[C320-list] Fuel Tank Leak

[Jon Vez]

Jeff,

Any fuel from a leak will flow forward of the tank, towards the bilge. The slope of the hull moves any fuel towards midship. One place to look for early leakage is at the rudder stringer. That area has a little 'pocket' where fuel will accumulate. 

The tank is set on a couple rubber stringers taped vertically to bottom of the tank. This keeps it off the bottom of the hull.
Not sure if encapsulating aluminum is a good idea due to natural temp fluctuation creating moisture on the aluminum. If encapsulated, that moisture may get trapped--not sure though.
Good point on any metal touching the tank. PS did a test where it took about a week for a copper penny to eat through a tank when they introduced damp salt water around the penny...

Sent from my iPad

On Nov 19, 2012, at 10:39 AM, "Jeff Hare" <catalina at thehares.com> wrote:

> For people who have found leaks, was it obvious which direction the cause of the leak originated?  Ie: from the inside of the tank out due to something in the fuel, or the outside in?
> 
> I've also wondered whether it makes sense to have the tank exterior cleaned, primed and painted with an epoxy based paint then some rubberized spray undercoating for the areas that might contact the supports.  I'm always suspect of stray screws or metal shavings etc., wedging up against the fuel tank and corroding.  Also might seem worthwhile to ensure that the tank is raised slightly above the hull (if it isn't already) so that seawater doesn't sit in contact with the tank anywhere.
> 
> I think Steve Dashew commented once that metal boat owners fear a dropped coin finding its way into the bilge.  I've been considering a pre-emptive strike against a fuel tank leak this since our hull is now going on its 12th season.  I thought I saw signs of something oily in the bilge.   I think I have a new spring project.....
> 
> -Jeff
> 
> -----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
>>> 
>