[C38] fuel tank replacement?

[RICHARD KILROY]

We have not had a problem on Dashaway(1982 hull # 193) but your 20 gallon
capacity is off compared to my 35 gallons.

Dick
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joseph Launie" <jlaunie at cox.net>
To: <drstrong at ucdavis.edu>; "Catalina 38 Listserve"
<listserve at catalina38.org>
Cc: "c38" <c38 at list.sailnet.net>
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 12:55 PM
Subject: Re: [C38] fuel tank replacement?


> D. R. Strong wrote:
> > Dear C38 list.
> >     "The time has come," and it wasn't a walrus that said it but about
> > 1/4 of a cup of bright red diesel in the bilge. The diesel is there each
> > week and takes about 5 days to appear clearly.  The tank location makes
> > the source of the leak hard to pin down. I can find no leaks in the fuel
> > lines or engine.  The 20 gallon tank is dated, 1979, and Discreet Charm
> > is a 1980 model Catalina 38. So, my inference is that the tank is
> > original and has corroded though.
> >     Best way to remove and replace? How about cutting the top off a
> > section of the fiberglass molding supporting the Vberth? A careful cut
> > could be replaced after the install of the new tank. We are
> > contemplating a larger tank that would be beveled on the starboard edge;
> > some quick arithmetic from my trusty 8th grade geometry suggests we
> > might be able to get a 30 gallon tank in there. The electrical upgrade
> > made by a previous owner put the engine battery close behind the tank,
> > so sternward expansion of a replacement tank would be a huge job.
> >     All suggestions and observations welcomed!
> > ta,
> >
> >
> >
> D R
>     Before you start cutting and pulling, there is one thing to check. I
> had the same thing - diesel in the bilge where I would rather not have
> it. My mechanic found that the rubber gasket on the top of the tank
> where the fuel gauge or something attaches had gone south. He replaced
> it and the problem disappeared. These tanks are pretty tough. Joe
> Launie, Macavity Commodore
>
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