[C320-list] A Diesel Fuel Tank Leak

[Julian Elliott]

I am replying to an old post from Ken, because I have a similar fuel leak
that has can really fill the bilge with diesel.  It seems to occur after a
weekend of sailing/motoring.

There is no apparent leakage in the stern lazarette around the tank.  Of
course I can't get to the starboard side of the tank, but I'd expect some
indication of leakage to be visible.  The fill and return hose run to the
engine though a starboard stringer, and it is drenched inside with fuel.
Obviously the leak is somehow draining thru the stringer into the bilge.
(Note: the fuel line from the Racor filter to the engine is dry.)

I'm surprised that a heavy duty fuel line would develop a leak, unless at a
connection, etc.  Process of elimination tells me there must be a leak in
the line, maybe caused by chaffing?  Any ideas?

Julian

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Ken Danko
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 7:18 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] A Diesel Fuel Tank Leak

I have developed a diesel fuel leak. I only had a few minutes to look at 
it so I don't have all the details as I write this. I'm really surprised 
because it appears that the hoses and all connections are ok. The leak 
seems to be coming from the tank itself but I don't yet know where. 
Grace is a 2001 model so a tank failure seems to me to be highly 
unusual. The last time I was out on Grace, I hosted a post sailing BBQ 
and went back the next day to clean up (no diesel leaks then). A week 
went by, I was out of town, during which time the leak developed while 
the boat was sitting at the dock. My questions are numerous. How could 
this happen? Has anyone else experienced a sudden tank leak? Should I 
contact Catalina and see if they warranty such a failure? Can tanks be 
fixed or do I need to get a new one. How do I clean the area from the 
tank to the bilge which is somewhat inaccessible? Any and all advice 
would be greatly appreciated. One last thing, what cleaning product 
works best on diesel fuel.

Ken Danko
Grace
#802