2002 Parker 21se fuel tank replacement

[BradH]

The baffles are definitely needed....they cut down on the fuel sloshing around creating too much pressure on the seams or corners. When I put mine in I did not coat it with anything at the recommendation of the fab shop. I am second guessing that now but it should last my lifetime. When I put it in he had me install poly strips on the bottom of the tank held in place with 5200 where the tank met the stringers. Seemed to make sense to me helping to prevent the rubbing.

The 5200 also keeps moisture from being trapped between the rubber and the tank...a lot of people forget this step.

 

[Marty D]

I just saw this post. I also have pitting on top of my fuel tanks. 2005-2320. I cleaned it all up. The deck plates were leaking. Rain water and washing the deck for 5 years. Even tho I check them from time to time. So after cleaning the tanks and spraying it down with a rust sovolent. I sealed the deck plates and after one year I open to check again and it was dry with no rust. I did leave all the plates open for two month with a fan. I am not happy with that close cell they put around the tanks I cut out a pice in back of tank so if water did get on to the tanks it will drain down to the pumps. After I cut that yellow close cell I squeeze it and got a shot glass filled with water. I send a video to rob from Parker and showed him this. All he said was to dry it out with a fan. I like that solar fan. I'm going to look into that. Also I put duck tape on those deck plates and it's a good idea to put duck tape on your gas cap. Don't forget to replace that o-ring on gas cover ever two years. That's how water can get into your tank.

 

[gw204]

I think your mechanic is fishing for business...

Unless you have evidence that it's compromised, I wouldn't go cutting the deck up. Can you see heavy corrosion through the deckplates? Do you smell fuel in the bilge? Does it fail a pressure test?

Much easier to get a tank on a Grady that has the removable floor panel. In that instance, I can see pulling a tank for inspection/replacement when it gets old. That being said, I see FAR fewer tanks on Parkers being replaced. I would leave it until it tells you it's time...

I've never used coal tar, but when I eventually put the new tanks in my boats, I am going to coat them with Interprotect.