[C320-list] A Diesel Fuel Tank Leak

[Ed Edwards]

I also have a diesel leak.  It has happened twice, both times was when I
filled the tank until the vent line blew fuel.  Since then I have only
filled it 7/8ths with no problem.  I suspect a leaking hose fitting but
haven't been able to contort myself into a position to check.

Ed Edwards,  REBOUND  #347

On Sun, Sep 13, 2009 at 6:10 PM, Julian Elliott <jelliott at landspring.net>wrote:

> 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
>
>