Fuel Tank Leak

Capn Jack · Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 3:17 pm Post subject: Fuel Tank Leak

We had a boat in our marina that rusted a hole in one of it's tanks and dumped 100 gals of fuel into the bilge. Smile

The boat had it's batteries turned on and there was an auto-float switch on the bilge pump. Luckily the bilge pump failed to operate. I often wonder if the bilge pump starting would have caused an explosion. Crook

thataway · Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 4:34 pm Post subject:

Bilge pumps should be ignition protected. The switch should also be protected. But that was a very dangerous situation.

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 4:35 pm Post subject:

I think since bilge pumps are sealed units, and are installed in engine room sthey have to be ignition protected.

And I had a fuel pump fail on an inboard once and fill the blige with fuel. Could have been a mess, but we got it cleaned up safely.