Fuel vent question?

[reb0707]

I have a 1992 19' Key West w/ low gunnels. Last week I took it about 10 miles off shore fishing. When I got back in the inlet I lost power and had to be towed in. I got water in the gas. I seem to have a good seal on the tank cap. What I think may have happened is I may have sprayed water into my tank vent on the side of the boat. My vent thing is 90 degree and the vent is pointed downward. I haven't been able to find a good vent to replace it with vet. Any suggestions?

 

[tswiczko]

Re: Fuel vent question?

do you have a water separating fuel filter on it???

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Fuel vent question?

I think it was Bondo that mentioned awhile back that the vent hose should have a loop that goes up above the vent. That way any water will drain back out the vent fitting.

You may not be able to do that though. I know I can't on my Glastron.

 

[zagger]

Re: Fuel vent question?

Correct on the loop, should have at least one. I addition there are in line valves to stop fluid and only allow gas to pass. do a goggle search, good luck.

 

[oops!]

Re: Fuel vent question?

if you have a bow tank.......as well as the loop. the vent should be pointed at the 8 oclock posisition.

a vent pointed straight down will suck water as the bow hits a wave and the water is thrust upward into the vent, as well the sloshing of the gas in the tank causes a slight vaccume to the tank vent.

also, see if you can get a vent with a flapper on it.....this prevents SOME water getting thru.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Fuel vent question?

The comments made here are accurate. When I built my boat I put the fuel tank vents on the side and pointing straight down. One trip offshore was enough to pull in enough water to overwhelm the fuel filter. (Large Yamaha spin on rated at 10 micron.) On fuel injected engines, if the engine sits up for a few weeks with a notable amount of water in the fuel, there is a high likelihood of problems with an injector(s) or high pressure fuel pump. Sadly, I am experienced in this matter. :redface:

The comment about the loop in the vent line is certainly valid. Unfortunately there is not room available on my boat for this technique. The suggestion to angle the fuel vent back (at the 8 o'clock position) so spray does not impinge directly in it is also very good. I have also seen clamshell covers placed over fuel tank vents in this same orientation for the same reason.

http://www.iboats.com/Seadog-Midget-Clam-Shell-Ventilator/dm/*******.101559164--**********.431000574--view_id.38039

I ended up relocating the vents further aft on my boat and put them in a more protected area. I have not had a single problem since then. As a check I pull of the fuel filter once or twice a year and dump the contents into a large glass gar. It's always a really great thing when the fuel is crystal clear - with no debris - after 6 months or a year.

 

[zagger]

Re: Fuel vent question?

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10106&subdeptNum=10443&classNum=10446
This is the anti-sypfon valve I used in the past. They work very well at keeping water out.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Fuel vent question?

There are plastic cups that fit over the base of the vent fitting. These keep out most of the water, as a wave needs to hit it directly from the side to have a chance to get in.

 

[reb0707]

Re: Fuel vent question?

Thank You All and zagger, I went out this morning and bought the one way vent from attwood. I like the idea of putting a bend in the line. Hopefully this one vent will do the trick. Previously I was thinking of putting a cut up beer can as a tent over the vent to keep the spray from coming in. Ya that would have looked tacky and may not have worked. Glad I asked you guys!