[C320-list] A Diesel Fuel Tank Leak

[Julian Elliott]

Thanks, Ken. I forwarded your note to my mechanic who is looking at it
today.  This is not a job I feel equipped to deal with expeditiously.

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: Sunday, September 13, 2009 8:46 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] A Diesel Fuel Tank Leak

Julian:

I did find the leak. It was on the port side of the tank near the seam 
close to the bottom. I found it by removing the tank and setting it on 
its side with a paper towel underneath. In a matter of a few seconds, a 
small circle of pink diesel fuel indicated the spot. I should add that 
since there was little fuel in the tank at that point, I used a vacuum 
cleaner running in reverse to pressurize the tank.

I originally couldn't find the leak and also thought that it was one of 
the hoses. The hoses are incredibly strong (and thick) so I couldn't 
imagine that it was a hose leak. While you suggest line chaffing I think 
that that it unlikely. You can examine the hoses from the filter to the 
tank by removing the aft cushions and the board covering the water tank. 
You will probably see fuel below the water tank. Just like you, I 
couldn't see an apparent leak while the tank was in the stern lazarette. 
I had to get the tank out to find the leak.

As a side note I should state that I STILL don't have a replacement tank 
from Catalina. They are taking FOREVER. I finally decided that I 
couldn't miss any more sailing and patched the tank with epoxy putty. I 
assume that it will hold long enough to get a new tank but my strategy 
does mean that I have to go through the difficult tank swap again.

Ken Danko
Grace, #802

Julian Elliott 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
>
>
>