Ally fuel tank

[lexi]

I have some sheet ally here. The Portamig is set up for ally ATM.

I was thinking of rustling up a custom fuel tank for my 18FT freshwater dingy. The advantage is that I could graft this into an otherwise useless space out of my way.

Is there a don`t for ally and unleaded fuel? Don`t see ally fuel tanks.

 

[oddball90]

Most rally cars have an ally fuel tank. Made an ally tank for my land rover, with lots of baffles and the in tank pump in closed inside a tube with bottom of pump in a well. Mocal sell a nice filler neck and cap. Tig welded my tank but found i had to use 2mm ally to try to limit distortion. Don

 

[wyn]

Sounds like a nice project ..I made an aluminium tank for my mx bike and was running it on unleaded and octane booster for a few years with no probs.

 

[hotrodder]

No problems with petrol but methanol is corrosive to aluminium (don't think it likes E85 either) so as long as you aren't planning to put a top fuel motor in it Aluminium doesn't do very well with regards to fatigue compared to steel so think the design through carefully, especially the way it's mounted.

 

[lexi]

The ally I have is about 3mm. The tank will only hold about 20-25 litre. Might as well put a baffle for strength rather than slunging. Will put a little sight gauge with two spigots and a clear tube. I can put a raised vent with a simple air screw as it will be under a seat.

Vent must be open or outboard pump will vacuum lock. A screw down filler cap would be best for driving rain. I will cut this from something I can find in scrapyard (hopefully).

It is best to fit a hose inside the tank with a tiny filter sitting near bottom of tank for the outlet. I can get one from an old remote outboard tank. If I have overlooked anything feel free to mention.

I have always meant to do this as a winter project...........this is the weather for doing stuff........not winter!

 

[Hitch]

My mate does them for cars, pickup pipe is usually an ally tube welded about 5mm from the bottom. DIY shops sell nice little tube or such purposes. Hoses can curl in time, so you might end up with a fair bit left in the bottom if you go that route.

Cap wise, could you buy a nice vented cap?

 

[jimms]

you need to run your plans past a boat examiner to see if what you want to do complies with the boat safety exam

 

[lexi]

I`ll take your ideas "on board" Hitch. Vented cap needs that flange. Mmm. that could be tricky for me to make in ally. Jimms: no need for such approval where I use my boat.........I m the Captain after all....lol!

 

[^neo^]

make sure you stitch weld the inside of the tank before you weld the lid on or the flexing in the ali sheet will split your welds over time