Catalona 30 fuel problems

[Alan]

I have a 1989 Catalina 30 with a 25 HP Universal Diesel. Has anyone had consistant water in the fuel problems, and if so, could you dedtermine from where it originates. I am sure it is not in the fuel I am buying. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Gary Jensen]

water in the fuel

If there is water in your fuel constantly then it is probably in your tank. How it got there is another issue, You could have your diesel fuel removed and the tank replaced OR polished. Then I would place a locking cap on it. In the future I would do all my own refueling and maybe put a locking device (cap) on it...good luck

 

[Chris Ward]

O-ring

Check the o-ring on the filler.

 

[Bob Stephens]

Condensation in fuel

I'm not sure how much water you are taking about, but it could be from condensation.There is a fuel return line that returns warm fuel that is not used back to the tank. If the tank is not kept topped off, there's lots of room for condensation. Try to keep your tank topped off.Also try a commercial fuel additive to break down the water and also algea. I add some almost every time I fuel up. I have only had trouble once and that was before I started this practice.If you have Racor Fuel Filters do not use an additve with alcohol as it destroys and warps the plastic bowl at the bottom of the filter (the filter leaks). I had this problem and got this advise from a local marine engine shop.Hope this helps you out!

 

[Todd Osborne]

Water removal

If the tank had a leak you'd have fuel leaking out, not water leaking in. The fill cap is probably it. Make shure it has an O-ring & seals well, otherwise every time it rains, or you rinse the boat, in comes water. How to get thewater out? insert a suction tube & draw fuel from the very bottom of your fuel tank, into a container. that's where all the water & gunk will settle. Universal engines need very little to run properly, but clean fuel is the most crucial. You might be suprised what you get.