[C320-list] Fuel Tank

[Rick Sulewski]

Hi Hank,

On my boat I can access the fuel tank by removing the aft starboard
lazerette shelf located above the tank to fully access the tank. I then
removed either the tank vent fitting or the return line fitting and then use
a copper tube that is connected to my oil removal pump plastic tubing to
draw off the fuel at the bottom of the tank. When I see clean fuel I stop
removing fuel. The whole task takes about an hour if you have everything
ready to go when you begin the task.

I draw off the bottom layer of fuel (about a quart or two) every 3-5 years
to remove any gunk that builds up over time and then I rely on the fuel
separator filter to do the job and I empty the water and gunk from the
bottom of the fuel filter bowl once or twice a season.

Rick
My-Ria 277 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Kirk
McCullough
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 10:36 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fuel Tank

In the industrial world, polishing and filtering are the typically the same 
process and the terminology is used interchangeably.

It's an interesting word, we normally associate with hulls or cars.

Kirk
#124

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jack Fitzgibbon" <chuters at earthlink.net>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 6:15 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fuel Tank


We had an individual polish the fuel.  Somewhat of a misnomer but 
essentially the service they provide is filtering the impurities (water) and

particulate out of your fuel and fuel tank.  We had it done last year before

we set off for the Bahamas to ensure any foreign material that had settled 
on the bottom of the tank that normally wasn't disturbed during smooth water

sailing wasn't ingested into the fuel system once we started to make the 
crossing in higher sea states.  A high pressure pump is used to filter the 
fuel as well as clean the inside of the tank, it takes 3 or 4 cycles to 
thoroughly clean the tank and filter the fuel.  We paid about 125.00 for the

service which took about 3 hrs.  Access to the tank was through the 
starboard lazerette.

jack
#441

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com]On Behalf Of Henry
LeSieur
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 5:23 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Fuel Tank


I recently purchased some bad diesel fuel. It appears I'm going to have to 
pump out the tank and clean it. Has anyone had any experience accessing the 
tank for removal? Also, is there an access port on the tank?

  Any advice/information would be greatly appreciated.

  Hank LeSieur
  #331