Old gas tank 54 Clipper

Posted by WILLIS BIRKS On 2012/7/30 20:57:58

Removed the gas tank today on the 54 Clipper, relatively easy job. The owner had told me it leaked and had about 3 gallons of gas in it. The gas gauge was reading very low all the time , until the last time I checked out the heat gauge when doing the cooling system. A new regulator is on order. Well-----the gas gauge was correct! Following Kev's example I put a jack with a piece of plywood on it just in case the tank was to be heavier than expected. It sure was! I pumped 7 to 9 gallons of gas out of the tank. The tank must have been reworked in 89-91 time frame. The sending unit is in good condition, there is a new welded drain plug on it(I missed this when removing), and even the vent hose was in good condition. I found the patch and it was a temporary one and would not have held up. The gas was greenish small amount of sediment. I will take to the shop that did my radiator, he charges the same for a gas tank job- $140.00. Learning from the cooling system I will do the job correct the first time. A new gas line will be installed and I will be very close finishing the mechanical portion of the Clipper. Ultramatic is the last part and appears to work fine. All of the items the owner said were redone are in good shape so far.