[C320-list] Fuel Tank Leak

[Rick Sulewski]

Jon, 
Could you address a few questions surrounding your tank replacement? What is
your hull number, boat model year and the year you replaced your tank?  Did
you determine the root cause for the tank needing to be replaced (for
example, boating environment -salt or fresh water), or was the replacement
necessary  due to tank damage (exterior chaffing, inferior or poor tank
quality such as weak welds)? Just curious since some of us have some older
models and may learn what to look for or avoid. Also curious if anyone is
aware if Catalina ever addressed weeping fuel tanks as a preventative
maintenance issue or a  manufacturing problem for the 320, or any other
models? Could a fuel tank leakage problem represent more than a random issue
if there are other owners out there who also experienced fuel tank leakage
problems....? 
Thanks.
Rick
My-Ria Hull #277 1995 C320 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jon Vez
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 10:34 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fuel Tank Leak

Bruce,
Not a difficult job. Remove as much fuel as possible. I used an oil transfer
pump inserted in the gauge port. Remove the hoses and tape off with plastic.
Seal the openings on the tank.
The only way to remove the tank from the boat is through the aft cabin
hatch. Remove the teak trim piece and the tank comes out pretty easily.
Bought a new one from Catalina, but it did not come with new fittings. 
The only problem I had with this project was breaking the old fittings when
trying to remove them from the old tank. I was able to procure new aluminum
fittings from the tank manufacturer, which is stamped on the new tank. Hope
this helps and if you need additional specifics, just let me know...

Regards,
Jon

Sent from my iPad

On Nov 18, 2012, at 9:53 AM, Bruce Heyman <bruceheyman at cox.net> wrote:

> Anyone have some words of wisdom for removing a weeping 12 year old fuel
tank?
> Thanks,
> Bruce
> Somerset 2000 currently in San Diego
> 
> Bruce Heyman
> 949 289-8400