#1 Worst Boat Fuel Problem!

[@LDub_FlyingFish]

The Mighty Keywest 1720, biggest little boat in the world. :) Miss that thing. I did the same job on it and had a crows foot with a big wrench on the tank nut. That was fun to figure out how to get in there with both hands and get back out. Still think I have scars on my chest. Great Video as always!

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

I've had my 1720 for 10 years now. I want a bigger boat but the 1720 fits in my garage. I want more power but I don't really need to go 45mph. So my 2000 has an aluminum tank. The first half of it's like was salt water. The top of the tank pitted and allowed enough water in to reach the pick up and stop the motor. I cleaned and filled the holes with JB Al weld and it's holding tight. I drain the tank every spring to check for water. Hands down the biggest problem on this boat is working on the fuel tank. As you said, I believe this is the smallest real boat that does 90% of what I want to do. I'll probably have it for another 10 years unless I win the lottery. Cheers and good luck on the water.

[@joeythedime1838]

Nice video, as always. Plastic tank on my Whaler also. Once or twice a year I spray the pick-up with an anti-corrosion fluid like Boeshield T-9.

[@ericdavi1231]

Looked like homie brought you a FULL tank of gas to deal with too!

[@dannynone2784]

Another excellent video. I'm not very mechanically inclined, but have learned lot from your videos. I've also started doing a lot of preventive corrosion maintenance as a result of watching your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@travisupchurch3448]

If you’ll coat that tap flutes with some grease more debris will stick to the tap and not drop down, clean and reapply new grease as needed.

[@jamesrahn8339]

When chasing the threads, are you afraid of dropping debree into the fuel tank?

[@mfalasa]

Amusing timing of this video considering the fuel leak I found this weekend. 1. Thoughts on deleting the ASV as they seem frought with longetivity issues? 2. Any sources for fittings made of 316 stainless? Corrosion is so painful to deal with, I will gladly spend extra for parts with longetivity. Don't have to worry about galvanic corrosion with a plastic tank... Replaced my fuel sender last summer. Seems like KUS are top notch. My 1997 Sportsman 1900 is almost identical to this boat, but I have a 60 gallon tank.

[@JJ-gd7gf]

That looks just like the access location on my Pathfinder 22. Just had to do the same repair and it's a mutha getting it completed. I replaced the fuel line to the water separator also while I was at it. Another set of issues with that task. Nice video.

[@UltraMagaFan]

Pathfinders have a big ass access hatch on the front of the center console. A person can fit through it and sit inside of the thing. How exactly is it hard to access the fuel tank? And it’s not even hard on Key Wests either. You can either lay on a piece of plywood with your head in the center console or unbolt the center console from the boat and lean it back.

[@havarh]

Excellent video, really liked the tool tips and tricks. I need to replace the fuel sender in my tank, but I keep putting it off as I’m afraid the stainless steel screws have fused to the aluminum tank. Any tips on this?

[@BornAgainBoating]

Kroil and that wrench: Kroil: amzn.to/47OtaYL Wrench: amzn.to/3SveSrw

[@andreireal9158]

Yeah, fuel tank is always a pain to work with. Kus is ok so far, used their gauges and senders since 2013, no issues as of 2023 if electrical connections are properly insulated.

[@BillORights1]

Good work. We need tradesmen like you👍🏻

[@motorv8N]

Great job - looks like tight quarters working in there.

[@chucktripp5722]

I will sometimes make a square socket from square 9:55 tube and weld a crap socket to one end for the square drive. I believe 1 1/4 will work

[@1973superdad]

That area looks really dirty, that would be a no go on my boat. Nice job

[@kasperwittrup1288]

@ 8:44 .. glad to hear its not just me sounding like that when i work on the boat... (also the cuts on the hands is exactly like my hands looks after a day on the boat)

[@s0nnyburnett]

I felt that one too

[@Calleronline1-vf1eh]

Also if like the above the fuel sender doesn't immediately come out...just tug on it a bit. The metal filter likely will not come off.

