Glastron bow fuel tank

[jaybird82]

Hello,
Acquired a 85 glastron cvx-17 and it has a tank in the bow with a copper fuel line that goes to the back of the boat. All the connections seem to be there. I can't seem to pull fuel from using a primer bulb fuel line. I've been squeezing for a good five minutes trying to get fuel. Is anyone familiar with this set up? How do I get the fuel primed?

 

[airshot]

It is gonna take a lot of bulb squeezing to get the fuel that far...I know as I had one on my Islander from a midship tank. That little ball doesnt move a whole lot of fuel in one aqueeze !! Do make sure you dont pull the same bonehead move I made on the first install....yep had the ball backasswards.....

 

[ejnichol]

Did you inspect inside of tank? Pickup could be blocked. Bad gas, gelled or trash. If it has antisiphon valve it could be blocked.

 

[Chris1956]

Does it have a water separator? If yes, and it is not full, it is very difficult to get it filled via the primer bulb. Remove it and fill it with fuel and install it.

The fuel lines should easily fill with fuel. If not, something i clogged, likely the antisiphon valve, if you even have one.

 

[jaybird82]

It is gonna take a lot of bulb squeezing to get the fuel that far...I know as I had one on my Islander from a midship tank. That little ball doesnt move a whole lot of fuel in one aqueeze !! Do make sure you dont pull the same bonehead move I made on the first install....yep had the ball backasswards.....

So what did you do to prime the fuel?

 

[jaybird82]

Did you inspect inside of tank? Pickup could be blocked. Bad gas, gelled or trash. If it has antisiphon valve it could be blocked.

Can't really see inside of the tank. It was empty before I put fuel in it.

 

[jaybird82]

Does it have a water separator? If yes, and it is not full, it is very difficult to get it filled via the primer bulb. Remove it and fill it with fuel and install it.

The fuel lines should easily fill with fuel. If not, something i clogged, likely the antisiphon valve, if you even have one.

No water separator on it yet.

 

[QBhoy]

How much fuel is in the tank ? Takes a wee bit to get to a level that will see the pick up pull fuel. But other than that…it will take a while to pull through. Take even longer if you have the primer bulb going the wrong direction or have it drawing air from a loose fitting somewhere.

 

[jaybird82]

How much fuel is in the tank ? Takes a wee bit to get to a level that will see the pick up pull fuel. But other than that…it will take a while to pull through. Take even longer if you have the primer bulb going the wrong direction or have it drawing air from a loose fitting somewhere.

I put in about 10 gallons. Is there a better way to pull fuel? Primer bulb is definitely not facing the wrong way haha

 

[QBhoy]

I put in about 10 gallons. Is there a better way to pull fuel? Primer bulb is definitely not facing the wrong way haha

I’d maybe check the pick up and fitting on the tank. I literally just today pulled fuel through from a tank. Took about 1 minute or so of pumping to pull through. If you’re spending like lots more than that. Something isn’t right or it’s blocked or pulling air. I take it the discharge side of the primer end is open ended and not sealed by a fitting or fuel connector ? It will need to be open ended to pull through. Or attached to the engine

 

[jaybird82]

I’d maybe check the pick up and fitting on the tank. I literally just today pulled fuel through from a tank. Took about 1 minute or so of pumping to pull through. If you’re spending like lots more than that. Something isn’t right or it’s blocked or pulling air. I take it the discharge side of the primer end is open ended and not sealed by a fitting or fuel connector ? It will need to be open ended to pull through. Or attached to the engine

Seems to be pulling air. Discharge side is open. It's a really tight spot to even see how to check the pickup or remove it. Maybe the copper line has a hole in it somewhere?

 

[QBhoy]

Seems to be pulling air. Discharge side is open. It's a really tight spot to even see how to check the pickup or remove it. Maybe the copper line has a hole in it somewhere?

Could do. I have a cvx16. Didn’t trust the bow tank after it sitting dormant for years. I just use a remote tank these days. Makes her quicker too

 

[airshot]

So what did you do to prime the fuel?

Did a lot of bulb squeezing !! I did find that a slow thorough squeeze moved far more fuel than short quick squeezes. Also check for air leaks, any tiney little air leak/ hole will slow movement of fuel in the line. Make sure line and bulb are in top condition!!

 

[jaybird82]

Could do. I have a cvx16. Didn’t trust the bow tank after it sitting dormant for years. I just use a remote tank these days. Makes her quicker too

Yeah I agree. It sat for about 15 years according to the last owner