Holding tank problems in 84CD33

[Anne Carman and Bob Steve]

Several times over the past few years, we have been alerted to a problem with our holding tank by the smell of it. Investigation shows foul water in the engine bilge in back of and above the tank. (On our CD the holding tank forms a ledge in front of the engine with an inspection port in the main bilge at the foot of the companionway ladder.) Perhaps the tank has gotten too full, but is it possible that it leaks into the engine bilge? We never have foul water in the main bilge. We pump out regularly and this year flushed the tank thoroughly.

Has anyone else encountered this problem? If there is a crack, how can it be found and repaired? We'll appreciate any advice.

Anne and Bob



rgsac@aol.com

[Richard Feffer]

I had a similar problem with my CD30MKII. Probably the same config as yours. Check the hose going to the deck pump out fitting. Mine had chafed through. If so, when the tank is full there will be leakage which runs down the hose into the sump under the engine. Not a happy situation for sure!!! Hope this resolves your problem!



RichFef@Prodigy.net

[Boyd]

From the description of your tanks location it sounds like the same as my CD30 MkII. I had bad holding tank odors mainly after the engine ran for a while. It turned out that the hose to the pumpout ran past the hot exhaust manifold and one of the T fittings had gotten hot, soft, and warped hence leaking odors. The heat from the engine just seemed to cook out the smell even better. New fittings, insulation, and rerouting solved the problem. Also see the older posts on holding tank odor. There is a great site which tells about venting and odors. They sell bacterial treatments which control odors.

Follow your nose and Good hunting.... Boyd

Several times over the past few years, we have been alerted to a problem with our holding tank by the smell of it. Investigation shows foul water in the engine bilge in back of and above the tank. (On our CD the holding tank forms a ledge in front of the engine with an inspection port in the main bilge at the foot of the companionway ladder.) Perhaps the tank has gotten too full, but is it possible that it leaks into the engine bilge? We never have foul water in the main bilge. We pump out regularly and this year flushed the tank thoroughly.

Has anyone else encountered this problem? If there is a crack, how can it be found and repaired? We'll appreciate any advice.

Anne and Bob

Tern30@aol.com

[D. Stump, Hanalei]

Captain,

It might also be a leak where the hose from the head attaches to the holding tank. It is directly under the engine, hard to get to, and the clamps might just be loose. FWIW...

Dave Stump
Hanalei CD-30C

[Bob Loewenstein]

From your description it sounds like your tank is fiberglass and is integral to the boat (molded in). It sounds like our 32. We have the same problem: when the tank is full, a small leak develops at the inspection port which dribbles into the bilge. Our vent hose is very likely clogged (a task on my list). I've thought of adding a capacitive sensing device on the exterior of the tank in the bilge so we have advance warning (no holes necessary). We don't see foul water, just a small trickle (which is foul). The bilge is easily flushed and once done and pumped out we have no odor until the next episode.

I'll definitely get a better vent.

Bob