[C320-list] Funky fuel

[Bruce Heyman]

I've never had to do it myself but I've heard that radiator repair places
have the steam cleaning equipment needed to clean tanks with baffles.
Bruce
Somerset #671 SoCal

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jon Vez
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 7:52 AM
To: 'C320-List'
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Funky fuel

Jim,

I'm no fuel expert, but I do try to do everything I can to keep my fuel and
tank clean. Definitely keep the tank full to avoid condensation. When you
say your fuel is turning black, do you mean the exhaust when running?

Assuming your tank is contaminated and you are in the water, I would suggest
the following:

Remove the remaining fuel using a pump designed for using with oil and
fuel--you can get a hand pump that creates a siphon which takes about 10
minutes or use a drill attachment. I had success with a hand pump.
To get to the tank you need to remove the floor above the tank located in
the aft starboard lazarette. This is fairly straightforward. Once the tank
is exposed, remove the sender unit (a round piece of aluminum attached with
a 5-6 tapped screws. Once you remove this, you can use the hose of your pump
to remove the fuel into jerry jugs.
You can now inspect the tank to see how contaminated it is. If it's fairly
clean, you've gotten off easy. If not, I would suggest removing the tank
from the boat and cleaning it on land. Unfortunately, this is no easy task
as there are baffles and no real good inspection ports in the tank. You may
want to see if the guy who tried to polish your fuel has the ability to
steam clean.
A worse case scenario is to order a new tank for about $450 plus shipping
from Catalina. I had to replace my tank two seasons ago to do a leak. Hope
this helps and good luck..

Regards,

Jon Vez
#582

-----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