Fuel tank anti slosh foam

[nsabardin]

Hello all,

I have an issue with my new diesel aluminum tanks.

The guy that made them forgot to weld the baffles in. They were simply tack welded into position and fell off as soon as I was at sea.

Now the welder looking at it today said he is concerned that he could make a hole while trying to weld them back and would not be able to patch it in place.
He suggested to use anti-sloshing foam (like in race cars?) in the tank instead.

Anyone have used it?
Any other suggestions?

Thanks.

[a64pilot]

It does exist, I used it in Road Racing motorcycles, usually more of a heavy mesh than a real foam if that matters. Think motionless waterbeds, exact same concept.
What I don't know is how many years before it begins to break down into bits?

[Tayana42]

I have a vinyl liner in one tank with the mesh to prevent sloshing (don't recall the brand). I got it from the company that built the tank liner. It works well and has lasted for over ten years with no indication of deteriorating. It does take up some interior volume though. I think in my case it is about 15%. I have two tanks which were 65 gallons each so losing 15% on one of them was an acceptable solution for me.


S/V B'Shert

[Terra Nova]

Remove the poorly made tanks and have them rebuilt/repaired by someone other than lowest bidder.

[Siberianhusky]

Tell the guy who built to pull them out and weld in the baffles properly, I wouldn't let him bail on a half assed job you paid to have done correctly. His problem if he has to build new tanks.
Wouldn't care if he lost money on the job, his fault for not doing it right the first time.
I imagine this was an expensive job, go at him with a letter from a laywer right off the hop to show you're serious.
Next up would be small claims court, be a pretty simple one to win.

[BigNickMontana]

Foam, to me it seems would turn into a giant mess the second algae started to grow in your tanks.

Yank the tanks, have em fixed properly.

[BigNickMontana]

Oh, and when you have to inspect your tanks, how are you going to see what is going on inside, you going to pull the foam every time? Or are you going to find out the hard way when your engine quits as the tide and wind are pushing you towards the rocks?