[C320-list] C320 fuel tank cleaning - Baltimore/Annapolis area - Done!

[Brad Kuether]

Scott reminded me I hadn't followed up on my fuel cleaning adventure.

I finally went with "Clean Fuels" out of Annapolis.  The cost was 225 
dollars, which I felt was reasonable for what I was getting.

They cannot clean out via the fill, you have to take the boards off the tank 
and let them have access via the sender unit.

They came when they were supposed to, access was acceptable, and they left 
clean with no mess.

I have checked my FWS and there is nothing in there, and based on 
reputation, there shouldn't be.

I recommend them if you need this service.  Mine apparently was "not really 
bad" but being the 2nd owner I wanted to make sure.

I have been very careful to not let the boat sit with less than 3/4 tank. 
Scotts idea below with an access place will work, but only if big enough to 
allow all the screws holding the sender unit to the tank to be removed/not 
lost.

-Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
"Independence"
2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
Middle River, MD

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Thompson" <surprise at thompson87.com>
To: <bkuether at comcast.net>
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2010 8:56 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fuel tank access - help!


> Brad:  What was the final outcome of your discussion with Clean Fuels? 
> I've considered adding an access plate to the shelf in the starboard aft 
> locker in order to give good access to the opening in the tank for the 
> fuel gauge sender, just so that I could get this kind of service. Did you 
> work with Clean Fuels in the end, or do something else?  What was 
> involved.  I suspect the list would be interested.
>
> Scott Thompson
> Surprise, #653
>
>
> bkuether at comcast.net wrote:
>>
>> Not down at the boat and need a piece of information about the fuel tank 
>> installation on mid to early 2000 320. Clean Fuels out of Baltimore can 
>> clean my tank if the fuel fill hose is "verticle with no bends" , or 
>> there is an "access plate" on the top of the tank, with at least 8" of 
>> clearance. I have not crawled around enough to know off the top of my 
>> head/mental picture. The fuel water separator came out with water and 
>> biologicals this year, and I want to get the tank cleaned to make sure I 
>> am starting fresh. If anyone knows, perhaps one of you Blackberry folks 
>> are on, I would so appreciate it so I can do this week and sail 
>> (confidently) this weekend. Thanks so much, please respond if you 
>> can..... -Brad Kuether "Independence"
>
> -- 
> Scott Thompson
> Surprise, #653
>