[C320-list] Fuel polishing/fuel tank cleaning

[Mark Cole]

Greg;

I’m at about the same point of deciding what to do about a contaminated fuel tank.  We bought our 320 last year and I started adding Biobor JR to the diesel tank.  On our first long cruise, the filter on the Racor plugged to the point that the engine wouldn’t start one morning.  Luckily, we were on a state park mooring buoy and changing the filter was pretty simple.  The filter on the Racor did it’s job and no debris made it to the injectors.  The filter that plugged was a 2 micron but I’ve since gone with a 10 micron.

I checked into fuel polishing in the Tacoma area and came up with costs similar to what you mentioned.  Being a hands-on type and put off at the prospect of paying $900 to polish a 20 gallon tank, I’m going to install an access port in my fuel tank and clean the inside myself.  From what Ive read, the polishing process isn’t guaranteed to clean all growth off of the tank walls.  The only way to do that is to get inside the tank and scrub/scrape all surfaces.  My fuel gauge isn’t working now, either, so I’ll address that issue at the same time.  I’ve found two access port options at Fisheries Supply so I just need to cut the hole now and clean the tank.

Mark
Fiddler’s Green, #8

> On Jun 15, 2017, at 7:41 AM, Greg Flanagan <greg.flanagan at shaw.ca> wrote:
> 
> 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
>> 
>>