Our 8E fuel cells are deteriorated. Will we need to buy new pliocell tanks or is it possible to convert to metal tanks?
A.22: This is a common pliocell problem if the tanks are not kept full in storage. The solution is to remove the tank and replace it. CAS has a vender that “rebuilds” these tanks using a new rubber bladder of thicker material and new attachments vulcanized into the units. We must provide a different fuel finger screen arrangement for the new bladder, but the fuel cap and gauge areas remain the same. We have installed several of these “rebuilt” (all new parts) with great success. The Goodyear pliocell tanks were not a good product and created problems as soon as they came into service. Replacement cost is approximately $1200 per side. Conversion to metal tanks is also an option at about the same price but with a loss of about 4 gallons useable capacity, but few service problems and longer life. This does require a removal of some minor aluminum sheel in the pliocell bay- not a big deal.
