The PO failed to perform the alternator modification, and as a result cracked the timing cover. This put lots of oil under the floor liner. The visible stuff was cleaned up but with sailing and boat movement oil is migrating into the bilge (probably less than a pint). Is there a good way to clean under the liner?? It's an older boat with lots of wires running back and forth -- I was hoping there is a good method without cutting out the liner and patching it back in. I don't want a big fine for discharging
Les
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Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
Your underfloor area needs a good flush. What I do every three or four years to keep my boat fresh is the following.
1. Remove all floorboards.
2. Get a good mop, cut the handle to about 18 inches length.
3. Get a bucket(s) of very soapy water.
4. Hang the water hose and nozzle down through the portlight near the mast.
5. Use the short handled mop to *liberally* wash all the bilge and underside of the floor, beginning with the area beneath the V-berth, moving aft towards the salon; then beginning again in the lazarettes and moving forward to the salon. Use huge amounts of soap and tons of sprayed rinse water, bilge pumps operating nearly constantly, and *liberally* rinsing all as you move through the boat.
6. Leave everything open for a day or two, ideally with a fan circulating air.
7. Reassemble when dry.
You'll love the boat for its brand new smell. In your situation you'll want to make sure the oil has been mostly cleaned out before you begin the above.
Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
What I do when I have to clean stuff like that out is wash like Larry suggests but then I use my electric oil change pump to suck out the oily/soapy mixture so it doesn't discharge overboard and cause the problem you are trying to avoid. I dump the bad fluids into the old oil storage tank at the marina.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Larry - It's been 33 years since I bought a brand new Catalina -- 1983 Catalina 22 swing keel - pop top. I'll give it a try --
btw I'm almost done with a write up on putting a linear drive autopilot in a MK1 C36. Your write-up inspired me.
Les
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
Bilge cleaner, I just use the West Marine stuff, does a great job of breaking down any oily stuff and crud. Put an oil absorber in the bilge cavity before your bilge pump and it will suck up the oil riding on top of the water. you should be able to get a bunch of water with bilge cleaner in it under the sink and let it roll around for a few days and do the work for you. You'll be amazed at how it breaks the oil down.
I had some diesel get in the bilge from a drip. like you, it got to hard to reach places and this solved it.
2000 C36 MKII 1825
Thanks for the compliment, Les. And congrats on your Mk I A/P installation.
Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B