Leaking Fuel Tank on 309?

[Small sloop]

Has anyone had diesel fuel collect under the tank?

After several months away from the boat, I have found a an inch or so of diesel on top of an inch of water in the fuel tank compartment below the aluminum fuel tank. None of the connecting hoses show signs of dampness.
I have removed the fuel with absorbent pads.

The tank is aluminum manufactured in 2006

Perhaps the tank has a pinhole leak.
I am baffled.,

 

[jsalley]

How'd you find the fuel/water? Did you remove the tank for some reason? Was the tank filled while you were away from the boat? You might try running the engine while closely checking the hose connections to the tank to be sure the return line (which carries a low pressure) isn't the source.

 

[Tim C350 April IV]

I'd think in a boat that new that I'd suspect a fitting or hose before I'd look for pinhole leaks in a tank. Not saying it couldn't happen, just not as likely as the other options.

Good Luck!
Tim Brogan
April IV C350 #68
Seattle

 

[smallsloop]

Dear 309 Group,

Here are some further notes on the situation.

The leak was discovered because of fuel smell. (not because the tank was removed)

To the best of my knowledge the tank has never been removed.

The boat was not fueled during my absence .

The engine was however run weekly.

The boat is in the Keys.

No leaks or fuel dampness around the tank hoses and fittings during and after running the engine up to operating temp.

There seems to be again more fuel under the tank today than yesterday.

No screws or fasteners seem to enter the tank area from the shaft area.

About 4 months ago a squeeze bulb was installed in the supply line by the local Yanmar dealer to get the engine to prime after a tune up. I watched his installation procedure (it was carefully done)

I am leaning toward having the remaining 5/8 tank of fuel pumped out and having the tank pulled.

Any other ideas?

Smallsloop

 

[jkittka]

Sounds like a puzzel, I think I would spend a few cents and remove/replace the squeeze buld with a new line, before spending dollars to remove the tank, as that seems to be the last change made prior to your problem. I have always been able to prime using the little pump on the raycor, slow but gets the job done. Speaking of the raycor is the valve on the bottom to remove water closed properly?

 

[smallsloop]

Dear Fellow Owners,

The picture shows the severe corrosion which resulted in fuel leakage.

A new tank was purchased from Catalina for $700.

We put a limber hole at the lowest point in this compartment to drain any future water into the bilge.

The tank was setting in what was apparently fresh water and we speculate that a person cleaning the boat sprayed the top of the tank with water which started this chain of events.

You might take a look down along the forward edge of your boat's tank to avoid a similar fate.

Fair winds