Fuel tank access
 

Hey guys, How to get to the fuel tank in a Baja 252? Mine is a 1996 and I am building a new engine for it, I want to also building anew return style fuel system. I need to access the tank so I can install fuel hat housing the pumps and pickup but I dont know how the floor comes up in these boats. From looking at it the job looks like a complete nightmare??

I wouldn't put the pump in the tank jmo....is there any round access covers in the floor / under the rear bench seat, I had a 272 that had them
EDIT: they could be under the carpet if there is any



https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...59c334f42b.jpg

I just looked back at photo before I winterized it and yes one cover in the rear below the bench and one right outside the cabin. If I remember correctly the rear one is the tank float. Why do you think putting the pump in the tank a bad idea?

I dont think its very common place in a boat, mine are mounted low in the bilge easy access if there is an issue, like I said its your build

If you look at marine electric fuel pump setups, they are usually mounted close to the engine as possible.....most times with hard lines after the pump going to the engine. If the line breaks feeding the pump the check valve in the tank will stop flow and engine dies and no fuel spilled.......if the line feeding the motor on an in-tank pump setup breaks, then it will flood the bilge with gas. ...........big boom!

And it's a Coast Guard requirement to have a maximum distance of 12 inches from pump to engine unless it's a transfer pump from tank to tank.


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some pics of a 272...very similar to a 252...
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...36b019ac16.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...b7d25df02b.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...bb6ce0bcf3.jpg

Most likely you will not have an extra port to install your fuel return line into the tank. Easiest way around this is to install a T fitting in your fuel fill hose close to the tank and run the return line to the T fitting.

My 1996 272 had an extra fitting and I used it as a return. Just look under the back bench round access panel. The extra fitting had a pickup tube on it as well.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...9b9e95aaa.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...c6b0c19cd.jpeg

Many peep’s use these , or similar, for returns.

https://www.cpperformance.com/c-500-...s-returns.aspx


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