[C320-list] Fuel Tank Leak

[Jon Vez]

Rick,
I had a '99, hull #582. I no longer have the boat as I traded it for a 355. The problem was with a seam that began to weep after about 10 seasons. In doing some research, I learned a few things. First, according to many experts (Calder, D'Antoni et al), Aluminum tanks have a life span of 8-10 years, so not that unusual. However I noted that the new tank had a thicker wall structure. Not sure how relevant this is since my problem was with the seam. I also noted that the way the factory padded the bottom of the tank to prevent chafing was not great. Overall my tank was in very good condition when I replaced. No moisture, signs of corrosion etc.
The way I detected the leak was initially the faint smell of fuel in the aft cabin, and when I isolated the area, i found very little fuel accumulating forward of the tank, near the water tank. I put a few paper towels in that area to confirm it was not the Racor or hoses. Hope this helps...

Regards,

Jon

Sent from my iPad

On Nov 18, 2012, at 2:47 PM, "Rick Sulewski" <rsulewski at bex.net> wrote:

> 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
>