My 2004, hull number 260 Catalina 310 has been providing a mystery source of diesel in the bilge over the past few years. Two years ago I thought I solved the problem, a loose fuel connection to my Wallace cabin heater.
Then, last fall, diesel in the bilge was back. Fortunately nothing went overboard .
Once again, I did my best to try to find the source of the leak. The tank sits behind the water heater, the Wallace heater, the auto helm connections and under the propane locker. Thus visual access to all parts of the fuel tank is impossible. Using small bits of diesel pad attached to a narrow stick I was able to pick up diesel along the bottom edge of where the tank is held in place by stringers.
Now the question: is it possible to get to the tank by removing parts and not cut fiberglass?
Remove the propane locker. Remove the heater. Remove the Wallace ducting. Remove the Auto-helm connections to the rudder post.
The problem for me: I am big, old and creaky. I do not fit into the places that make removal of said parts possible. Thankfully, after several turn downs by mechanics not interested in the work, I found an angel disguised as a expert with fuel systems willing to take on the project. The angel and his angel partner removed all the bits and parts without cutting fiberglass. They determined that the old tank was not repairable. The old tank had several very small pinhole leaks along lower corner welds. The boat is 20 years old thus a new water heater was ordered along with the fuel tank from Catalina Direct. Catalina Direct was extremely helpful and careful to make sure I ordered the correct replacements. New replacement fuel tanks use thicker material than original.
Yesterday, the two angels installed the tanks, adding thin rubber type strips under the fuel tank to allow air under it, hooked up new hoses as needed, and we put 8.5 gal of diesel into the new 27 gallon tank. The new fuel gauge read 1/3 full.
Hopefully few will enjoy this problem. If you do, all you need to address is patience, perseverance, and maybe finding an angel.
Then, last fall, diesel in the bilge was back. Fortunately nothing went overboard .
Once again, I did my best to try to find the source of the leak. The tank sits behind the water heater, the Wallace heater, the auto helm connections and under the propane locker. Thus visual access to all parts of the fuel tank is impossible. Using small bits of diesel pad attached to a narrow stick I was able to pick up diesel along the bottom edge of where the tank is held in place by stringers.
Now the question: is it possible to get to the tank by removing parts and not cut fiberglass?
Remove the propane locker. Remove the heater. Remove the Wallace ducting. Remove the Auto-helm connections to the rudder post.
The problem for me: I am big, old and creaky. I do not fit into the places that make removal of said parts possible. Thankfully, after several turn downs by mechanics not interested in the work, I found an angel disguised as a expert with fuel systems willing to take on the project. The angel and his angel partner removed all the bits and parts without cutting fiberglass. They determined that the old tank was not repairable. The old tank had several very small pinhole leaks along lower corner welds. The boat is 20 years old thus a new water heater was ordered along with the fuel tank from Catalina Direct. Catalina Direct was extremely helpful and careful to make sure I ordered the correct replacements. New replacement fuel tanks use thicker material than original.
Yesterday, the two angels installed the tanks, adding thin rubber type strips under the fuel tank to allow air under it, hooked up new hoses as needed, and we put 8.5 gal of diesel into the new 27 gallon tank. The new fuel gauge read 1/3 full.
Hopefully few will enjoy this problem. If you do, all you need to address is patience, perseverance, and maybe finding an angel.
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