Fuel and Water in Bilge. Where from?

Molly Sparrow · 02-06-2008, 04:49

We have a Carter 33. Just had a new plastic fuel tank and new hoses and pipes fitted. The Volvo engine was new when we bought her and has now done around 100 hours. At the same time the fuel tank was fitted we had a new Volvo seal, prop and propeller fitted. The hydraulics were also disconnected and re-done for the wheel steering.
We have a leak that was there before this work was done, we did think this would solve the problem, it hasn't.

Please any help would be greatly appreciated. We have checked all the normal places - exhaust, engine nothing. The smell of diesel is strong when we open the hatch in the cockpit through which we can see the prop etc. A handy addition by a previous owner?

Yours in hope.

seafox · 02-06-2008, 04:52

We had the same problem. Turned out it was a loose hose clip at the back of the fuel tank (breather hose). Check all the hose clips. diesel can slither out without much effort. Make sure the clips are all tight.

Molly Sparrow · 02-06-2008, 05:13

Thanks for such a quick response. Unfortunately, we've done the hose tightening. We thought the yard may not have tightened them properly.
Thanks anyway.

sailor jim · 02-06-2008, 06:13

Hi
Just a suggestion,,
Do you have two clips on the hoses?
Diesel is a very fine fuel and it will leak easilly.
I put double clips on all the ends of my hoses and all my leaks stopped.
Just a suggestion.

Jim.

Molly Sparrow · 02-06-2008, 08:33

Will look into that asap. Not sure whether they are double clipped or not. Will def try it if not.
Thanks
Vivienne

slomotion · 02-06-2008, 09:00

I've never used it for fuel leaks, but I have had good results using a fluorescent dye additive to find oil leaks. Eg.:

Fluorescent Leak Detector Dye (Oil and Fuel Systems)

You will also need a UV lamp.

Chief Engineer · 02-06-2008, 20:25

Should check return lines and tank sending unit as well as fuel vent.

Sometimes, vent hoses can clog with salt, wax, dirt or even bees/wasps.

Molly Sparrow · 23-06-2008, 10:16

Thanks All
We have solved the problem.
The leak was coming from the secondary fuel tank. We had forgotten there was one.
Duh!!
Many thanks to all who tried to help.
Molly Sparrow - wife of Cap'n Jack

02-06-2008, 04:49	#1
Molly Sparrow Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Scotland/Lagos aboard Chimeara Boat: Chimaera of Mersea Carter 33 Posts: 5	Fuel and Water in Bilge. Where from? We have a Carter 33. Just had a new plastic fuel tank and new hoses and pipes fitted. The Volvo engine was new when we bought her and has now done around 100 hours. At the same time the fuel tank was fitted we had a new Volvo seal, prop and propeller fitted. The hydraulics were also disconnected and re-done for the wheel steering. We have a leak that was there before this work was done, we did think this would solve the problem, it hasn't. Please any help would be greatly appreciated. We have checked all the normal places - exhaust, engine nothing. The smell of diesel is strong when we open the hatch in the cockpit through which we can see the prop etc. A handy addition by a previous owner? Yours in hope.

02-06-2008, 04:52	#2
seafox Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: new zealand Boat: Lotus 10.6 Posts: 1,264	We had the same problem. Turned out it was a loose hose clip at the back of the fuel tank (breather hose). Check all the hose clips. diesel can slither out without much effort. Make sure the clips are all tight. __________________ "Very well, you hand it over and we'll put your town to our rudder and ne'er return" Captain Barbossa, Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean.

02-06-2008, 05:13	#3
Molly Sparrow Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Scotland/Lagos aboard Chimeara Boat: Chimaera of Mersea Carter 33 Posts: 5	Tried that- thanks Thanks for such a quick response. Unfortunately, we've done the hose tightening. We thought the yard may not have tightened them properly. Thanks anyway.

02-06-2008, 08:33	#5
Molly Sparrow Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Scotland/Lagos aboard Chimeara Boat: Chimaera of Mersea Carter 33 Posts: 5	Thanks Jim Will look into that asap. Not sure whether they are double clipped or not. Will def try it if not. Thanks Vivienne

23-06-2008, 10:16	#8
Molly Sparrow Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Scotland/Lagos aboard Chimeara Boat: Chimaera of Mersea Carter 33 Posts: 5	Thanks All We have solved the problem. The leak was coming from the secondary fuel tank. We had forgotten there was one. Duh!! Many thanks to all who tried to help. Molly Sparrow - wife of Cap'n Jack __________________ Molly Sparrow

02-06-2008, 06:13	#4
sailor jim Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Brisbane Australia Boat: Compass 29 length 29ft North Point Posts: 16	Hi Just a suggestion,, Do you have two clips on the hoses? Diesel is a very fine fuel and it will leak easilly. I put double clips on all the ends of my hoses and all my leaks stopped. Just a suggestion. Jim.

02-06-2008, 09:00	#6
slomotion Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Lakeland, FL Posts: 865	I've never used it for fuel leaks, but I have had good results using a fluorescent dye additive to find oil leaks. Eg.: Fluorescent Leak Detector Dye (Oil and Fuel Systems) You will also need a UV lamp.

02-06-2008, 20:25	#7
Chief Engineer Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: North of Baltimore Boat: Ericson 27 & 18' Herrmann Catboat Posts: 2,016	Should check return lines and tank sending unit as well as fuel vent. Sometimes, vent hoses can clog with salt, wax, dirt or even bees/wasps.

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