[C320-list] Diesel Spill/Odor

[Allan Field]

Lamar - I had a diesel leak that took me forever to find.  Over the course
of 6 months, I had maybe an ounce total of diesel in the pan under the
engine.  But it smelled like a gallon.  Eventually I discovered that the
bleed screw at the secondary filter has a copper crush washer.  Once I
replaced this washer and tightened things down, no more leak. Until I
discovered the source, I was convinced that I had cross-threaded the
secondary filter canister but that turned out not to be the case.  Hope this
helps.

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 Lamar Desmond
Sent: Sunday, November 19, 2006 12:55 AM
To: 'C320-List'
Subject: [C320-list] Diesel Spill/Odor

After my marina winterized (including changing fuel filters and topping off
my tank) and hauled my boat I found diesel in the bilge.  The marina cleaned
the bilge and around the engine but I really can't really figure out where
the fuel came from.  I found a little water when I put my finger in the hole
where the aft water tank line runs but no sign of fuel. I can't see anything
around the fuel tank so I'm hoping it was from the filter change.  The
filter is just above a conduit that the water line runs into on its way to
the galley.  I can't really see where this conduit ends, even with the
galley drawers removed.
 
I still have a strong diesel smell and found more fuel when I put my finger
in the aft limber hole of the bilge leading toward the engine.  It looks
like if I pull up the floor I can get a little further aft but the area
under the floor at the base of the steps looks impossible to get to?  
 
Anyone been through this kind of cleanup; is it worth pulling up the floor
does it give any further access. Any good products to cut the smell, I saw
reference to Capt. Chomp in the archive.
 
Thanks for any advise,
Lamar Desmond
C-320 #358