Posted: August 24 2007 at 16:55 | IP Logged

I recently purchased a 1991 Californain 48 with twin Cats.  This is the last year manufactured, and the 48 became a two stateroom, as opposed to the three stateroom.  I have an issue with fuel.  Starboard engine sucks air off the mid tank.  No problem on the starboard saddle.  Mechanic says most likely a pickup line bad in the mid tank as the culprit in 90% plus of the cases.

Fuel tank is under master bed but before you get to the tank, there is a 213 gallon water tank, and addition flooring under the water tank.  I think the 45 is a three tank system as well.  Have you had any experience with getting to the mid tank on your 45?

Thanks

Posted: August 25 2007 at 18:37 | IP Logged

In the 1988 models, the center (main) fuel tak is immediately under the master bed, and the water tank is under the fuel tank.  In 1989, I think, for some weird reason, they reversed the arrangement.  I have no problem with sucking air, in fact, I can drain the last drop of fuel out of my main with no problem.

The fuel cut-off valves should be accessible by taking your mattress off, and opening the hatches on your bed deck.  Rather than an internal fuel tak problem, my guess is that you have a leak in the fuel line or valve that leads frfom the tank to the fuel selector under the main stateroom steps.

If I were having this problem, I would pressure test the diesel hose between the  fuel selector valve and the cut off valve.  You can do this by turning the cut off valve to off, disconnect the hose at the fuel sector valve, and gerry-rig a fitting so you can pump in about 20 pounds of air pressure.  (Use a gauge so you don't overpressurize.)  Look for fuel leaking out of the line.

Give me a call if you need more or better explanation.  901-230-0922.

Good luck

Howard

Posted: August 30 2007 at 13:45 | IP Logged

Howard, thanks for the input.  I have heared from a 48'owner who had my same problem.  He removed the water tank, cut a hole in the flooring holding the water tank off the fuel tank to reach the lines.

I am sending him some pictures, as I have not been able to get the upper third of the bed platform off to remove the platform.  Will keep you in the loop.

Thanks,

Nelson

Posted: August 30 2007 at 19:38 | IP Logged

Hey the mirrow idea is great.  I will get one and look under the floor to see if any shut offs there.

Cannot see anythink but the fill tube, and one supply and one return from the view I have.

Thanks,

Nelson