[@raisingcane225]

At 9:04 you mention the tool you used to grab onto the pickup tube you cut - I think I heard “finger trap”? What is that tool called and can you provide an Amazon or other link? Edit - I figured it out. It’s also called a claw finger pick up tool. There are a bunch of different ones on Amazon. Informative video - as always!

[@tinkanator2000]

I have a Key West 176 that has a gas smell in the cc as well. Some folks like to blame it on permeation of the plastic tanks, but I just don't know. How strong of a smell is too strong in your opinion? I've never seen a sheen in the bilge water, but I can pickup the smell even in the rear storage and livewell hatches. Not super strong, but I can smell it. Looking forward to more of the Key West restoration!

[@topwatertrl]

I just had my 2008 bass boat in the shop for the same issue. Gas smell in battery compartment and rod storage boxes. What they found was the fuel line from the gas tank to the primer bulb, the primer bulb and the fuel line continuing to the engine was not ethanol rated and had deteriorated to a point every connection point was leaking vapors. Just enough you couldn't see gas dripping but enough so that gas vapor was escaping. Tightening the connections was futile. Replaced the entire fuel line and bulb with modern ethanol rated products and new connectors. No smell now and a safe boat. Mechanic told me even non-ethanol fuel will eventually deteriorate some fuel lines that were installed several years ago.

[@growlith6969]

Well if it becomes kind of explody, that's too much.

[@NeverEnoughPyro40]

@tinkanator2000 You do realize that fumes is what causes explosions I would say you have a problem, If you are asking this type of question I would say that you have excessive fumes caused by a leak!

[@stevenlienhardt8535]

Hi , Love your videos! I like That wrench you used to get the sender out. Do you have a LINK FOR THAT TOOL?

[@BornAgainBoating]

It's not identical, I bought mine years ago, but there's a bunch on Amazon: amzn.to/3SveSrw

[@dainperrault585]

This just helped me so much lol appreciate it! Always learning a ton from ya

[@keithwest6859]

Really enjoyed the video. Great teaching tool!

[@Dinoxt12]

Good Stuff...Thanks. Who makes the little socket ratchet phillip's wrench combo or the name of it ? need to have one.

[@BornAgainBoating]

I can't find the one I got years and years ago that has the dials on the top that allow you to turn it from above, but theres a bunch on Amazon that are the same thing just different style: amzn.to/3SveSrw

[@Dinoxt12]

@@BornAgainBoating thanks I'll use your site on amazon.

[@D2O2]

I am shocked the molded-in threaded insert for the pick-up didn't just rotate in the tank. Did you pressure test afterwards?

[@BornAgainBoating]

I am too, sometimes they get lucky lol :) did not pressure test after though :/

[@CTRadventures]

Hi friend! Like I said in one of your other videos, I'm new to boating and found your channel and instantly subbed cause I know I'm going to learn a lot! We got a 1988 ranger 393v. We noticed some fuel smell w using the port tank. I dove in and could see oil/gas residue around the fill pipe, so I replaced that, while everything was apart, I went to the pump and allowed it to over foll to make sure..well the pump didn't stop so I OVERFILLED haha😂 but it was a good thing because I learned that my leak was coming from the 5/8 vent. The nipple off the tank on the underside seems to almost roll in and had a hairline crack. I got it home, siphoned some gas out, enough to not be in the nipple, asked the the trusty people at ACE, who gave me marine JB weld for plastic that's also gas and petroleum resistant. So I cleaned sanded, then used alcohol around the area. I put a big ole blob on that under belly of the fitting. Slid the new vent hose replacement on, then added more around where they met. I figured if that does work, I'll use my starboard side tank and my port with like 6gal in it as my oh shiz tank (emergency). I noticed it after filling the port size up the fullest we ever had and came back from Vaca with what smelled like a gas station. With that being said. I was wondering, while tinkering around down there, fuel leaked out of the fitting in a decent amount when I pulled the hose off to siphon. Of course now the hull stinks. I used my garden hose to wash as much off and through the bilge as possible, is there anything else I can do? Thanks so much.

