[C320-list] mysterious fuel leak

[jonvez at comcast.net]

Thanks to all those who responded. Since many of you commented on the vent line, I will recheck that. The last time I fueled was about 3 weeks ago and that was with a jerry can that left me at about 17 gallons--so the tank isn't full. I will see what I may be able to find and will let you know....Thanks again...

Regards,

Jon Vez

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Allan Field" <Allan.Field at comcast.net> 

> 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" 
> 
> > 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 
> > 
> > 
> 
> 
>