Fuel tank replacement for 91 C-34

[Ken "Voyager" #1115]

My fuel tank has corroded, luckily I caught it before it became a problem.  I have been told that it would be better to replace rather than try to fix it.  I am waiting for a reply to e-mail and voice mail to Catalina.  In the mean time, has anyone had to replace theirs, and where did you get a replacement tank?  Also, is there anyone that knows a price range for replacement tanks?  And finally, does anyone have any thoughts on replacing the aluminum tank with a plastic tank?

[Mike Smith]

Here is a Fuel Tank Replacement link for you , Ken. All your questions are covered in it.

Mike

Sorry, link doesn't work.  Try a SEARCH "fuel tank replacement" use """" marks for full phrase for more posts.

[djseth]

Hi Mike,

I have a 1989 C 34 that I think I've decided to replace the fuel tank in.  I clicked on the link you provided previously in this post, but the link does not work.  Where should I buy it?  Also, what does it come with, new pickup tube? New sending unit?  Does the pickup tube have the filter on it?

Thanks for your help,
Seth

[Jeff Kaplan]

ken, call catalina, 818-884-7700,ask for parts,  and order the new tank, pt#20791. cost me $331.32 plus $31- frt. last oct. it's the same tank used since 1986. it comes complete with fuel sender. the mounting holes and vent tube position may be different, but no problem. i had to drill a few more holes in the mounting tab and add and extra length of vent hose. the physical size and shape are the same and the new tank is a heavier aluminum. you might want to change the fuel fill hose at this time also. easy job to switch out. good luck...jeff

[Craig Illman]

Ken - I agree with Jeff, after twenty years, it's probably prudent to change all the hoses to & from the fuel tank. It's an easy job to replace the tank. It took my father-in-law & I less than four hours, including removing and replacing the fuel.

Craig

[Stu Jackson]

Try this, two pages with photos:    http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4085.0.html

Also, lots of reading if you do a search on "fuel tank" or "fuel tank removal"  (the "s give exact phrase in the search)

[Bob K]

When you receive your new tank from Catalina, the fittings may not be correct for your hoses (that was the case with me).  I had to unscrew the fittings and replace with my original fittings.  Don't make the mistake I did - leave the grey thread grease that Cataline liberally applies to the threads.  It is a thread lubricant and prevents galling.  Not knowing what it was, I wiped it clean and replaced with some permatex thread sealer.  What a mistake!   The threads galled and the fittings siezed.  Luckily the seized fittings are tight and usable, but if I ever have to remove, it will be a job.