Filling a gas tank

[Xelaw]

I just recently bought my first gas powered boat. I have to fill it very slowly (probably takes me 10+ minutes). Is this normal, or is there something wrong with my fuel tank vent? I have a 1990 Bayliner with a Force 90 on it. I tried to find my fuel tank vent, but the only way I found to access it was through the battery compartment, which is very cramped. Is there another way to get it that I somehow overlooked?

 

[timrod]

Re: Filling a gas tank

The vent is at the rear of the boat .And i also have a 91 Capri it is always slow to take it also .and will blurp it back when close to full.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Filling a gas tank

It can only go in as fast as the air can get out. Check for any obstructions but some are just slow fillers.

 

[83Evinrude]

Re: Filling a gas tank

Our last boat was an outboard with a built in tank and took fuel very slow. Current boat takes fuel much faster, they are all different.

 

[Xelaw]

Re: Filling a gas tank

Thanks for the info. I'm going to assume it's just a slow filler. Where exactly on the back would the vent be? I can't find anything resembling one. Sorry, I'm new at this.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Filling a gas tank

If it takes a long time to fill the tank.......means you are using too much fuel! Sorry, couldn't resist. Good luck.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Filling a gas tank

Thanks for the info. I'm going to assume it's just a slow filler. Where exactly on the back would the vent be? I can't find anything resembling one. Sorry, I'm new at this.

Typically it's on the outside of the hull, on the same side as the fill cap- a fitting about an inch in diameter, like this:

http://www.iboats.com/Seachoice-Thr...449742684--**********.731250754--view_id.2949

Or, you might have a "combination" gas fill and tank vent:

http://www.iboats.com/Perko-Combina...449742684--**********.731250754--view_id.5359

Hope that helps.

 

[Xelaw]

Re: Filling a gas tank

I think I figured it out. I just chalked it up to my boat being a "slow filler" until another issue came up.

I took her out this weekend and everything went fine until I ran low on gas. I had at least 1/4 tank left but she stalled out and wouldn't restart. I could run the engine at high idle, but couldn't idle it at normal speed and couldn't go into gear. Also, the engine has been running a little rough at full throttle since I got it. The carbs are in great shape and the ignition is new, so I figured it was a crack in the dry rotted fuel line.

Anyway, I was just checking all that out and decided to check the fuel vent since I never actually found it. The thing was right under my nose, I just somehow missed it when I was looking for it a couple weeks ago. Long story short, I noticed the thing was corroded. I put my mouth over the fill hole and blew in to see if it would vent out and it didn't.

Worst case, replacing the vent will let me fill the tank faster. Best case, it'll solve my stalling and running rough at full throttle problem. You guys think putting on a working vent will let the engine run better?

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Filling a gas tank

yes indeed- try poking a wire down the vent to open-alot of times bugs clog the vents and are easy to clear.

 

[Bayliner Customer Service]

Re: Filling a gas tank

To comment specifically on the issue of tank venting we will need to know the hull identification number (HIN). Generally the vent fitting is located on the aft end of the fuel tank and is accessible in many cases by removing a secured panel at the forward end of the splash well.

Bayliner Customer Service

 

[Xelaw]

Re: Filling a gas tank

My HIN is BLOC02CRK990. I'd appreciate any input you could provide.

I found the vent location and found out that the vent hose wasn't even connected to the vent anymore (fell off from corrosion). The hose itself was clogged and dryrotted. I'm going to the marine parts store tomorrow to replace the vent, vent hose, and fuel line. Hopefully this will fix the slow fill issue and keep the motor from struggling. I know the carbs and ignition are good shape.

Another newbie question...I've been filling the tank with gas and pouring the oil into the tank right after. Is this OK to do, or should I be premixing it in a gas can? It seems like premixing it would be better, but that also seems like it would be a very slow process.

 

[Lrider]

Re: Filling a gas tank

The mechanic that is looking at my engine suggests that I use 5 gallon cans and 1 pint of oil and fill it that way, seems a bit of a pain since my tank is 65 galoons. However what he tells me makes a lot of sense, because I will get a better mix

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Filling a gas tank

If you know the minimum amount of fuel you will be adding then add the oil first as the incoming fuel will wash the oil into the tank and aid in the blending.

Keep a one gallon gas can handy to add any additional oil, blend with a quart of fuel then pour into the main tank.

 

[Xelaw]

Re: Filling a gas tank

It was definitely the vent that made the tank fill so slowly. After replacing the vent and vent hose, I filled it today at the same speed I fill my truck without any burping.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Filling a gas tank

bet it runs better too, now it isn't creating a vacuum in the tank.

 

[Xelaw]

Re: Filling a gas tank

I thought that would be the case. Stalling problems were what caused me to change the vent, vent line, and gas line. Unfortunately I'm still having stalling issues that I've been posting about here: http://forums.iboats.com/search.php?searchid=6973261

Although, I will say it starts much more easily now.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Filling a gas tank

Dead link

Found your post here

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=2677714#post2677714

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Filling a gas tank

I lost a motor due to a through-hull vent. It was corroded and chipped, and also not rigged correctly (no swan neck). I switched to a vented cap rig.

If you keep your existing vent, rig it correctly!

Also if your old vent tube has been laying in the bilge you may have sucked up bilge water into the tank. This will cause the runnnig problems you describe, especially on a low tank. Check your fuel. I assume you have a seperator.

 

[Xelaw]

Re: Filling a gas tank

I reinstalled it the way the old one was. I looped the hose around a hook and connected it to the vent. How should it be done?

It wasn't in the actual tank, it was on the seat platform right above it. I don't have a separator but I'll install one in the next few days.

 

[Bayliner Customer Service]

Re: Filling a gas tank

We are glad to read that you found the vent hose, fitting and the issue with why the tank was not venting. In answer to your question about fueling you can premix the oil to fuel prior to adding it to your tank or you can add the oil as you fuel as long as you get the mixture correct. This way the oil mixes with the fuel as it enters the tank. If none of this is convenience you can add the oil after you know how much fuel you added. Transporting or using the boat will mix the fuel and oil.

Best of luck!

Bayliner Customer Care