Gas tank leak
 

I have a 1997 mariah shabah 210 Z and it has a leaking gas tank! I was thinking of pulling up the carpet and opening up the deck to remove the tank and install a plastic one. Is there a full size access panel already cut out? Has anyone heard of or used a tank bladder? Just trying to get some ideas before i get into it. I would really appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks for all your help
Beau

Don't know about the 97, but on my '95 there is an access hatch in th floor just forward of the engine compartment. On mine you have to flip over the back seat to reveal it. Not sure how easy it would be to remove it though.

To Willy's point: Read this thread. Post 8 talks about a screw through the filler tube. Granted you're talking about a 97 vs a 94, but still worth checking.

Great find blockp!

syc92868, removing the tank is really a last resort, of course, if you have no choice then so be it. We are hoping you're able to locate the leak and repair it without having to perform any kind of "surgery" on your Mariah.

Getting access to the tank isn't extremely hard, but it is laborious. If you want a quick overview of what it will involve, take a look at these two threads: Click here and here.
(Special thanks to Bill Deweese and Rick for their excellent posts!)

Good luck,
WetWilly

Gas leak
 

I also had a gas leak on our 94 Talari and found that there was a small crack at the bottom of the neck from where the gas fill hose attaches to the tank. I patched it to finish out the season and have since bought a new tank from Kracor. It's an exact replacement so it should go in easily. It cost $ 400. I will have to cut the carpet and take off the access plywood. I plan on putting some metal strips to cover the cuts or possibly teak strips. It won't be a pristine fix, but alot less work and money over removing the carpeting and reinstalling it. I may do this in the next couple of weeks and if I do, I'll take pix and post them if I can figure that out!

Thanks everyone for responding. It sounds like a lot of work if I have to replace the fuel tank. I don't want to mess up my boat. I'll let my boat air out over this weekend..a little damp from being covered the last couple of months.. then will take a second look. Hopefully its an easy fix.

Thanks alot!

i have a 1994 talari 3.0L, i also had a fuel tank leak. i found that on the floor just in front of the flip forward rear acess cover there is another acess area under the carpet that will allow you to get to the tank filler area. after i removed the entire
rear acess cover, ( just 4 screws on 2 hinges) i found that i could remove 4 screws on the floor holding down chrome trim strips. after removing those screws
that small section of floor and carpeting would lift up. i found that the screws
holding the chrome down were either too long or the
wieght of being stepped on had pushed them down and one had pierced the fuel
tank! it was a big relief and an easy fix! good luck!
capitan357.

Re: Gas tank leak
 

I just purchased a used 95 Talari 190 and the first time I filled it up at a gas station on land I later arrived at my destination and found a least 1/2 a gallon of gas in the engin comparment. I thought it was from over filling, after rinsing it all out and taking it for my 1st ride I cked and found no gas in the engin compartment. A few days later I filled it again and the same thing happend. Long story short as long as I didn't fill the tank all the way (under 3/4) I had no leak. I am thinking after seeing your posting I might be having the same problem.

Re: Gas tank leak
 

It sounds like the issue I had with the neck of the gas tank having a small crack. When it wasn't filled it didn't leak much if any. The gas moves to the rear of the tank upon acceleration and leaks. I replaced the tank as seen in an earlier post and of course it hasn't leaked since.

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Tom
Did you say you had pictures, I am new to the site and learning how to navigate. Also, what did you use for the temp patch, if I do have the same issue I will probably do the same to get me through the 2 wks I will be using the boat.

Re: Gas tank leak
 

I did have pictures but lost them when I switched phones. A marine guy used something to patch it but he said he's technically not supposed to do it. It was a red substance and worked fine. The replacement was really easy by unscrewing the plywood that covers the tank after making two cuts in the carpet from front to back where the plywood seam is. You roll the carpet toward the front and put stainless strips over the cuts so they're not visible. I covered the new plywood piece with fiberglass resin to protect it before you glue the carpet to the new marine plywood. If you have questions you can call me at 616-886-8904.

