replacing fuel tank

[Peter Laylin]

I'm replacing the leaking fuel tank in my '83 C-30. If anyone has done this, will it be necessary to bleed the fuel system (the boat has the standard Universal M-25 diesel)? There is a shut-off valve on the fuel line leading from the tank to the engine - will closing that valve eliminate the need to bleed the system after installing the new tank? Also, any recommendations on the best substance to use in cleaning the fuel spill under the old tank, to reduce or eliminate the diesel odor on entering the boat? Any thoughts on these matters will be gratefully received.

 

[Dave]

Clean-Up

Peter: You will probably have to bleed the system. You can try shutting the valve, but in the end air has a habit of getting into the line. As for clean up.....Start with absorbent pads to get the big stuff up...Then a good stron detergent and more absorbing will do the trick.....Good Luck

 

[John]

Electric fuel pump = no bleeding

If your engine has the typical electric fuel pump (clicks when turning the key on before starting engine), no bleeding is required. You'll have to trace the fuel line to find if there's a shutoff. Later models had one on the tank, but that's not conclusive.Try Simple Green on the mess - the smell is pretty pleasant and it does a good job on greasy, oily stuff.

 

[Tom Soko]

Not True

If you have an electric fuel pump, it does NOT mean you don't have to bleed the system, it simply means the bleeding is very easy to do. With the turn of one knob, ignition key to "on", wait 2-3 minutes, close the knob, and the system is bled. The M25 is one of the easiest diesels to bleed around. I helped a friend last summer bleed his westerbeke, and I learned to love my M25 even more!!!