[C38] fuel tank replacement?

[eyriepg at comcast.net]

I had an experience similar to Joe's this summer.  I filled the tank completely and left the boat for about 5 days.  I was somewhere between horrified and dismayed when I returned to our boat.  It smelled fumey and, when I lifted the hatch in the cabin sole, I found about 1/8" of diesel floating on top of my bilge water.  Fortunately two of the oil absorbing tubes quickly and completely extracted the fuel.  The problem was the gasket around the fuel gage sending unit was not tight.  I use that hole to suck condensation and sediment out of the low corner of the tank every spring using my oil extraction tube.  This could be your problem if your tank is completely full.

My fuel tank is not original, but I have read that the original tank was 35 gallons.  Attached is a Catalina Yachts drawing of the original tank along with installation instructions.  I too would like the extra cruising range that the larger tank would give me.  Would those of you who have the original tank confirm the dimensions of the drawing attached?

Phil Gay
C38 049 Que Linda
Everett, WA

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Joseph Launie <jlaunie at cox.net> 

> 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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