Lifting up the deck

[gtflash]

Is foaming a tank in still the right thing to do? I read an article the other day that stated using fixings to stringers with rubber strips for support and drainage under tank.

Also I have tried an inspection camera in the bilges and had no luck. It was a maplin special but really struggled with focus. Any tips?

[A1an]

Id pressure test it, its very easy to do. All you need is two bits of fuel hose and a balloon.


I was convinced I had a leak in a below deck tank on my last boat, after pressure testing it turned out to be the O ring on the tank lid had failed.

[Chanchan168]

Originally Posted by A1an

Id pressure test it, its very easy to do. All you need is two bits of fuel hose and a balloon.


I was convinced I had a leak in a below deck tank on my last boat, after pressure testing it turned out to be the O ring on the tank lid had failed.

Thanks Alan,

In the console where the pipes come up I have two feeder pipes. 1 x normal and 1x reserve. Any idea on how to pressure test please

[A1an]

Assuming 1 pipe is your fuel pipe and the other is a breather pipe? If you blow in to one does air come out the other?

If so then attach a balloon on to one pipe (secure/hold in place with tape) then blow in to the other pipe to the point where the balloon is inflated, you then pinch the pipe you are blowing in to with a clamp/mole grips, as long as the pinch is air tight.

The balloon with apply positive pressure on the tank, if it's deflated the next day then you have a leak.

I sprayed a Fairy liquid/water solution over the entire tank to locate the leak, it was pretty obvious.

This is a very basic pressure test and it's not 100% full proof.

[diver 1]

Alan
Out of interest how did you blank off the tank filler pipe?

I used a mountain bike inner tube which I stuffed into the filler neck and inflated - but guessed there was a better way..?

[A1an]

Filler was a screw cap but you can buy expanding bungs for a few squid.