[C320-list] Diesel Leak on Starboard tack

[tharrison at innovations-plus.com]

I just replaced my sending unit. The screws that held the old unit in place were taped screws. The new sending unit had a bolt and a nice rubber gasket on each bolt. But I could not use them because of different threads. 

I used a diesel gasket sealing material from an auto store. No leaks. 

If you are going to re-seal the sending unit make sure of the position or your fuel gauge may not work. 

Ted 1997 hull 424 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 4, 2014, at 12:02 PM, Becky DeVillier <sail320 at hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I had the same problem. It turned out to be leaking around the sender. I isolated it by having someone slowly fill the tank while I looked at the top of the sending  unit..
> Becky
> Synergy #201
> 
> 
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> 
> 
> 
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Doug Treff <doug at treff.us>
> Date:08/04/2014  11:54 AM  (GMT-05:00)
> To: C320 List <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
> Subject: [C320-list] Diesel Leak on Starboard tack
> 
> All,
> 
> I've been chasing a fuel leak for some time now. At first, I noticed
> that I would have diesel in my bilge after a fill-up. I suspected that
> the hoses and fittings on the top of the tank may be to blame, since I
> have no problems when I'm at 1/2 tank or less, or when the boat is
> level.
> 
> Friday I filled up and we motored 3 hours to our destination. We had a
> leak at first, but I cleaned up the mess and there were no more
> indications of a leak on the morning. The absorb pads in the bilge were
> clean in the morning. Saturday, we began sailing and after 30 minutes on
> a starboard tack, I had more diesel to clean up. When we arrived at our
> destination for the night, I changed the absorb pads. Two fresh sets of
> absorb pads later and the fuel leak seemed to have stopped. Sunday we
> motored about an hour and had no more problems.
> 
> I suspect that the fittings or hoses on the top of the tank may be
> leaking. Since these fittings appear to be towards the port side of the
> tank, they would be on the low side while on a starboard tack. Either
> the fill hose, vent hose, or the sender. Anyone else ever deal with this
> and if so, what did you do to fix it. I am really dreading the
> possibility that I may need to replace my tank, so I'm really hoping
> that its something a little less complicated.
> 
> I have a 1996 model, hull #350.
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> --
> Doug Treff
> doug at treff.us