Fuel Tank Vent whistle

[jarway]

I friend was telling me about a whistling device his dad used to have on his fuel vent line so that he could listen to make sure he didn't overfill his tank. I am in the process of re-doing a fuel system on a boat I am restoring and would like to install a similar low cost warning system. I searched the web and found numerous references to similar devices for home heating oil tanks and also a reference on Practical Sailor to a "Signo" whistling device that can be used on a boats fuel vent line. The problem is that I can't find out where to buy one. Even searched the iboats Mega Mall with no luck. Any advice on where or how to locate one would be appreciated.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

DO NOT put anything in or onto the fuel vent line. USCG regs. want it to be absolutely free to let all pressure out as fast as it builds up. DO NOT DO IT.

 

[jarway]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

Thanks for the advice Cyclops. Do you have any alternatives to this. I would hate to have fuel squirting out of the vent or backing up the supply line and running into the splashwell if there is another option.

 

[goldhunter_2]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

if the tank is not below deck and is say under the splash well or something you could add a site gauge to see the level of fuel

 

[jarway]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

Thanks Goldhunter but tank is below deck and I have fuel gauge but won't be able to see it on the Center Console when fueling.

 

[goldhunter_2]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

ok sorry I was thinking it was under the rear deck aboe the floor and you could place a clear tbe site guage you could see for the fill location but hat will not work if yours is under the floor.<br /><br />how about a float in the fill tube kinda like the windsheild wiper bottle on yor car? <br /><br />good luck hope someone has a idea to help you with this

 

[technostingray]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

Oh, dear, and the fellow is from flawda. Cadet Goldhunter_2 your Sig line should read Support "OUR" Future....

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

... and "out doors" is one word - outdoors. Also, it's future, not "furture." Don't worry, we all make typos.

 

[goldhunter_2]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

ya ya I never claimed to be a typing expert

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

I do it by placing my head and ear near the fill pipe when filling. You can hear the sound change when the tank fills and the fuel starts to fill the fill pipe. I don't fill it to the tippy top.

 

[jarway]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

Received the following reply from a Tech at West Marine:<br /><br />The product was called "Signo". We no longer stock it. I also have not been able to find a source for this useful item.<br />It was last distributed by International Marine Products of Springfield MA<br />but I cannot find them thru "Ma Bell" . Its beauty was its simplicity, but I seem to remember some flaw in its operation, though I can't remember what it was. There was a reference and address for the company in Practical Sailor, but a search of the telephone directory for the company at that address yielded nothing.

 

[airman]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

Another option is a small tank to catch overflow from the vent line. I believe West Marine used to sell two versions.

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

I use the 'listen' method too. The fuel running changes its note or sound as it nears the top and starts to splash against the roof of the tank.<br /><br />I also keep a couple of paper towels handy to catch the little dribbles also. So far, no yellow fuel stains near the vent or filler cap.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

I found that filling until the vent spits and stop works well. If I fill more it ends up leaking out the vent when the boat is bouncing on the water. The vent I used does not make any noise - not even a gurgle that I could hear until it goes PTHTHTHT.<br /><br />I may still move the vent from the top of the deck to high on the hull to keep the overflow from washing the wax off the deck and leaving gas stains.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

If anybody finds a line on those Vent Whistles,........ I Want a Dozen of them.........<br /><br />I don't Care about any Regs,........<br /><br />If I Ever Find them,... I'll Buy them All........

 

[Mark42]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

Want a vent wistle? Go to the hardware store and pick up the cap for a oil tank vent.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

I took 1 apart today,.....<br /><br />The Whistle is in the body of the tank gage,.........<br />And,...... There's No Way it'll fit into a 5/8ths" Hose.........

 

[Uncle Dave]

Re: Fuel Tank Vent whistle

Just a thought.<br /><br />I think the vent line does not "vent" while filling. Venting is done back up the fill line. Until the tank is nearly full and the fill hole is covered by the rising fuel. Then venting is done by the vent line. Would a visuial idicator such as a ballon placed over the vent give an indication that the tank is nearly full?<br />Uncle Dave