[C320-list] Fuel Tank Leak

[wflowe3 at aim.com]

 Bruce,
Your AC setup sounds like mine. It really looks crammed in there. How hard was it to remove and then replace yours?

 
I think I need to top off the freon because my evaporator coil frequently ices over but I cannot see any place to attach the refill hose and from others I have talked too, it can cost a lot to have a professional do the work.

If removing the unit is not really complicated, I thought I'd take it to someone rather than paying for a "house call". My marina can't do this and the guy they send in is really pricey plus the marina adds a substantial lug onto his invoice.

Thanks
Bill

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Heyman <bruceheyman at cox.net>
To: C320-List <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Sun, Nov 18, 2012 9:54 pm
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
>>