[C320-list] Funky fuel

[Joe Barrett]

Hi Jim, there are Companies that will come to your boat with mobile fuel
filtering pumps. I had to move my boat to a location closer to the parking
lot of our marina when I accidentally put gas in my tank. They removed the
gas by opening the round cap on the port side top of the tank accessing it
thru the port stern locker. Cleaning your tank and replacing the fuel
filters again and you should be fine.
Joe Barrett

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of james_delong
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 9:44 AM
To: c320-list at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Funky fuel

Fuel experts!

As a 35 year three man one-design sailor, I'm just learning the complexities
of the 320!

The engine is becoming hard to start. I'm getting white smoke which I'm told
is moisture burning off before it finally starts. I changed the filters and
had a guy try to filter the fuel but he couldn't access the tank to pump it
out with his equipment. The fuel is turning black.

He suggested I drain and dispose of the fuel, about 10 gallons remain I'm
guessing, clean the tank and re-fill it. How do I do this? Is it really
necessary or is there an alternative solution?

Sounds like a real chore. I'm also told I need to keep the tank full to
reduce the moisture build up. We are in a highly humid area.

What solutions do y'all recommend to fix the problem and actions to take so
I don't put myself in this fix again?

The boat is a 1997, hull #453.

Thanks!!!  Jim