[C320-list] Fuel Tank Access Port

[Doug Treff]

David,

If this is the original tank, which I suppose you'd have no way of knowing, you might consider a replacement tank. The original tanks had a baffle inside which made it impossible to get at the entire inside of the tank with a single inspection port. The general consensus is that over time, these aluminum tanks corrode from the inside out and develop pinhole leaks from the water in the bottom. If you're going to pay for an access port, you'd be wise to consider the age of the tank and if it's worth the effort.

Jeff Hare went through this process in-depth and documented having a new tank made. You could certainly contact Ezell, who made his tank and have them make you a new tank to your specifications with an access port for future access. 

The OEM tank (as well as the new one) is sized so that it can be removed and replaced via the aft berth without cutting any fiberglass.

Here's a link to Jeff's article where he talks about the new design:
https://groups.google.com/forum/embed/?place=forum/C320-List&showsearch=true&showtabs=true&showpopout=true&parenturl=https%3A%2F%2Fc320.org%2F#!searchin/C320-List/jeff$20hare$20fuel$20tank/c320-list/dfjJ-x7xooA/cCted7pbN3oJ

You can also order a new tank from Catalina Direct with an inspection port (and no internal baffle) here:
https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-by-boat/catalina-320/engine/fuel-tank-19-gallon-winspection-portc-27-c-28-c-320/?SearchResults=1

--
Doug Treff
doug at treff.us

On Tue, Apr 21, 2020, at 1:58 PM, David Veeneman wrote:
> I have had recurring engine problems since I bought my boat last year. 
> The engine will run fine, but after a day of sailing through choppy 
> waters, it dies. I’m guessing that there is a pretty good layer of muck 
> at the bottom of the tank. The boat sat in a slip for ten years before 
> I bought it, so that wouldn’t surprise me.
> 
> My mechanic tells me the 320 doesn’t have an access port on the fuel 
> tank, so cleaning may be problematic. I am looking at cutting an access 
> hatch in the tank and installing a Seabuilt Tank Access Plate 
> (http://www.seabuilt.com <http://www.seabuilt.com/>). I’m going down to 
> the boat later today to have a good look at the fuel tank. Hopefully, 
> it has a flat top on which an access port can be cut.
> 
> I’m hoping folks can help me with these questions:
> 
> Can the fuel tank be cleaned through the sending port?
> Does anyone have experience with Seabuilt access panels?
> Is the C320 fuel tank baffled, and are the baffles solid?
> 
> Any other advice regarding this problem? Thanks for your help.
> 
> --
> David Veeneman
> Dana Point, CA
> SV Adelante, C320 #131