SoCal Jet Boats
Tech Talk => Engine Mechanical / Electrical => Topic started by: jet fever on March 20, 2013, 05:11:15 PM
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I know there are a few of u out there with a Hallett Bubble like mine
Do you guys have Aluminum or Glass tanks.
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The one I got sitting out back here is Fiberglass......
Ray
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:( Well Damnit that's not what I want to hear.
Hope mine arent I know they are all different boats but what model? Mine is a 76 Jetster
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:( Well Damnit that's not what I want to hear.
Hope mine arent I know they are all different boats but what model? Mine is a 76 Jetster
it should be pretty easy to tell the difference if you just look at them. one will be metal and the other will be brown and ugly.
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Yeah its just that the boat is a few hours from me at the moment and Im at work for 12 hours so I wont have time to take a look for a while
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Ok let me asks this would they glass in Aluminum tanks
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So chances are you have the original tanks in that thing and if you haven't seen problems yet it's only a matter of time. Pull them before it's too late, mine began coming a part and leaving fibers in my carb. Most of the old school Hallett's, and many other manufacturers, used fiberglass tanks without knowing what gas did to them over time. Most also could not have foreseen how much different our fuel is today and how hard it is on these components. Sorry if this seems like rambling but you should not overlook these tanks if they are fiberglass cause you will have nothing but headaches if left alone. I ended up finding a set that was close in size and capacity, then had Madskillz here on the boards relocate the fills and add some tabs to glass them in. I have pics somewhere if you want a visual of how it came out. Nixonnow on here also replaced the tanks in his bubble a few years back when they began leaking, he might chime in here also.
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Yeah thats what it is sounding like. I PM Nixonnow and he told me what he has done
Thanx for the info I'm pretty sure that is whats going on first I had a slight bog for a second then I replaced the weak fuel tank switch to a billet manual valve and as soon as I did it killed the carbs jets. I am sure I was getting some crud to the dip tube inside there then went to the other tank and that did me in. I have a filter (looks like oil filter type) went passed it I guess. :'(
Shards of glass have probly invaded my Holley :banghead:
Nothing like hacking up an original float >:D
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Nothing like hacking up an original float >:D
theres nothing but benefits about upgrading to aluminum tanks. safety, longevity, and if you do em up right they can look downright bitchin...
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Yeah they are covered by carpet now
My Tahiti had Aluminum Tanks and a bunch of polished parts
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I had glass fuel filters on mine originally, that's how I found the resin sludge building up from the tanks. I was seeing issues with resin and fibers clogging my carb as well so I knew it was time. I'm still chasing a carb issue from these tanks so you may want to do a complete rebuild on yours and make sure you get the parts dipped to clear out all ports and passages. Good luck finding new tanks, it may be tough to find the right dimensions but be patient. Get something close and you can always relocate bungs and fills if needed.
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I wouldn't worry about "hacking up" an original boat. It's not like these hulls are "sought after" or particularly "valuable". They're a dime a dozen out there right now. Any of the "better" or "more desireable" hulls MIGHT command a couple hundo more, but in most cases no.
You're deep into territory of safety and practicality. I mean, sure, you COULD restore a '72 Pinto complete with it's exploding fuel tank, but why the hell would you? Why would anyone for that matter?
Get some careful measurements of what is in there before cuttiing them out, have some made the exact size out of aluminum or stainless and carpet over them just like the originals once you install them. No one will be the wiser, and no polishing!! :thumbup:
Ray
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Yeah I wouldn't say Hallett boats are dime a dozen for sure not here in Northern CA. The only Hallett I've seen in person was a miniday. And once on craigslist I saw a miniday. There are a few on this forum and each is a different color. I've been in an Eliminator, Southwind, Tahiti, Sanger and NONE of those ride as smooth it is heavy not the fastesthullbut rides smooth over rollers and is solid. Course they aren't as much as what we put into them butnothing fun is I just wondered what the others had if I got fiberglass they are coming out I'll find out tomorrow
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:banghead:
Yep fiberglass is what I got and inside the garage with my six cell mag I can see all the crap in there on the bottom
Well at least the troubleshooting is done and next weekend they will be coming out
Thanx everybody for your help
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Good luck!
dont forget the long sleeves and respirator cause it's gonna get itchy.
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Might be why the original owner wanted to chop it into firewood
All good she'll be great after. Out of all the shit I own that boat is the thing I least wanna change ;)
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Mine was pretty unmolested also and I hate to change it from how original it was. Tanks on the other hand are a must, once you are done it will be a huge improvement.
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I agree with these guys. It's only a matter if time til you find a problem with all the crud in your tanks. Took me a while to find a pair that would fit. Finally found some on Craigslist and it's the best investment you can do in my opinion. Pretty scary when your out on the water and get a fuel leak. Better safe than sorry bud.
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Imco marine will make custom special order Aluminum tanks... This is what my Hallett will be getting
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The first boat I ever bought was a 1972 18' Hallet. It had fiberglass tanks. I will admit, I never changed the tanks. When I first got it, it had 1 fuel filter. I ended up putting a filter for each tank, and 1 right before the carb. I would put 3 new ones on at the beginning of the season. The Hallet is a very thick hull, and for a ski boat, it has a deep V. I agree, not a real fast hull, but cut the wakes great. Mine had all the wrong equipment, Olds 455, and Jacuzzi jet. Had a spare motor, which I still have, but don't have the boat anymore. After a lot of years, I did get the right combo to get the engine to live a few seasons. I did the deep oil pan with baffles, restrictors in the mains, and cam bearings with real small oil holes. I had that boat close to 30 years before I sold it, and my son found it again on Craigs list. The engine was gone, blown up I'm sure. 2 things I wouldn't do again is 455 Olds, or Jacuzzi pump. I now have a 99 Commander with the 454, and Berkley pump with a place diverter. Only serious problem I ever had is the flywheel tore up, and had to pull the motor and change it. It's been a great boat. Hopefully I'll see some of you this summer. I mostly go to Lake Mojave and stay in Laughlin, so hopefully I'll see a lot of you below Laughlin, or Havasu.
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I made my aluminum tanks but I don't know where you could get any
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I'm about to go buy some aluminum and make my own tanks. My buddy owns a metal stamping company out here and gets great prices on aluminum and can design me a CNC program. After that just swing over to my other friends welding shop and it's done.
We've built probably 25-30 tanks for everything from VWs to midget racers. Friends that like beer will help you out on anything for a 12 pack :-)
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I'm about to go buy some aluminum and make my own tanks. My buddy owns a metal stamping company out here and gets great prices on aluminum and can design me a CNC program. After that just swing over to my other friends welding shop and it's done.
We've built probably 25-30 tanks for everything from VWs to midget racers. Friends that like beer will help you out on anything for a 12 pack :-)
Would you be interested in makin two sets of those while your at it?
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Would you be interested in makin two sets of those while your at it?
Mine are 30 gallons a piece so I would have to have my friend design two totally separate programs. But I can ask.
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Ohhhya id need two 12s or somethin like that. But ya if hes up for it thatd be cool if not its all good.
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I'll let you know.
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Just to follow up Imco will make any kind of tank you want. Two week wait currently ( Not as cheap as building your own )
And the old Fiberglass ones were hammered and had small pick up tubes.
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Well sorry to wake up a 4 year old thread.
Looking to possibly change out my tanks to aluminum. Anyone else out there make them or have tanks other than IMCO?