So I bit the bullet and finally opened my VST tanks to have a look see.
First, I drained the fuel in the tank using the drain plug. It was clear and free from particulates.
After unbolting the tank and removing the tank screws, I was pleased to find that there was no sediment or gunk in the bottom of the tank. The filter was like new, no goo, no stains, etc. (It has been at least 3 years since the tank was opened).
The other good news was that the rubber gasket was not swollen and went back into it's grove without issue.
There have been many posts about working on the tank. I suggest that you place a paper towel under and around the tank just in case a screw drops. I learned this the hard way. One screw dropped and slid down a channel into the mid shaft cowling. I had to remove the cowling but was lucky that the screw was resting on the casting edge and had not fallen down the lower cowling.
I closed everything up and covered the boat for the winter but now I am a bit concerned about leaving the VST tank empty. The pump and filter may be more prone to corrosion than when left dry than when submerged in fuel.
Any opinions?
First, I drained the fuel in the tank using the drain plug. It was clear and free from particulates.
After unbolting the tank and removing the tank screws, I was pleased to find that there was no sediment or gunk in the bottom of the tank. The filter was like new, no goo, no stains, etc. (It has been at least 3 years since the tank was opened).
The other good news was that the rubber gasket was not swollen and went back into it's grove without issue.
There have been many posts about working on the tank. I suggest that you place a paper towel under and around the tank just in case a screw drops. I learned this the hard way. One screw dropped and slid down a channel into the mid shaft cowling. I had to remove the cowling but was lucky that the screw was resting on the casting edge and had not fallen down the lower cowling.
I closed everything up and covered the boat for the winter but now I am a bit concerned about leaving the VST tank empty. The pump and filter may be more prone to corrosion than when left dry than when submerged in fuel.
Any opinions?