[C320-list] Fuel Tank Leak

[Jon Vez]

Bruce,

Glad to hear you managed to get around that shelf. I have a feeling that aft cabin hatch is made to remove the tank, because it definitely won't fit through the aft Lazarette--that's where my profanity laden diatribe came when I attempted this project!
A new sender came with the new tank, so I saved the old one as a spare. If you have someone that is capable of repairing the leak then that is certainly an option. As I mentioned, the new thank is made of a thicker guage aluminum, but that is the only difference. I believe I paid about $450 including shipping for my new one.
When you put it back in, make sure those rubber chafe protectors are properly placed. Mine were attached with duct tape. I was going to put a neoprene pad under the new one, but I didn't bother because you need to make sure air circulates under the tank so there is no chance of condensation creating corrosion etc.

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Bruce Heyman
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 10:23 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fuel Tank Leak

Jon,
The tank is out but it required many pages out of the profanasaurus.  Was able to partially remove the AC compressor and air handler so that I could get at least part of the shelf out.  Thanks for the tip on bringing it out through the aft cabin.  I thought that access door was not always on our boats.  Wonder how you would get the tank out without that door.

I'm going to pressurize the tank and see if I can find where the weld is leaking and get it repaired.  The tank seems to be in really good shape otherwise.  I will also get it steam cleaned to remove any sludge that has built up on the bottom.  

Did you replace the fuel gauge sender?

Again, thanks for your advice!
Best,
Bruce
Somerset 671 San Diego (normal Dana Point)

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Bruce Heyman
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 1:41 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fuel Tank Leak

Jon,
Thanks.  I'm going to try as to remove the shelf I would have to remove the compressor and air handler and the reinstall and recharge.  I'm going to see if I can cut out the tank frame and then glass in a new one after repairing the tank.
Best,
Bruce
#671 Somerset

Bruce Heyman
949 289-8400

Jon Vez <Jonvez at comcast.net> wrote:

>Bruce,
>I did remove the shelf to remove the tank, not sure you could do it any other way...
>
>Sent from my iPad
>
>On Nov 18, 2012, at 12:20 PM, "Bruce Heyman" <bruceheyman at cox.net> wrote:
>
>> Jon,
>> Thanks!  I'm finding it quite difficult.  As we have a 16 AC on the 
>> shelf above the tank we are not able to remove the shelf.  It would 
>> appear that the shelf needs to be removed or there is not enough 
>> clearance to slide the tank back and out of its bed.
>> Thanks,
>> Bruce
>> Somerset #671
>> 
>> -----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 7:34 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
>>