[C320-list] Leaky fuel tank?

[Marek Fluder]

Mike,

Your solution has crossed my mind before pulling the tank, but it turns out
it is not the tank in my case...
Inspection hatch and fitting to the very bottom is on my list in next
iteration of this exercise :)
(Hopefully not!)

Thank you kindly for your input.

Marek
2005 #1028


On Thu, Jun 23, 2016 at 2:20 PM, Michael Mccretton <
michaelmccretton at hotmail.com> wrote:

> Marek
> I took my tank out last year, had the bottom cut off and a new
> aluminium(apologies-UK spelling) one welded back on. So far so good and a
> fraction of the cost of a new tank. I also took the opportunity to have an
> inspection hatch put in as well as fitting a pipe down to the lowest point
> of the tank which connected to a small hand pump so that I can pump out any
> rubbish/ water that accumulates in the bottom of the tank. Nigel Calder
> recommends this as one of the best things you can do to improve fuel
> quality.
> Michael McCretton
> Silvan II
> Hull 302
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On
> Behalf Of Marek Fluder
> Sent: 22 June 2016 14:22
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Leaky fuel tank?
>
> Rick,
>
> Thank you for your advice.
> Fuel was pooling at the lowest (forward port) corner of the tank before
> overflowing the foot-frame that secures the tank in place.
> In the past I have sealed my leaky sender unit on the top of the tank
> (another common issue).
> This time I did not see any evidence of any leaks from the fittings, hoses
> and the side walls therefore I concluded it must be the corner or the
> bottom where I cannot see without pulling the tank.
> I have snapped some pictures.
> <http://www.catalina320.com/mediagallery/album.php?aid=297&page=1>
> Your idea of pressurizing the tank partially filled is going to be my next
> step.
> I would like to have a clear evidence before dropping close to $1000CAD
> for a new tank...
>
> Thanks again.
>
> Marek
> 2005 #1028
>
> On Wed, Jun 22, 2016 at 7:56 AM, Rick <rsulewski at bex.net> wrote:
>
> > Mark,
> > I replaced my tank a year ago because I had experienced a nasty sender
> > leak over the winter from an overfilled tank and did not want to
> > endure another fuel clean up mess over in the next several years given
> the age of
> > my hull (20 years) when the tank could be expected to begin leaking.   My
> > reasoning was  why wait for a fuel leak that day was predictable?
> >
> > Based on my research of aluminum tank leaks across several
> > manufacturers most diesel aluminum tanks can be expected to develop
> > leaks within plus or minus 5 years of the 20th year.....a matter of
> > not if, but when the tank can be expected to leak.  My review of the
> > 320 discussion list pointed toward many 320 tank leaks occurring at
> > the lowest portion of the tank's seam weld or the lowest portion of
> > the wall nearest the tank's welded edge near the forward & portside
> corner area.
> >
> > Did you see any evidence of fuel residue in the suspected area of the
> > typical 320 tank leak? Have you considered pressurizing the tank with
> > a small portion of fuel in the tank? Given the 320 discussion list
> > tank leak details I observed, owners seem to report evidence of tanks
> > weeping well before the leaks growing worse over time.
> >
> > When I received my new tank, the tank's fuel filler hose was securely
> > sealed with a flexible cup like cover that was pushed onto the filler
> > inlet that could also be clamped to that fitting. Also, all of valves
> > were closed. When I opened a valve I could clearly hear the air
> > pressure equalizing within the tank, suggesting that the tank was
> > still under pressure when it left the factory, perhaps due to the
> > temperature differences from when it was packed or the elevation
> > differences from when & where I am located. This suggested to me that
> > the variables involved in pressurizing the tank where tightly
> > controlled by the tank's sealed valves and the filler pipe seal and
> > that the tank was still under several PSI for a sustained time.  That
> > is why I suggest attempting to replicate the tank weeping with a small
> > amount of fuel in the tank for a period of time while the tank is left
> > under pressure vs. simply looking for an air leak bubble with soapy
> water.
> > Rick
> > 1995 320 hull #277
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On
> > Behalf Of Marek Fluder
> > Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2016 9:30 PM
> > To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> > Subject: [C320-list] Leaky fuel tank?
> >
> > I have pulled my diesel tank today for inspection based on research on
> > this list archive and my observations of diesel showing up in bilge
> > area and around the tank. All fittings and sender unit on top were
> > dry. Now I am puzzled as I pressure tested the tank spraying soapy
> > water and nothing. The tank looks solid. Question to listers that
> > replaced the tank - was the leak on the tank obvious?
> > I am stumped.
> > Marek
> > 2005 #1028
> >
> >
>
>