[@CTRadventures]

Woke up to no fume smell, and before we went out to test, I put some dawn soap in the bilge, plugged the hole, and filled w some water. Let the water slosh around while I drove then drained it. Hours later no stink!

[@BornAgainBoating]

Greetings! Rose here, expressing gratitude for your comment! However, I'm unable to address your specific question. We've found it more beneficial to answer such question on our podcast channel. Click the link below to subscribe if you haven't already🙏 Your question would be featured in an upcoming episode. www.youtube.com/@TheBoatersPodcast

[@SabrToothSqrl]

I had a boat with a plastic tank, larger, but similar. Fuel leak. couldn't find it for.. sadly. years of trying. multiple boat shops. FINALLY found someone competent... issue? The bolts that came w/the new sender. were too long. so they were getting 'tight', but it wasn't sealing tight to the tank. 5 small washers later, it was fine for years. finally. Ever since I became my own mechanic and know it's right.

[@NeverEnoughPyro40]

@SabrToothSqrl First of all using a boat for years with a fuel leak is absolutely idiotic, Secondly we already know you make poor choices so I can’t imagine you took your boat to multiple shops and none of them were able to find a loose sending unit? Are you sure you didn’t just take your boat to a friend of a friend who said they were a marine mechanic? After over 25 years of being an actual mechanic who has owned his own auto and marine shop for the past 10 years almost everyone when looking for a shop will make their choice based on two things, First is usually which shop has the lowest prices and secondly is which shop can get them in the fastest! Both of which is most likely not going to lead you to the shop with the most experienced competent Certified Technicians!

[@rockynymia]

Any suggestions for this EXACT scenario except the nut that holds the fuel sender completely corroded through so now you need to A. Replace the tank B. Put a new hex head in the plastic tank tank for the new fuel pickup to thread into. Any tips for option B. Lol

[@BornAgainBoating]

Hopefully you've figured this out by now but I would say to clean it out really good, acetone and get anything out of the way, scratch it up, and then try and plastic weld the new pick up into place: 2ly.link/1z3xR you'd be surprised what that stuff can do, weld yourself a new nut on top of the tank where the hole is with the plastic weld, and then put your new pick up in ;) should be good to go! You can also try JB Weld plastic weld, though Tap Plastics is probably stronger: amzn.to/4dEDhTq Now the using something like acetone or another chemical to soften the plastic on the tank will help, so don't forget to try and do that, but obviously don't use fire lol

[@williambrown238]

I'm interested in the gasoline for aluminum tanks you spoke of, where can I find it and will it hold up to being exposed to gasoline ? My tank is corroded under the sending unit. I'm looking for something I can put a thin layer on and smooth out with a sanding sponge.

[@BornAgainBoating]

You might need to build it up with JB Weld, but here is the gasoila that we use, idk how bad the spot you are talking about is: Gasoila: amzn.to/3Ojdfe9 JB Weld: amzn.to/3Oglwj2

[@williambrown238]

@BornAgainBoating thanks. The surface is slightly pitted

[@TheNutzandBoltz]

In your opinion is a plastic tank better than an aluminum tank? Salt water yes, fresh no? I have the the KW 1720 with an aluminum and the top has pitted bad enough to create holes. The idea of removing it is daunting. Thanks from a new subscriber.

[@BornAgainBoating]

Hi, This is Rose, I help Aaron with the comments. This is a nice question and I have put this on the list for featuring on the podcast! If you haven't already, check it out and subscribe! www.youtube.com/@TheBoatersPodcast P.S. Thanks for the Sub!🙏

[@fmaalouf73]

So cleaning out the threads and sender mounting holes you don't worry about junk getting in the tank? Ever use pb blaster penetrating oil?

