Plastic fuel tank leak by sending unit

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Nov 9, 2011
2
Catalina 36 Herrington Harbor South
I just purchased a 2001 36 mk 2, and fueled up for the first time. I then noticed fuel leaking from the top of the fuel tank from under the newly installed fuel sending unit. What is the best way to stop this leak? Remove the unit and ensure it is seated properly? Do the screws just go into the plastic tank or is there some metal piece underneath? The tank appears to be bent at the top, perhaps causing the unit not to seal correctly. What do I have to watch out for? Thanks!
 

pogo2

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Sep 26, 2008
97
Newport 30 Mklll North Tonawanda, NY
I had the same problem with a plastic tank and a replaced sending unit. thr instructions say that the rubber gasket will seal when tighten down properly, forget it. I used 4200 between the tank and the gasket and between the gasket and the metal sending unit just for good measure. Hasen't leaked in 4 years, the tank flexes with the amount of fuel in it, bent at the top means you have a full tank, as the fuel level goes down the tank will get a concave shape to it. Hope this helps you out.
 

pogo2

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Sep 26, 2008
97
Newport 30 Mklll North Tonawanda, NY
Opps sorry, one important thing with the full tank, there should be a shut off valve on the tank turn it off, disconnect the fuel line from the fuel pump place the end into a container then open the valve and drain off enough fuel so the tank starts to get that concave look, other wise you'll have fuel all over the place when you go to remove the sending unit. The scews just go into the tank, not a really great idea, thats why i used the 4200 have fun
 
Jan 4, 2006
262
Catalina 36 MKII Buford, Ga.
Opps sorry, one important thing with the full tank, there should be a shut off valve on the tank turn it off, disconnect the fuel line from the fuel pump place the end into a
Open the cockpit lazerette and look at the "floor"...you should see a round access plate. Take off the plate and you will find the fuel shut off valve.
 
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