Fuel Tank Leak?

[Pittguy]

Hi,

I have a 1989 1700XR Force 90HP. Seems to be doing pretty well after quite a lot of work. One last thing bugging me is occasionally when I have the boat out on the trailer I smell a little fuel.

I replaced the vent line and made sure there is a loop in there. The tank itself has no visible rot or rust and I replaced sender so I got a pretty good look at it. It is possible this odor comes from water draining from the plug hole?

Anyway, I have the owner manual and spec sheet from downloads. I cannot find though any diagram or numbers for the actual fuel tank outside of 21 gallon capacity.

I am trying to find ways to maybe remove and inspect bottom. Or do many of you think it could be unseen line leakage to motor?

Thanks,
Mike

[mmwjr]

Mike,

These belly fuel tanks corrode on the bottom from contact with bilge water. There should be a manufacture id tag near the fuel sender. In most cases you need to remove the tank by cutting the deck then measure it to find a replacement. Being an outboard you are less likely to blow up but I would not ignore a fuel leak.

[Pittguy]

Great. It certainly isn’t big but has to be dealt with. More occasional smell and that tell tale color in drain onto the driveway.

Fun part aside from removing will be finding a replacement I’m sure. I wonder if plastic equivalents are better?

[mmwjr]

Several boat of this since came with a plastic tank. I had a 1993 SeaRay 200 that had one.

[Pittguy]

Good to know. Thanks again.