[@AN-kg4ei]

I always put some heavy grease (I like Red N Tacky) on the tap in those situations and go slow It seems to catch everything. I hate pulling fittings from those molded tanks.

[@kristoffscuba5466]

I do the same, I use trippleguard as its what I tend to have on hand. I also try to use a spiral flute tap, so the debris comes up out of the hole. I'd be lying if I said I always had one of those on hand though.

[@945hilo]

I’m amazed at people who don’t maintain their boats!! I live in southern Missouri close to the Mississippi River and reelfoot lake Tenn… you would be amazed at the idiots that get towed back to shore

[@DaRealGust0]

Like always great video dude. What's the part number for the Quicksilver Fittings?

[@BornAgainBoating]

I'm not sure, I've had that kit for a long time lol it came with a water separator, you can just use bronze fittings from the hardware store ;)

[@DaRealGust0]

@@BornAgainBoating sounds good, thank you

[@NeverEnoughPyro40]

@BornAgainBoating Don’t you think it’s a little reckless and dangerous to recommend using bronze fittings from a hardware store without asking any questions whatsoever, Are you forgetting that laws require an anti-siphon fitting must be installed!

[@Wayno228]

Love the videos I'm a boataholic great idea with the tap

[@zackriden79]

looks like a keywest I have the same boat intreasting fact they zip tie the wairing to the haul you might find that out when pulling new trolling motor wire

[@BornAgainBoating]

We got lucky then :) they fortunately had it in a tube on this one :) I feel your pain though bro

[@zackriden79]

@@BornAgainBoating I need to get a windshield can you link me where you got yours I love the connect I follow all your videos

[@davebest6369]

Would it be helpful to use a little WD40 help before you loosen the bolts?

[@1972mdc]

Did you say you use gasoila on the KUS gasket seals or threads on aluminum tanks? Got one of their senders which is great quality but seeing some leakage

[@BornAgainBoating]

Yes, this is the stuff here: amzn.to/3Ojdfe9

[@Calleronline1-vf1eh]

For anyone else....i used a sink basin tool to remove the fuel pickup

[@Eric-zs6rd]

The worst problem is corroded aluminum fuel tanks. For a lot of boats you'll have to cut the deck out and do glass work to get them out, the antiskid never looks the same again.

[@SlurpJ]

What kind of problems should one look out for on an aluminum tank? Just bought a 30 yr old boat with a 57 gallon aluminum tank.

[@fishnfreak18]

How long will these poly tanks last if you use non ethanol fuel? I have a 99 hull and was reluctant to use the tank that’s under the deck because it’s original. Using a portable tank now but 6 gallons doesn’t last too long. Would really like to use the 60 gallon tank instead.

[@BornAgainBoating]

I don't see why you can't use the tank in the boat, unless it has a leak somewhere and is letting stuff in the tank. Other than that, the main problems are the things that you saw here, so fixing those you should be good to go :/ It never hurts to try, you're not using the tank now anyway so try and figure out if you have a problem with it and then send it, worst case, you can't use the tank, but you aren't using it now so try it. Keep an eye on the water separator though when you first try. Also, pump out everything that's in the tank if it's been that long

[@fishnfreak18]

@@BornAgainBoating Copy that. Thanks for the reply. Great channel.

[@bigd50]

Great video and explanations

[@steveott1884]

You need a metric socket for that take off!

[@benjaminallen2370]

Expert work man

[@davidd8435]

My boats fuel tank access is under the helm seat. Have to remove the seat then work on the lines.

[@kalobnichols8865]

You work offshore?? I noticed that orange can of Aerokroil you have and after 15 years offshore iv never seen it in a store only offshore lol

[@BornAgainBoating]

Yes, I love Kroil! Best stuff ever made lol :)

[@MrAcekoomboom]

Luckiest man alive right there. Its about 50/50 for me on those pickup tubes breaking

[@Jezebel_Cat]

Awesome job!

