[C320-list] Funky fuel

[Jeff Hare]

Hi,

  Water and bacteria can make a mess of diesel in warm climates.  I filled 2
new yellow diesel cans.  One was left strapped to the transom in the sun for
a month and it had a layer of black goo on the bottom when I looked later.
The can stored in my garage was crystal clear.  Fortunately the fuel tank is
never exposed to sun.  :)

  I'd suggest:
- a small amount of BioBor (biocide) added when you fuel up from time to
time.
- Make sure the O-Ring sealing your fuel filler cap is in good shape and
grease occasionally with O-Ring lube.
- as suggested, try to keep the tank full when away for a while.
- if your fuel vent is located on the side of the boat (a few were), move it
to the transom next to the water tank vent.

Some folks on this list have removed their fuel tank successfully (through
the opening at the foot the aft cabin bed) after removing the trim piece.

Perhaps you should run it down low on fuel, remove the tank, clean it out
using kerosene or some other agent that is diesel compatible and reinstall.
Shouldn't ever have to do it again, but you'd know where you stand.  Also,
look for signs of corrosion as some tanks have failed at the weld.  If the
cost of a new tank isn't outrageous, might just be a great piece of mind.
Other owners could fill you in on how big a job this really is.

Perhaps the previous owner used bad batch of fuel or never used a biocide
and let the boat sit a lot.

Does anyone here know if the tank has baffles in it?  If so, fuel polishing
systems would be hard pressed to work well and after the first vigorous
sail, you'd be back close to the same situation.

-Jeff

-----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