I recently bought a 1957 Johnson 18hp. It came with a metal pressurized fuel tank. It is dirty on the outside, but fairly clean on the inside. I have never had a metal tank before. Is there anything that I need to check, or rebuild on it? I want it to work properly. Thanks.
Very good outboard. OMC parts are now handled by BRP who add a leading zero to the listed OMC (Johnson) part number. Modern fuel contains alcohol. Alcohol attracts water and water can cause problems. They are usually drained for storage with some fogging oil added because it is almost impossible to keep all moisture out and the oil will help keep it out of the tiny places where corrosion starts. They usually run with around a 4 PSI pressure. The hot sun can cause a big increase in the sealed tank, so the top of the tank has a pressure relief valve that opens around 10 PSI. So you can check for leaks by inputting 5 PSI and brushing on soapy water to check for bubbles around the screws and gaskets. The primer is a fuel pump that fills the carburetor for starting. The running motor then pressurizes the tank which keeps the gas flowing. If gas leaks around the primer, the diaphragm is ruptured and must be replaced. The fuel line connector is sealed with "O" rings. these may be damaged by sand and leak. These can be replaced. One of our members reproduces a special fixture that makes this a snap. Without that tool , they may be CARFULLY picked out with a small hook while the center brass post is held down with a piece of stiff wire. – directions follow . . . 😀
Good luck with your tank. I’ve just finished rebuilding a 4gal. evinrude cruise a day and a 6 gal. OMC. The diaphram was bad on the small tank and had to be replaced. I replaced it with one I fabricated. The tool Garry is talking about is very handy for replacing o rings on the connectors. Everyone here helped guide me through the process.