[C320-list] A Diesel Fuel Tank Leak /// How likely is itthatmany 320s will have fuel tank leaks?

[Jeff Hare]

So,  maybe someone should create a list of hull numbers that have had their tanks leak.  Not for purposes of recall or action against Catalina/Seaward, but rather for seeing if there is some pattern that might help predict whether a proactive tank replacement might be in order. 

With an aluminum tank, seawater, the possibility of dissimilar metal shavings from construction debris coming in contact,  I'm not surprised that tanks leak after time. 

-Jeff 



-----Original Message-----
From: "Julian Elliott" <jelliott at landspring.net>

Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:35:37 
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] A Diesel Fuel Tank Leak /// How likely is it
	thatmany 320s will have fuel tank leaks?


I agree.  If this was an automobile, this would be a huge issue.  My
observation is that we sailors tend to pride ourselves on self-reliance
rather than demand a level of quality and reliability that the general
public expects.  Not sure whether this is good or bad....

Julian

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Rick Sulewski
Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 3:13 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] A Diesel Fuel Tank Leak /// How likely is it
thatmany 320s will have fuel tank leaks?

Is it me or does it seem like the there are a number of postings over the
last year or two about leaking fuel tanks on 320s? How many tanks need to
leak before there is a recall on the 320 fuel tanks?

Just curious as our 320 is going on 15 years old and we sail Lake Erie.

Is it more likely that a fuel tank is likely to leak due to a salt water
environment?

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 Julian Elliott
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 12:24 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] A Diesel Fuel Tank Leak

By removing the boards, do you mean those over the aft water tank?  On my
model (96), the fuel tank is not accessible here as the cabin wall is molded
into one piece.  The fuel tank seems to be fully enclosed in the aft
section, with the only openings forward for fuel to leak  being along the
stringer and one cutout through which which cabling and tubing goes.

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jon Vez
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 5:05 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] A Diesel Fuel Tank Leak

Julian,

Tracing the fuel leak is like a water leak--very hard to get to the source.
The way I found my leak was by laying some oil absorber 'diapers' long the
forward edge of the tank and waiting a week. This confirmed that my leak was
coming from a pin hole in the forward port corner of the tank (like everyone
else it seems). There are two ways to get at the front of the tank. If you
remove the boards in the aft cabin, you can slide the pads up and against
the front of the tank. If can also lower yourself into the area via the port
aft (seat) lazarette. Hope this helps and good luck...

Regards,

Jon Vez
Solstice #582

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Julian Elliott
Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 9:10 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] A Diesel Fuel Tank Leak

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