[C320-list] Fuel polishing/fuel tank cleaning

[Greg Flanagan]

Hi Art,

Yes your posting came through. I appreciate your thorough comments. I think we are getting taken on the cleaning service here (Vancouver Island) which may partially account for no one doing it. 

Thanks,

Greg 
Hoop Dancer #1076

> On Jun 15, 2017, at 6:05 AM, millers1 at aol.com wrote:
> 
> Greg,
> I am not sure if my posts make the site (?).  let me know if this shows:
> I have not polished my 320 fuel tank.  I did replace the tank after a weep develpoed a year ago.
> When I inspected the old tank their was no real contaminate in it that the Racor filter wouldn't have
> handled. I replaced the tank. (new tank and hoses, etc was about $550 as I recall).
> 
> 
> I have never had an engine stall out even in serious storm conditions where the boat was being shaken up pretty 
> good for 3-4 hours.
> 
> 
> I have had Racor filters on the 4 boats I have earned and never had an engine issue.
> I never really find and sludge or water in the Racor or the Yanmar engine filter.
> I presently have a 2 micron Racor installed (grabbed the wrong micron when bought).\
> I believe Yanmar recommends a 10 micron be used.
> 
> 
> I have twice been aboard a 36 Catalina when the owner had the fuel polished by two different companies.
> Each time the contractor stated the polishing was effective for gunk removal... not so good on water... rely on the
> Racor filter.  The costs were $150. and $225 (inspected with camera...etc)
> 
> 
> I also try to buy fuel at a power boat dock, they use lots of fuel and it is usally fresh.
> 
> 
> Art,   #680   Mystic, Ct.
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Greg Flanagan <greg.flanagan at shaw.ca>
> To: C320-List <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> Sent: Thu, Jun 15, 2017 1:57 am
> Subject: [C320-list] Fuel polishing/fuel tank cleaning
> 
> Does anyone have their fuel tank cleaned and the fuel "polished"? If so how often?
> 
> Has anyone ever had an engine failure due to water or debris getting to the injectors?
> 
> How much faith do you put in the Rancor fuel filter removing any water from the fuel? What size filter do you use? 10 micron or 2? Other?
> 
> Sorry for all the questions. But I am interested in what others do and their experiences in fuel management. Calder is very serious on fuel cleanliness. However, my sailing neighbours seem unconcerned and no one I know has ever done a tank cleaning/fuel polishing here. I had two quotes for servicing my 20 gallon tank. $1100-$1200 Cdn or about $900 US.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Greg 
> Hoop Dancer #1076
> Sidney, BC
> 
>