[@chiphill4856]

How much do you charge a customer for all that extra detailed work?

[@rogerreed9768]

Working in access holes suck.

[@TheDoug9901]

salt water problems. I have the same ratchet , dont miss salt engine repairs

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

Newest rehab flip boat?

[@ESPPsycho]

Can someone explain to me how that finger trap tool worked?

[@garplin]

use the heat gone BAB!

[@fishydubsfishing6516]

Wow that looks nasty all that black mold doesn't anybody vent there bilge to dry it out

[@BornAgainBoating]

Nope! lol :(

[@Captain4life3]

Quicksilver nipple,🤨 Sir that engine is a Yamaha, Thats not going to work anymore. LOL

[@Dex01-Z_WingZero]

No Teflon tape for you treads? I love teflon tape. Locktite even makes a gooy Teflon in a tupe.

[@crispernator]

Gday mate so glad i dont have an underfloor tank how would you ever replace it ?

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

There's no issues with the plastic tanks if they were installed correctly and maintained correctly!! That boat looks like a POS!!!;

[@jacobforrest3105]

At least the boats fiberglass and not aluminum 😂

[@rdh5961]

Do you prefer poly tanks over aluminum?

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

Rule of thumb. After 10 years with a aluminum tank under deck, "out of sight out of mind"....you're on borrowed time. Poly tank, installed correctly, and maintained. My experience is, longer lasting. My choice would be above deck, on a custom built alloy boat. Accessibility, is KEY, to all vital items, and most boats aren't built with that in mind.

[@blackmofo88]

75% or more of boats owned by the average joe are likely in this condition. It’s a perfect example for us shmucks who can’t afford to pay a marine mechanic… or a better boat for that matter. Agreed this thing looks like hot garbage.

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

@@blackmofo88 his next ''boat flip'', I guess. wish I had the spare cash to flip a few. And doubt my YT viewership would help pay for it as he's doing via ''us''.

[@Beachnative42]

In my 2006 1720, I rewired my dash and put in a new fuel gauge since the old marpac gauge had the writing falling off. Now it does not work. When I turn on the key, the gauge moves a bit to the empty area, sort of indicating there is power to the gauge. Is there a compatability issue with gauges and senders?

[@BornAgainBoating]

Yes, you might have got an inverted gauge compared to what orientation the one that you took out was! USA Vs. EU systems :/ This video might help some: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZuaaWWhfbt6qKM

[@anthonymannarino3376]

That Boat is a mess. I would be embarrassed to take someone out on it. I keep mine cleaner then my car inside and out

[@chiphill4856]

It's a flip boat in progress.

[@tonygresham2634]

Use a 12 point socket

[@longlovinfamily]

❤

[@tomdrummy4984]

That looked like surgery 👍

[@pete926]

Screw the screen!

[@oliverdavidpatrick]

Dude you haven't got a fuel problem but a load of other problems. That is one hell of a nasty rotten boat. Why don't you just buy a clean external tank?

[@kristoffscuba5466]

That screen is worse than pointless. Say it stops some junk coming from the tank, well it will quickly then block the fuel flow. The engine still dies and you have no idea the screen is there. And even if you do, you can’t access it to clean it. Stupid. Just put a replaceable in line fuel filter on the fuel line coming out of the tank, if you feel the need for something, so you can see it and change it when servicing.

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

And always use a Mr. Funnel, to KEEP DEBRIS & water out, in the first place.

[@BuyingTickets]

yeeee

[@Boat_FishingDoduJeju]

take gloves... Have a good job! 🙂

[@motodiver6720]

❤🇹🇷🙋

[@Ivan-vv6nd]

How to check is this plastick pipe blocked ? Can i blow in tank or exsist some non return valve becouse i can not blow in tank?

[@BornAgainBoating]

Something is blocked if you can't blow in it