[C320-list] Fuel Tank Leak

[Donald Lawson]

All
I think I saw a 28 gallon replacement tank for the 320 on the Catalina Direct Website?  Might not be an option for those with AC above the tank.
Don #1005 
On Nov 19, 2012, at 4:23 AM, Jon Vez wrote:

> 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
>>> 
>