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Tom
Thank you very much for the info, I live just outside Chicago and go back home (upstate NY) to the St Lawerance river every summer for a couple of wks. I keep my boat up there, we are planning to go end of July, so for now I have a friend looking into the leak. Your info will be very helpful and hopefully he can find and fix the leak for me before I arrive. If we have any more questions I'll take you up on your offer. Again, thanks....

Re: Gas tank leak
 

I just had to reseal my fuel tank guage from the top of the tank with a new Moellor gasket from a local boat store. $ 8.00.
I was getting a lot of gas fumes in the cabin area from the leak that occurred only when I topped off the tank. I used white pipe sealant ( for petrolem ) on the threads and also used water faucet rubber washers to help seal the heads of the scews which has fixed the problem.
The KISS program always applies when working on mechanical issues, (Keep It Simple Stupid) ! 90% of the problem is caused by 10% of parts.Additional time spent identifying what's really going on is always a sound investment of your time.!

Re: Gas tank leak
 

If it is a simple leak like that it is much easier to correct. The other thing to try is 3M 5200. It will stick to anything and seal anything but make sure you don't want to remove what you e seed as that can prove very interesting!

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Thanks, Tom I couldn't agree more.....And it's a cheap fix, that's the best thing!!!!

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Thanks Steve, I hope it's that easy. that would be great.

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Well guys, we found the problem. The stem (not sure if vent or fill) is leaking at the base on top side of tank, I am thinking of just patching it for the 2 wks I will be using the boat and later replace the tank. I will look into this 3m product, does anyone know of any other material that can be used for a patch?

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Use the 3M 5200.
It is the easiest to use and the best sealing properties available in my opinion.
It is impervious to chemicals once dried , including gas.:)
Just make sure you get it good and clean and have at least 48 to 72 hrs to cure.

Re: Gas tank leak
 

will do, thanks for the info

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Well, got the leak all sealed up. Havn't seen the handy work yet but I am told it looks pretty good for a temp fix. Also found a leak in the lower unit oil reserve tank, anyone know where I can order a new one from?

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Here you go stlawrance:wink_thumbup:

Trim Pump Oil Tank.

Re: Gas tank leak
 

It appears that this has a different shape then mine, I was thinking it was more vertically tall and slender. I will have to ck when I get back up to NY at the end of month. Is there another option for the Mariah, I have a 190 Talari 1995. Thanks for the info.

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Might be the newer version.
Let me look.
Do you have the Engine/Drive ID number?

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Just checked and they are all the same part # from 1991-1997.
#18525A1 is the part number.

Re: Gas tank leak
 

I am sure you are correct I am going off memory from last yr, at my age it isn't as good as it use to be. Thanks for the info. I was also told from the previous owner that the tank was just replaced 2 yrs ago, is this a known problem with these tanks?

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Sounds like you better check the Trim Motor Mount. They are known to corode and break , letting the weight of the assembly ride on the tank.
If so , stainless steel is the way to go.

Trim Pump Mount

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Will do, Thanks again. How do you get this info, its great stuff.

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Mercruiserparts.com , ebay.com , many others , and way to many boats in my 50 yrs............according to the wifie:rolling_laugh:

Re: Gas tank leak
 

I just had someone take a look at the oil reserve tank and it does not look like the one you posted for me. I did a little looking and found merc cruise part number 806193A51 appears to be the one. Only problem it's $80, wondering if you know of a after market one?

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Let me do some digging this afternoon. :)

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Hey Larry, the cheapest I found was $72, did you happen to find any after market tanks?

Re: Gas tank leak
 

That's cheaper than I can find. I just got off of Evilbay cause I figured there might be one there , but 83.00 was it.
Sorry:(

Re: Gas tank leak
 

no problem, thanks for the help. By the way what type oil do you use for the stern drive and the engine?

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Here is some great info on drive maintenance/repair.
Mercruiser recommends 25w-40.
Mercruiser Engine Oil Gallon by Mercury Marine | Marine Products Pro Shop

Re: Gas tank leak
 

Great stuff Larry, I appreciate all the info.