fuel tank problem

[sugardaddy5550]

Have a 1998 Sea Ray 185 BR. Fuel gauge stopped working last season. When adding fuel it will not flow to tank; all fuel added overflows or stays in top of fuel tube, engine died while out on lake. Wiring to gauge is not loose or broken at gauge.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: fuel tank problem

Hi there, sounds like you may have a fuel tank vent problem. Depending on design/location of the vent, tube, etc. etc. the vent system is capable of becoming clogged up with foreign debris preventing proper fuel flow.

Also you'll need to make sure the fuel inlet hose and vent line is not kinked or anything of the like.

Did this problem just start or is the boat new to you?

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: fuel tank problem

You say the engine died - why? We can assume lack of fuel, but may not be. As the gauge hasn't worked for a while maybe the tank is full???

 

[sugardaddy5550]

Re: fuel tank problem

Discovered fuel in vent hose from filling too fast. Removed fuel sending unit, float seems to be OK. Ordering replacement fuel sender. Thanks much for the help. Problem solved.

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: fuel tank problem

Discovered fuel in vent hose from filling too fast. Removed fuel sending unit, float seems to be OK. Ordering replacement fuel sender. Thanks much for the help. Problem solved.

There shouldn't be any fuel in the vent hose - even if some got in, it should drain right back into the tank. Check the routing of the vent hose - it can't have any dips in it. It can loop up, but not down.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: fuel tank problem

There shouldn't be any fuel in the vent hose - even if some got in, it should drain right back into the tank. Check the routing of the vent hose - it can't have any dips in it. It can loop up, but not down.

Times 2

 

[sugardaddy5550]

Re: fuel tank problem

Have a 1998 Sea Ray 185 BR. Fuel gauge stopped working last season. When adding fuel it will not flow to tank; all fuel added overflows or stays in top of fuel tube, engine died while out on lake. Wiring to gauge is not loose or broken at gauge.

Would a sticky surge plug in the fuel cap cause this venting problem? When the vent hose was removed from the tank, air surged out of the tank. I blew the fuel out of the vent hose. Removed fuel sending unit/ float and it registered changes in level when I moved the arm and float. Float worked up 'n down when checking it out on water. Level is now showing approximately half tank which is about right by guessing. Vent hose does not look to be bent or crimped anywhere along its length. Was able to pour fuel into tank after reassembly.

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: fuel tank problem

If I understand this correctly, fuel got into the vent line and then the tank became "pressurized" enough to stop fuel coming down the filler hose. At this point the system is "sealed" with fuel sitting in both fill and vent hoses Then when you removed the vent hose the fill hose emptied into the tank causing the air surge you noticed.
I'm thinking this is just a one-time freaky thing, and that now the hoses are clear it hopefully won't happen again

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: fuel tank problem

Vent hoses should always be open (except on new boats with the new EPA system) There should also be a flame screen on the vent fitting where it passes through the hull. Check the screen to see if it is clean and not blocked by dirt or anything else. If the screen isn't there then your vent fitting needs replacing. Without that screen you can also get wasps, bees, spiders and other creepy creatures setting up home in the vent line.