at 17:39
Look at all the truck on the road , all alloy tanks as lighter than steel & don't rust.
AnswerID: 53715

Reply By: Member - Allan - Thursday, Apr 08, 2004 at 23:05

Thursday, Apr 08, 2004 at 23:05
Phil, I owned a 37" launch which had aluminium fuel tanks and one leaked. It does happen and it was major surgery to get it out (i.e. motor out first). Boat was built in 1986 and fuel tank sprung leak in 2000. Only a slow and minor leak but enough to make it stink of diesel.
AnswerID: 53748

Reply By: bollo - Friday, Apr 09, 2004 at 12:18

Friday, Apr 09, 2004 at 12:18
all heavy truck tanks are aluminiumam and the only problem i have seen is if the baffels inside the tank come loose over time or the tank is hit by something eg. blown tyre , they leak where it has been bent.liquid metal (putty like substance) has sealed up the leak in my fuel tank for about 6 mths now.
alan
AnswerID: 53764

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