Broken Fuel Tank Brace

[jetter]

I have discovered that the aft starboard L bracket on my tank is broken. Has anyone had this happen and what method was used to secure the tank? Photo attached. On a good note..... splashed the boat today. 40F. Has to warm up!

[eseyoung]

I am sure that someone will disagree with me on this but it has been done many times without incident. WELD IT



if it were mine i would cut a piece of angle and replace the broken one. Or maybe just as good, i guess you could try to weld the old on back together.

YES, you can weld on a Diesel tank. Make sure it is full...NOT empty. If that makes you nervous the alternative is to empty it and fill it with some inert gas then weld.

[jleonard]

I would also have it welded in place. As long as there is a good bit of fuel in the tank it will be fine, the fuel will absorb the heat. I'd be more concerned about starting any wood on fire from sparks than I would the fuel.

[jetter]

Opinion is after inspection by numerous "experts" the that tank will have to be removed and new brace welded in place and tank reinstalled. Has anyone removed a tank on a 28TE? Is this going to be a major undertaking?

[eseyoung]

These experts...they are charging you by the hour to repair this right?

Seriously, I think you are looking at a ton of work...i just got a tour of a TE this weekend and if memory serves there is no way that tank is coming out with taking a saw to fiberglass.

Call your local welding shop...not marine mechanic and have him take a look. from the picture it looks like a 30 minute fix.

[RobS]

Not true, that tank should come right out by unscrewing the rear deck. It will take longer to clean the sealant off of the perimeter of rear deck panel and the deck opening then it will to get the tank out, if you so desire..