I put two access ports into my fuel tank so I can clean out what might be in there. Well there was a pile of white sludge- water? In one spot it was 3 inches deep. There was also a layer of brittle brown stuff 1/8" thick- is that old fuel turned into hard laqurer? Also there was a layer of sealer along the edges and such. Is that normal or was this tank refurbished? I was albe to get down to the sluminum in some spots and I did see what I think is some pitting? Should I just buy a new tank instead of messing with this one? What are some less expensive suppliers for this? Any in Southern California if the sales tax is less than the shipping from somewhwre else? Thanks
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Tad Davis
Simpler Times
1989 C-36 MK I #1004
Redondo Beach, Calif.
Tad;
You are going to have to remove that tank to have it evaluated for cleaning any way. If the pitting isn't too bad, you may be able to save it through spot welding.. Almost any tank manufacturer will be able to make a new one for you but be sure it's made to the exact same dimentions- otherwise you'll have problems fitting the new one in place.
I'll be down on the boat later this afternoon and get you the name of the outfit that manufactured my replacement tank.
More later.
Bill
Bill Dolan 1990 Catalina C-36 MKI - Hull #1041 'Williwaw'
Std. Rig, Walk Through, Wing Keel
M35, Oberdorfer Conversion,
Home Waters; Charlotte Harbor & The Gulf Islands of Florida
'You are never out of work if you own a boat'
Well the tank came out very easily. Have to move the hot water tank or rather rotate it a few inches so the fuel tank can slide to port two inches. Hardest part is getting the full hose off.
Tad Davis
Simpler Times
1989 C-36 MK I #1004
Redondo Beach, Calif.
Yuk. I found some of that brown brittle stuff in the bottom of my primary fuel filter, at first I thought is was frozen water in the bowl... but looking at this picture I believe I need to inspect my fuel tank.
Assuming the tank is in good shape, what kind of access ports should I use? Are plastic ones OK?
Henk Hiensch
Mar Y Sol
1984 Catalina 36
Hull# 379 Universal M25
Ladysmith, BC
I vote for new tank!
Just curious, did you notice any sediment in the Racor bowl?
Ron St. Onge
C36 MKII Hull 1384
Ron St. Onge
1995 Catalina 36 MKII Hull 1384
David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL
Access ports must be aluminum plate attched with tapped screws all around it. Google this and you'll find a nice video that shows it.
"A New Boat"-- Part
3 ("Fuel Tank
Inspection Ports")
Christian Williams
As far as sludge in the Racor, I did find a bit the first time I changed the filter, but also the in/out ports were plumbed wrong by the new engine installer. He had it going OUT to OUT.
A lot of that white/tan sludge is from water I believe. My fuel cap did not have a good rubber O-ring on it so every time I washed the deck I think water got in. Check your fuel cap O-ring and make sure it is in good shape.
After looking into new tanks, I think that dark brown brittle stuff is actually an epoxy coating that has chipped up in some spots, plus I was using a putty knife to try to get it up thinking it was old lacquer/ shellac hardened fuel. The new tanks offer an epoxy coating as an upgrade.
So far some of the cleaning I have done, has revealed a bit of corrosion that has lessened the thickness. I have the tank at home now and I will try to use a wire wheel a bit more to see if it's severe. Problem is, I can spend hours polishing it up and all it takes is one tiny pin hole to ruin the whole tank. Unless I can find a place that can clean it up and remove that epoxy inside for less than a hundred, it is not worth the money and time to discover I need a new tank in the end.
On a whole different note, I was able to examine keel bolt and nut #10 (or #1 if you disovered it first) and I cut away the corner of the tank base so that I can get a socket on it if I need to after the tank has been put back in. I'm wondering, can I replace this nut while it is in the water? There are nine other nuts, but I don't want to create a crack. Maybe I 'll just do it next time I get hauled out. Nut does look pretty corroded. 6 of my other ones were replaced as I was buying the boat. The other 3 towards the bow were missed... plus this one.
Tad Davis
Simpler Times
1989 C-36 MK I #1004
Redondo Beach, Calif.
Tad;
That tank certanly needs help! Now that you've got it out try to have it cleaned and then tested for leaks as David suggested.
I looked at my replacement tank and it was made by EZELL, 15030 Beach Road, Perry, FL 32348. Tel; 850-578-2558.
See;
https://ezellindustriesinc.com/
They had a replacement tank in stock and I had it shipped by truck but that was a few years back. They most likely will have the specifications on size and capacity you need . Be sure you tell them you want it for the 'OLD' style Catalina 36. I believe it is a 32 gallon capacity tank. It's worth a call if for nothing more than to get an idea of pricing.
Bill Dolan 1990 Catalina C-36 MKI - Hull #1041 'Williwaw'
Std. Rig, Walk Through, Wing Keel
M35, Oberdorfer Conversion,
Home Waters; Charlotte Harbor & The Gulf Islands of Florida
'You are never out of work if you own a boat'