[C320-list] Water under Sewage Holding Tank

[Jeff Smith]

Dave,

We do not use Bay water to clean the head. I have a new theory now. I know I have leaks at the stern (I have seen water running down the steering column cable and the emergency tiller cable). In fact, I need to search the association website for information on rebedding the pedestal to see if that stops my leak. Previously I observed water around the access port in the aft cabin. I have used silicone caulk to stop that leak into the cabin, but I need to eliminate the source. Based on conversations with you and other posts on the list, I think the water that I noticed under the waste tank must be a slow accumulation from external rain sources. I also think that, since I have never checked there, it has been accumulating since we bought the boat four years ago. My thought process up until now has been that water that entered the boat, even astern or in the bow, made its way to the bilge. Now, I do not think that is the case. So, my plan is to monitor it monthly, now that I have it essentially dry, and see how much water accumulates there. I no longer suspect the sewage tank so I am leaving that strapped into the boat. I also do not suspect a failing thru-hull.

Engine update - When you mentioned the crush washers, I felt guilty. I went to Harbor Freight and bought a pack of 80 assorted copper washers for $7. As I started changing all of the washers on the banjo fittings and the two fittings on the secondary filter housing, I noticed one washer missing on the bottom side of the outlet pipe leaving the mechanical lift pump. I put new washers on both and that eliminated the diesel leak and probably any air in the system, though I need to run it for more than five minutes to confirm. It also did not shut down when I put it in Forward and Reverse, though I could tell it is still not fully functional. Thankfully, the divers will be cleaning this week, so I asked them to let me know how the gear looks and to confirm that my blades rotate freely (I have a max prop). I did not dive on it myself because the water at Old Point Comfort is not good (old Army fort). So, thank you for the gentle reminder. Otherwise, I would not have found the missing washer. 

I don't think I mentioned that we limped back to the marina at full throttle with the boat barely making 2 knots and the engine clearly not making full power. If I took it out of gear, you could hear the rpms spin up quickly when I advanced the throttle. Initially, it would shut down going into Forward and Reverse. I finally got it to continue to run in Forward, which is how we were running with the throttle wide open. However, as I pulled past my slip heading toward land (and rocks) so I could back into the slip, that is when I determined that it would not stay running in reverse, as it continually bogged down. I did finally get it running in Forward and I was able to spin it around and head back up the fairway. By that time, a few friends were able to catch some lines and walk us back into the slip.

So, if I can just figure out the drivetrain issue (hopefully fouled prop or shaft), we may be able to sail this fall. 

Jeff

On 8/23/20, 1:15 PM, "C320-list on behalf of Dave Hupe" <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com on behalf of hoopdtwo at yahoo.com> wrote:

     Jeff-
    Another item comes to mind regarding your water accumulating below the waste holding tank.  Are you using your head and pumping in lake/seawater from outside (rather than using water from your water tanks as many folks do)?  You should have a vented loop  https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?name=forespar-vented-loop&path=-1|51|2234294&id=2681269  in the hose feeding water to the toilet, located somewhere behind your head medicine cabinet (easy to remove with 4 screws). It is just like the vented loop on your engine seawater feed.  If the duckbill in the vented loop for your toilet is bad, it is possible that you are leaking  lake water out the duckbill when you pump the water for the toilet.  I'm thing this might be close enough to the waste tank to be your water source ???
    Dave Hupe
    
    1994 C320 #32
    Holland, MI