[C320-list] mysterious fuel leak

[Allan Field]

Jon - On my old boat, I had this problem for quite a long time and it only
occurred after filling the fuel tank.  I finally traced it down to the
overflow hose that had a small tear where it exited the top of the tank.
After filling a tank and heeling over, fuel spilled out around the tear.
After about 3 hours or so of motoring, no more problem until the next time I
filled the tank then the cycle started all over again.  Just another place
to check... 

Allan S. Field
Sea Shadow - #808
Columbia, MD

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of jonvez at comcast.net
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 7:31 AM
To: catalina at thehares.com; C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] mysterious fuel leak

Hi Jeff,

About half a pint or so that I could get at. I suspect more made it's way
further forward under the liner because we now have the smell of diesel in
the head. None has made it to the bilge yet. 
I haven't changed the filters since Spring and the smell in the aft
cabin/head is the dead giveaway that this is a very recent occurance since
we lived on the boat for 2 weeks with no odor or sign of diesel. Any other
thoughts would be greatly appreciated....

Regards,

Jon


-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Jeffrey Hare" <catalina at thehares.com> 

> Jon, 
> 
> Just curious, but how much fuel are you talking about? Is there any 
> chance that during a filter change/prime, some fuel ran back along the
fuel 
> line and dripped off into that compartment? Since it wouldn't evaporate,
it 
> could have been there a while. (but you would have probably detected some 
> oily fuel lines where it passes through behind the water tank in that area

> still.) 
> 
> Curious... 
> -Jeff 
> 
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: jonvez at comcast.net [mailto:jonvez at comcast.net] 
> Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 8:01 AM 
> To: 320 List 
> Subject: [C320-list] mysterious fuel leak 
> 
> After coming back from a sail on Saturday, I found fuel pooled between the

> liner and the aft water tank where the blue water hose exits the tank. It 
> was aft of the engine and after thoroughly checking both the engine and
the 
> primary I worked my way back to the tank. I haven't been able to find any 
> source of a leak. The top of the tank's fittings are dry and hose clamps
are 
> secure. There's basically dust on the top of the tank. I traced every hose

> with no luck and I am now completely perplexed. 
> I put some rags under the tank towards the aft bulkhead overnight and
there 
> did not seem to be any fuel coming from that area. On Sunday, I started
the 
> engine and did all of this again with still no sign. 
> Saturday I was convinced I would be calling Catalina how to remove and 
> replace the fuel tank, by Sunday I was pretty certain it isn't coming from
a 
> leak in the tank. 
> Does anyone have any other thoughts on this? I really would like to figure

> out the source...thanks in advance.... 
> 
> Regards, 
> 
> Jon Vez 
> 
>