observer wrote in message
...
On Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:16:54 GMT, "Tom G"
wrote:


observer wrote in message
. ..
I've been outa the boat scene for 30 years but at that time I had a
18' outboard. I recall we had 2 metal 6 gal tanks (not built in) and
I think another metal 12 or 18 gal tank. Nowadays are the tanks
still metal or heavy plastic? And do they still have 6 gal tanks for
the outboard motors? Just trying to catch up with the same boats of
today. thanks.

Looks like the smaller motors come with 6 gallon plastic tanks which I've
not had good luck with. They expand during the heat of the day, which
tends
to permanently deform the bottom of the tank so it doesn't fit flat to the
floor of the boat. Then at night, they'll suck in, further deforming.
All
of this expanding and contracting seems to pull in air from outside with
it's moisture which the alcohol in the fuel then pulls into the gas
mixture.
Also, I've noticed little cracks in the plastic at the edges from the
movement. Steel tanks are still available to purchase at some of the big
boating retailers (catalogue and on line). I picked up a couple of used
ones the other day for $5 each and they're going to replace my plastic
ones

Tom G.



BTW, sounds like the metal gas cans may be better for you but they
aren't perfect either. Over the years the moisture can get to the
bottom of the cans (welds) too tho I don't recall ours leaking at the
time but I think we were aware we would at some point have to replace
the rusty ones. I can't speak from experience but I guess based on
what you say, maybe the metal ones last longer but not forever. I
also recall the metal ones when in operation during the day do build
up a lot of vapor pressure (at least they did of that decade) and when
we would gas them up we opened up the caps slowly to allow them to
vent the gas vapor .... and no, no one dared to smoke at that moment
tho I was/am a non-smoker so no problem for me g.

Had one years ago that decided to leak out though a rust hole in the bottom
seam. Luckily was in the side yard at the time and not out boating that
day.